Hatha Yoga

The word Hatha is a compound of the words Ha and Tha meaning sun and moon in Sanskrit and represents opposing energies - hot and cold, fire and water (following the same concept as the yin-yang), male and female, positive and negative. Hatha yoga refers to the physical practice of yoga and is what most of us in the west refer to when we speak of yoga. It works to bring balance between the opposing energies of the mind and body via physical exercises, or "asanas", controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation.There are many facets to yoga which are outlined by the Eight Limbs. Hatha, the physical practice, includes moral discipline, physical exercise (such as asanas/postures) and Pranayama (breath control), and meditation.