What is Yoga?
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root “Yug” which means to merge, to unite.
Yoga is the union of the soul with eternal truth after conquering dualities.
It is the cessation of mental fluctuations that leads to the revelation of the true
nature of the soul, which is simply the awareness of our own being.
It is the experiential knowledge acquired
by oneself through observation and experimentation.
What is Hatha Yoga?
Hatha Yoga is an ancient psycho-physical discipline from India. It is a path of self-knowledge and transformation.
It focuses on the transformation of the physical body through purification and cultivation of the vital energy of prana.
The Hatha Yoga we practice follows the teachings of master Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, who based
on Patanjali’s sutras developed a methodology capable of adapting the practice to each person’s reality.
Hatha Yoga is a technique that seeks to balance the polarities of being.
The name Hatha Yoga (“Ha” sun and “Tha” moon) tells us that in the practice of Yoga
there is a search for balance between the feminine and masculine energies
that exist within us.
The balance between strength and flexibility, heat and cold, resistance and relaxation, rationality and intuition
… between vital energy and mental energy.
It uses tools such as Asanas (physical postures where relaxation and breathing are coordinated),
Nidra (conscious relaxation), Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Dhyanam (meditation)
to discipline and make the body, mind and senses more flexible.
Through intelligent effort, the practice seeks to adapt to the changing conditions and needs of the practitioner,
so they can obtain the greatest amount of benefits.
A Hatha Yoga practice begins with an invocation, continues with the execution of physical postures,
relaxation, breathing exercises, meditation and closing.
Benefits of Yoga Practice
To have good health and wellbeing, the flow of energy must be kept in balance.
Too little energy (Tamas) can result in a dull and lethargic mind and a heavy and slow body.
Excess energy (Rajas) can result in an angry and irritable mind, and a restless body.
When energy is balanced, you have health and vitality and this is the goal of Hatha Yoga.
This state of perfect energy balance in the organism is called Sattva, and is reflected in a relaxed
and alert mind and a light and energized body.
The practice of Hatha Yoga has preventive and therapeutic benefits.
It benefits overall health due to its positive influence on the spine,
skeletal musculature, breathing, and all systems, emphasizing the nervous system.
It develops flexibility and strength, improves organ function and blood circulation.
It induces calm and vitality and renews the functions of the immune system.
Regular practice of these techniques serves as a tool to keep the physical body fit,
in a healthy state and the mind in balance.
Anyone interested and regardless of their age or physical condition
can practice and benefit from this ancient discipline.
The use of props such as chairs, cushions, straps and wooden blocks allow everyone
to practice the postures experiencing the benefits of the practice.