The union of mind, body and breath. The word yoga means to bind or unite.
What is Hatha Yoga
"Ha" meaning sun and "tha" means moon. The word Hatha refers to a balance between Sun and Moon energy lines within the body.
What is Integral Yoga
According to Sri Swami Satchidananda, Integral Yoga "is a flexible combination of specific methods designed to develop every aspect of the individual: physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. It is a scientific system incorporating postures, deep relaxation and breathing. This mechanism is used to integrate the various branches of yoga in order to bring about a complete and harmonious development of the individual."
Six Branches of Yoga Hatha Yoga~~Emphasis on the physical development, through asanas (poses), pranayama (breathing practices), and mudras, kryias, yogic diet and deep relaxation. Raja Yoga~~Path of concentration and meditation. Concerned with control of the mind, though ethical perfection and regular practice of concentration and meditation. Bhakti Yoga~~The path of devotion. By constant love, thought and service of the Divine, (either as a G-d, Devine Incarnation or a spiritual teacher), the individual transcends the limited personality and attains Cosmic Consciousness. The path of Bhakti Yoga can be practiced by everyone. All that is needed is faith. Karma Yoga~~The path of selfless service. Performing duties without attachment to the fruits of the action. Jnana Yoga~~the intellectual approach. Through the knowledge of of what really exists, that is, what is not changeable, the Jnana Yogi realizes Oneness with the Universe. Japa Yoga~~Japa means repetition of a mantram, or a sound vibration. Repetition of a mantram produces vibrations within the individual's system which are in tune with Divine Vibration.
Physiological Benefits of Yoga
The practice of Hatha yoga brings a number of benefits to your body. Some of the physiological benefits of yoga include:
greater balance in the function of your endocrine and nervous systems
lower respiratory rate
improved cardiovascular functions
improves sleep
lowers blood pressure
increases flexibility and range of motion
increases energy levels
reduces anxiety
improved immune system
improved coordination.
Yoga is also believed to improve the conditions of people suffering from a variety of ailments including high blood pressure, AIDS, asthma, diabetes, arthritis, or even obesity.
Psychological Benefits of Yoga
Yoga provides a numerous benefits for the mind as well as the physical body. Through yoga, our mood improves along with our sense of well being, our awareness deepens. We often become more accepting of ourselves and those around us.
Biochemical Benefits of Yoga
Cortisol levels decrease as antioxidant factors dissipate throughout the bloodstream, bringing a sense of calm and increasing our resistance to dis-ease. Glucose, sodium, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are reduced, while levels of vitamin C, and hemoglobin levels rise.
