Hath yoga

Hatha yoga is a branch of yoga which uses physical techniques to try to preserve and channel the vital force or energy. The Sanskrit word हठ haṭha literally means "force", alluding to a system of physical techniques.Some hatha yoga style techniques can be traced back at least to the 1st-century CE, in texts such as the Hindu Sanskrit epics and Buddhism's Pali canon. The oldest dated text so far found to describe hatha yoga, the 11th-century Amṛtasiddhi, comes from a tantric Buddhist milieu. The oldest texts to use the terminology of hatha are also Vajrayana Buddhist. Hindu hatha yoga texts appear from the 11th century onwards.

Haṭha yoga's components include Shatkarmas (purifications, here Nauli), Asanas (postures, here Mayurasana, Peacock Pose), Mudras (manipulations of vital energy, here Viparita Karani), Pranayama (breath control, here Anuloma Viloma). in other words, Hatha yoga is a form of yoga that emphasizes physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation. It originated in ancient India and is one of the most widely practiced styles of yoga in the West. The word "hatha" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "ha," meaning sun, and "tha," meaning moon. This represents the balance between opposing energies in the body, such as masculine and feminine, hot and cold, and active and passive. In Hatha yoga, the practice of asanas and pranayama is believed to help balance these energies and bring about a state of harmony and equilibrium. Hatha yoga typically involves holding static postures for several breaths, with an emphasis on proper alignment and mindful movement. It can be a gentle, slow-paced practice or a more vigorous, challenging one, depending on the individual's level of experience and ability. In addition to its physical benefits, Hatha yoga is also believed to have mental and spiritual benefits, helping practitioners to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress and anxiety, and connect with their inner selves.