What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha yoga is an ancient system of health originating from India.

Yoga translates from Sanskrit as 'union'; union of breath, mind and body, connecting the internal and external worlds, harmony between the left and right, female and male aspects of life. In essence it is about balance, balancing the inward and outward nature of life.

This awareness is especially helpful in modern day life, to rebalance energy that has been spent in the continual 'doing' nature of daily tasks.

The practice of Yoga gives space: to nourish vital energy and to release stress and nervous tension. We practise physical asanas (postures) with mindful breathing to develop flexibility, strength and a deeper connection to the body. This is followed by relaxation, to soak up the energy created and to rest. The intention is to calm the mind and revitalize the body.

Ha-tha translates as 'sun-moon'. The sun relates to the right side of the body which connects to the fiery, masculine energy of the sun. This relates to the sympathetic nervous system - responsible for excitation and arousal. By working with this we engage our vital energy and use it to bring life force into effect. The moon relates to the left side of the body which is connected to the cooling, feminine, introspective aspects of the moon. This is related to the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for relaxation and maintaining the health of the immune system. By working with this we find out more about our true inner nature, that which is hidden from the external world, we find space for it and by doing so, space within ourselves, to relax, to be. By incorporating these two aspects of activity and passivity we can find balance - energy for the things we need to do in life and the capacity to relax and sleep well.

Why Hatha Yoga?

The body as a temple...

Hatha yoga works to clear pathways of energy in the body and mind through a huge variety of breathing, stretching and relaxation exercises. By strengthening the body, the body becomes a clearer vessel for the spirit. When you feel well and healthy, you become clearer in intention and action. With regular practice you will be less likely to succumb to mental and physical illness because you have given your body the chance to rest and rebuild inner strength needed to fight off illness. The practice of hatha yoga has been carried through the centuries because of its vast health giving and life enhancing properties.

"The appearance of the body is nothing but layers of frozen shadows, if these shadows are correctly investigated with an open mind they can fuel the journey to enlightenment"
Shandor Remete
           
To book individual sessions or inquire about classes (please also see the link 'Classes' below) with Ruth Appleby,
please call the Alexandria Healing Centre on 020 8579 7230.
         

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