This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

Hathayoga and health

Swati Sharma & Vijendra Sahai — A.N.D. College, Kanpur

Hathayoga relates to the restraint of breath (pranayama), asanas, bandhas and mudras. ‘Ha’ and ‘tha’ mean the union of the sun and the moon, union of prana and apana vayus. ‘Hatha’ means any tenacious practice till the object or end is achieved. Trataka, standing on one leg, (a kind of tapas) and similar poses are Hathayoga practices. Kriyas, viz. neti, dhauti, nauli, basti, tratak and kapalbhati belong to Hathayoga. Those who are suffering from too much phlegm in the body should practice these Kriyas. One should learn these under an expert Hathayogi. Through the practice of Hathayoga one can attain wonderful health. Hathayoga is not the goal, it’s only a means to an end. Hathayoga prepares the student to take up Rajayoga.

Email the author, Ms. Swati Sharma, at swatisharma1803@rediffmail.com