Hatha Yoga aims to achieve spiritual perfection, as well as maximum physical, mental, and emotional health, through the use of different elements namely physical exercises, breathing movements, cleansing techniques, hand gestures, and meditation.Coming from the Sanskrit words “ha” meaning sun and “tha” meaning moon, Hatha Yoga unites pairs of opposing energies. “Ha” and “tha”, which means union of force when combined, harmonizes the different energies in the body to achieve perfect balance.Hatha Yoga practice can help ease tension and stress; relieve anxiety and depression, gain strength and flexibility, among other benefits. Moreover, relaxation exercises can open the energy channels, which will enable the spiritual energy to flow freely within one’s self.Hatha Yoga was introduced by 15th century sage Yogi Swatmarama. This branch of yoga, which is considered as the most popular one, has produced different styles of yoga. Inspired yoga teachers have developed combinations of the different Hatha Yoga elements.

Some of the different styles of Hatha Yoga include:

Ananda Yoga
The goal of Ananada Yoga is to harmonize the body, mind, and emotions, as well as to reach higher levels of awareness. This classical style of Hatha Yoga makes use of body postures and breathing movements to awaken, experience, and control the energies within one’s self.

Anusara Yoga
Heart-oriented Anusara Yoga aims to achieve physical and spiritual well-being. Anusara Yoga practitioners adhere to the Anusara philosophy, which espouses oneness yet encourages individuality. Anusara means “flowing with grace”, “following your heart”, or “being in the flow.”

Kundalini Yoga
Considered as the most powerful form of yoga today, Kundalini Yoga focuses on the awakening of the energy located on the base of our spine called the Muladhara Chakra. With its powerful effects and essential benefits, others call Kundalini Yoga as the mother of all styles of Yoga.

Iyengar Yoga
Making use of props such as cushions and straps as aids in performing yoga postures, Iyengar Yoga stresses on proper body alignment. Proper body alignment, in turn, will allow yoga practitioners to resist injuries or pain. Iyengar Yoga also develops concentration and meditation.

These are just four of the different styles of Hatha Yoga. There are still other styles of Hatha Yoga that also provide essential benefits to the mind, body, and spirit. Hatha Yoga essentially aims to harmonize the different energies to achieve mental, physical, and spiritual health.

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