Hatha Yoga vs Vinyasa Yoga Hatha Yoga, which is one of the oldest branches of yoga practiced, uses physical techniques to preserve and channel the vital force or energy, otherwise known as Prana. The Sanskrit word हठ haṭha literally means "force," thus alluding to a system of physical techniques and movement in the body. With this type of yoga, you move your body slowly and deliberately into different poses that challenge your strength and flexibility, while at the same time focusing on relaxation and mindfulness. On another note, Hatha Yoga has been known as meaning “sun” and “moon”, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Svatmarama, the author of Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā-a classic 15th century Sanskrit manual-speaks of how the physical practices can also be seen to impact the flow of energy in the body. In particular, he discusses how they pertain to what some Yogis considered the two primary energy channels of individuals prior to enlightenment. These channels are known as the Ida and the Pingala, and can be compared to the complementary forces that make up life: male and female, Yin and Yang, solar and lunar, etc. Svatmarama then goes on to explain that part of what the hatha yogi is doing can be thought of as balancing these two energies – in a sense, he says, uniting the “solar” and the “lunar” elements of the body. Hatha Yoga is somewhat different from Vinyasa Yoga, which is very popular in the west. In Vinyasa, a person usually moves from one pose to the next at the teacher’s discretion. This transition coordinates with your breathing. It is done specifically as you exhale or inhale, and it gives you the feeling that your breath is moving your body. In our Alula Yoga classes, I teach more of a Hatha Yoga style, and Kara teaches Vinyasa style yoga. Both consider mindful movement and utilize breath with every pose and transition and both have great health benefit such as lowering stress and anxiety, and building strength and flexibility. Check out our current class schedule on the link on our profile page or at https://www.alulayogaapothecary.com/events 📷 @kristineurbnlgnd at @gardenofthegodspark #yogi #coloradoyoga #outdooryoga #yogalove https://www.instagram.com/p/CerGd0XuIcV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
