Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Hatha Yoga and Rope-Based Yoga - The Ultimate Mind-Body-Spirit Weave
By Anthony Chiladakis

Rope based yoga or muscular yoga with the use of jute ropes and fabric is, like most forms of yoga, based on the philosophy that everything in life is conceived from thought and by determining our wants and desires we can expand them and live in the present to enjoy the future. We control or take responsibility for our own destinies if we choose to. The main thought of rope based yoga is to put yourself into a position where you can "be the change" in your own life and where you can live with unambiguous intentions. You should ultimately be able to achieve a peace or a shavasan (rest). Most yoga ropes offered today are popular and widely used; because they strengthen muscles, develop flexibility and balance while building stamina.

Hatha Yoga is what everyone commonly refers to as "yoga." This particular system is the most popular one and is the source from which a number of other styles originated, including Power Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. The word "hatha" comes from the Sanskrit terms "ha" meaning "sun" and "tha" meaning "moon". Hatha Yoga is thus known as the branch of Yoga that unites opposites referring to the positive (sun) and negative (moon) currents in the system. It concentrates on the third (Asana or postures) and fourth (Pranayama or breathing) steps in the Eight Limbs of Yoga.Hatha Yoga attempts to achieve equilibrium between body and mind, as well as to free the more delicate spiritual elements of the mind through physical poses or Asanas, breathing methods or Pranayama, and meditation.

Vyayama (exercise) helps improve the flow of blood and pranavayu or oxygen to cells all over the body. It progresses and strengthens respiratory systems, regulates and reinforces the functioning of the heart and cardio vascular system - processes abolishing the unwanted waste material or toxins from the body. It improves muscle stamina, muscle control and reduces muscle stiffness and spasms. It also develops strength of joints and maintains their range of motion, flexibility and helps in shaping the body with observable cuts. It brings out damage caused by an inactive lifestyle and boosts immunity, prevents and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, cholesterol problems, diabetes, and sleeplessness, fixed back and neck, various mental and emotional problems and it will also increase attentiveness, competence and lightness of the body. This helps you cope with stress in a much more effective way.

The practice of Hatha Yoga can help you acknowledge your physical and mental potentials. Through the continued performance of Asanas, you will gain flexibility and strength, as well as learn to be more relaxed in stressful situations. Hatha Yoga's will "unlock" energy channels, which ultimately allows spiritual power to flow unreservedly and freely. Some yoga poses also massage and tone your internal organs, which helps prevent diseases diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension. They also bring balance to internal and glandular functions. Pranayama can also help manage asthma and bronchitis.

"I feel like my entire nervous system is being recalibrated..." is a testimonial from a woman who has been experiencing the results of rope-based yoga at RussaYog. https://www.russayog.com/