Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Pranam

Hatha yoga and Raja yoga

There are many forms of yoga, but I focus on Hatha yoga and Raja yoga because we must first begin to train the body through Hatha yoga before we can still our mind for Raja yoga. The Raja Yoga is also known as Patanjali Yoga because it is based on the Yoga sutras.

Proper physical exercises of Hatha Yoga Teacher Training are described as follows.
Graceful, fluid movements replace pounding flesh; yoga asanas give muscles and ligaments a slow, non-violent stretch. Stretching a muscle helps it to contract more strongly, while the slow movements and deep breathing increase the oxygen supply to the muscles, preventing the accumulation of lactic acid in the fibers. The stretching and contracting muscles stimulate circulation to the tissues, cells and organs and cause an increased venous return.

Imagine, it is like a sponge, when you squeeze out the water, more water can be absorbed. Similarly, after the spot in the body has been pressed against, more blood can be flown pass it. Throughout the yoga practice, we attempt to fix the consciousness fully on all movements of the exercises and not allow it to wander. This practice of deep concentration on the movement results in pronounced increase in the effectiveness of the exercises.

There are vital spots found in our subtle body that control the efficiency of our organs and glands. These are called nadis and charkas, which are densely packed in the vital spots. The twisting and turning of the body stretches the nerves and the increased supply of oxygen, cleanses and purifies the bloodstream. Every cell is renewed and the prana flows smoothly.

Hari Om,

Harmony