Anatomy of Hatha Yoga
Ashwini Mudra
Ashwini Mudra or the Horse Pose is so named because of the way it is performed. Performing this pose requires a movement similar to the expansion and contraction of the anus of the horse after it has relieved itself.
The posture deals with the relaxation and contraction of the sphincter, perineum and pelvic region.
The pose helps to tone up the pelvic muscles and is useful in treating rectal and anal diseases. Most people can usually do this pose except for those with fistula and women who have uterine problems.
Bks Iyengar
Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja(B.K.S.) Iyengar was born on 14 December 1918 in Bellus, Karnataka. He is regarded as one of the leading yoga teachers in the world. He was 16 when he was first introduced to yoga and 18 when he was sent to Pune, Maharashtra, to teach yoga. He later established the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga institute in Pune. His first book 'Light on Yoga' was published in 1966 and he has gone on to write 14 others. Iyengar Yoga places great emphasis on the use of props in order to perform the asanas (postures). He has put together over 14 different types of pranayamas (breath control exercises) and over 200 asanas. He is responsible for introducing yoga to the Western World.
Hatha Yoga Poses
Hatha Yoga is one of the most basic yoga practices. Bikram Yoga, Power Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga have their origins in Hatha Yoga.
A person's mental and physical abilities are elevated through the poses, meditation and breathing techniques in this type of yoga. The key muscles in Hatha yoga are the shoulder girdle, arms, pelvic girdle and thighs and the trunk. The muscles are used in most of the postures in Hatha yoga. The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga by Ray Long and Chris Macivor is a book that talks extensively about these muscles. There are several color illustrations of the same.
Philosophy Of Hatha Yoga Book
The Philosophy of Hatha Yoga is a book written by Pundit Usharbudh Arya. It deals with the role of the mind in Hatha Yoga. It also shows how the practices of Hatha yoga help one achieve a spiritual experience. It serves as a primary introduction to the philosophy of Hatha yoga.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
The Hatha Yoga Pradipka is a 15th century classical Sanskrit book written by Swami Swatmarama which describes Hatha yoga. It is an important yoga text and comprises of Swami Swatmarama's own teachings as well as those from older Sanskrit books.
