GREEK HATHA YOGA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
The path of Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is a traditional holistic path. A Hatha yoga practitioner aims at the organization,harmonization and integration of all levels of existence in order to experience clarity, serenity and wellbeing at all moments of life. He who practices hatha yoga is called a hatha yogi.
A hatha yogi seeks to master:
• Consciously aligned body posture
• Energy awareness through conscious rhythmic breathing
• Clarity and peace of mind
• Harmonious behavior
• Unified consciousness
Hatha yoga is a physical, universal technique. We can all practice it during our daily routine. Hatha yogis achieve an opulent, conscious way of experiencing the events of both external and internal reality.
Hatha yoga is not a workout or physical fitness program. It is not a sporting activity, neither is it aimed at the training of the physical body. Hatha yoga is an art and a practical philosophy.
Hatha yoga has no religious content neither is it connected with any religious organization. It is a philosophical approach of the outer and inner reality.
The dual scope of hatha yoga is:
Α. the balancing and integration of the different levels of existence within the individual.
Β. the individual’s harmonization with his environment.
HATHA YOGA PRACTICE IS BENEFICIAL
The most important benefits that derive from hatha yoga practice and training are the following:
1. Orthosomia: corrects posture, strengthens, tones and builds muscles, easing muscular and back pains.
2. Enhances sense of balance.
3. Improves flexibility and muscle joint mobility
4. Quality rhythmic breathing: prevention of headaches caused by lack of oxygen (cluster headaches / migraines), enhanced vitality thanks to the successful distribution of oxygen to the brain and cellular respiration, asthma treatment.
5. Calmness - Clarity of mind - Self-possession / sense of centeredness.
6. Enhances focus (meditation).
7. Quality Sleep: successful insomnia treatment, better and more complete rest and revitalization by relieving muscle strain
8. Increases Operating Balance & stimulates the glands of the endocrine system (especially the thyroid and parathyroid glands).
9. Memory & Concentration improvement.
10. Proper functioning of the digestive system: Constipation treatment.
A Hatha Yoga class can take place in individual or group sessions. Each session consists of:
• Static physical body postures
• Breathing techniques
• Meditation techniques
• Revitalization or relaxation practices
• Contemplation and philosophical discussion.
Hatha Yoga is taught by well qualified Teachers (2-year apprenticeship + 200 hours teacher training courses), who have been trained by assisting next to an experienced Hatha Yoga Teacher (6-year apprenticeship + 500 hour training seminars + 2000 teaching hours).
Hatha Yoga Teachers can be:
A. Professional teachers: who are full time or part time employed in a studio or as freelancers.
B. Volunteers: non- profit hatha yoga teachers, on a voluntary basis, as part of social work.
