The word "Hatha" comes from the Sanskrit terms "Ha" meaning Sun and "Tha" meaning Moon - a union of opposites.

The practice of Hatha Yoga concentrates primarily on Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control) and Meditation, using Patanjali's Eight Limbed Path of Yoga as its guide and philosophy for practice and every day life.    During a Hatha Yoga session the practitioner will work through a number of different asanas, which are designed to stretch and strengthen the muscular body as well as improve health and wellbeing in the physical, causal and subtle bodies.  Throughout the asana practice the practitioner will be encouraged to develop an awareness of their breath and there will also be practices that concentrate specifically on breathing techniques, pranayama.  Pranayama practice is an important part of any Hatha Yoga practice as the ancient yogis believe that the secret to controlling the mind can be revealed as we learn to control the breath.  Together the asana and pranayama practices help prepare the body for the practice of meditation and where the search for enlightenment can begin.

Yoga as aTherapy

The practice of yoga is a wonderful art that can help promote health and wellbeing throughout mind, body and spirit.  Whilst general yoga classes can improve general health and resolve mild complaints, there are many yoga practices that can be beneficial for people living with specific illnesses and medical conditions including anxiety, depression, back pain, arthritis, hypertension, heart conditions, asthma, digestive problems, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME),migraine, insomnia and stress to name but a few.  By creating a yoga practice that fully caters to each individual's needs and medical considerations, yoga can cultivate a union between mind body and breath, aiding the restoration of the proper functioning of the body's systems to promote an environment though which the body's natural healing resources can flow freely.   I currently offer one to one yoga sessions where the practice is tailored to the individual and in addition to this, the Tuesday evening Restorative Class incorporates practices from my training in all of these specialities as well as being appropriate during Pregnancy.  Please see the additional pages about these sessions as well as Thai Yoga Massage which may also be very beneficial.