The word Hatha is a Sanskrit word and means 'union'. This type of yoga aims at joining the physical body, mind and spirit. ' Ha' - is for sun and 'Tha' - is for moon. This is the joining of opposing forces.

The 'Ha' or 'Sun' energy is practised with the postures or 'asanas' and the 'Tha' or 'Moon' is practised using mudras, meditation pranayama and relaxation.

This type of yoga includes gentle stretches to release tension from the body, postures that help to align the body and increase energy flow, breathing techniques that also help to promote energy flow and relaxation to help settle the nervous system and also calm the mind.

Hatha Yoga has been practised for thousands of years and those who practise it have an better sense of health and well being. They also have an increased inner awareness and tend to feel more at peach with themselves.

Some of the many benefits that you can receive when practising these techniques are:

• relaxation of the mind and body and release of muscular and mental tension
• improvement in the balance between mind and body
• will improve the strength and tone of muscles
• will increase the bodies flexibility
• helps to purify the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, circulatory and nervous systems
• improves oxygenation of the blood and organs
• reduces stress
• creates calmness
• improves immune function
• will give a general increased sense of well being.

Generally, a Hatha Yoga class is more likely to be a slow paced stretching class, holding the stretches for a little longer. It will also include simple breathing exercises and often some meditation.

If you are new to yoga then Hatha Yoga is definitely a great place to start. It will help you to learn the basic poses and techniques and become comfortable with yoga in general.