Analysis of Hatha Yoga - Essay Example

Analysis of Hatha Yoga Introduction Hatha Yoga is a system of Yoga that was introduced in the 15th century by Yogi Swathmarama, a yogic sage from India. This is the most popular form of Yoga and it is also from it that some other forms of Yoga originate. The word hatha originates from a two Sanskrit terms; ha and tha. Ha means sun while tha means moon. This is why hatha Yoga is commonly known as the form of Yoga that unites pair of opposites. The opposites being referred to in this case are the positive (sun) and the negative (moon) (Ramacharaka 24). Hatha Yoga focuses on mental and physical strength building postures and exercises. This paper aims at discussing Yoga, and how it is an intellectual and creative process that affects the mental, physical and spiritual well being of an individual. Methods Research refers to the process of collection, analysis and interpretation of data and information with the agenda of solving a specific problem (Khan 132). This research for instance aims at answering the question on Yoga and how it is an intellectual and creative process that affects the mental, physical and spiritual well being of an individual. The research is also qualitative because it seeks to explore the nature of an issue. The first step of this research was formulating the research problem. This mainly aids researchers in clearly spelling out what they want to achieve from the research. In this step the main challenge was determining the exact information that was relevant information in relation to the problem. This research mainly wants to shed light on the effect of Hatha Yoga to human beings physically, mentally, and spiritually. The study population for this research is primarily me and some other few participants whose participation were actually secondary. This is because mostly the research involves following online video instruction on Hatha Yoga exercises and postures. The phenomenon in the research is the relationship between Hatha Yoga and human beings mentally, physically, and spiritually. The most used research methods in this case is content analysis. Content analysis refers to a research technique for quantitative, systematic, and objective analysis of the actual content and internal concepts of media. This method was very important to this research since most of the data were collected from an online video source (YouTube). The advantage of the method is that it can allow both quantitative and qualitative analyses thus making it inclusive. The other research method that is probably in use in this research is an experimental research method. Given that watched the YouTube videos and learnt the exercises and posture illustrated in them, the whole process can be referred to as an experiment. After learning all the Hatha Yoga exercises and postures the noticeable changes are brought to the record. The main aim is observing how the activities will affect me physically, mentally, and spiritually. The results obtained through this method are always considered to be highly credible because they are based on primary data and information (McBurney and White 101). Literature review also formed an important part of this research. Since it involves a practice that I was not familiar with before, it was through literature review that I was able to know the basics, history, and relevance of Hatha Yoga to human life. It was through literature review that it was possible to get clarification on some concepts that were not clarified in the online videos. The literature review was also highly important in collection of information that was used in the translation of the research’s finding. The research began with reviewing literature materials about the history of Yoga. The history was important in understanding the fundamental concepts of Yoga and its purpose (Jackson 23). Reviewing history also helps the researcher to be informed enough to understand the content of the online videos without having to strain too much to understand the process being explained in the videos. Literature material also reduced the possibility of there being a misunderstanding of the instruction being given in the online videos. After this the process of following the instructions from the videos began. Each session was watch by itself and then the content done practically. At first instant practice was necessary just to make sure that everything was done right and that the movements were internalized. Each session was watched under the same conditions until there was satisfaction on the completeness of the process. Every time a session was complete it was critical to try and observe the changes that were anticipated in accordance with the information in the videos and the literature materials. The notable effects of the activities were then recorded immediately they were noticed. During the research process a number of ethical issues always have to be looked into. As a researcher someone is expected to avoid being biased. This is because being bias might interfere with the credibility of the research outcome. A researcher is also expected that the methodology he/she applies is completely appropriate and the data sources used are reliable. This is exactly what took place during this research. This is what qualifies this research as highly ethical. The data collected then went through the process of content analysis that enabled the researcher to analyze the content of the findings from the methods used thus identifying the major themes that arose from the process. With the information, the final report can be easily drafted at this point. Data collection In this research, there were three main methods used for data collection for this research. The methods are observation, measurement, and tests. Measurement was done on the physical aspect likely to be affected by Yoga exercises and postures. The physical aspects commonly measured are weight and body mass. Observation was also made on physical aspects such as coordination, balance, endurance, flexibility, increased stamina and sense of centeredness. The tests were used to determine changes in factors like digestion, circulation, immune response, cholesterol and body sugar levels. Mental changes that were observed were body awareness, improved concentration, and freed spirit. Results After the full video viewing and doing Yoga exercises there were many changes that were noticed. These changes were either physical or mental. This was an indication that the exercises had an effect to the person who was doing them. As a frequent computer users and desk sitters, Hatha Yoga was outstanding for releasing physical tension, especially in the head, neck, shoulders and lower back. There was also a general increase in the levels of physical flexibility, improvement in posture, improve muscular-skeletal tight shoulders and neck, increases stamina, improves digestion , decreases cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and weight loss. Literature materials studied also revealed that Hatha Yoga has various benefits to human health. It can be used in controlling and treating health conditions such as asthma, Cardiovascular Disease, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, And Arthritis. This is attributed to its ability to influence the functionality of various body organs and muscles. The mental changes that were observed during the research include mental calmness, stress free situation, body awareness, improved mental performance, positive changes in mood, increase in general knowledge, decrease in anxiety, and reduction of mental fatigue. Yoga also improves an individual’s self awareness (Birkel 95). This is evident in the changes noticed on the way they use relaxation and other Yoga technique to handle both physical and psychological discomforts. This is what enables people doing Yoga to have a deeper knowledge of their spirit and even be able to know their strengths and shortcomings. Discussion Yoga has evolved past communal boundaries and has turned out to be one of the most used exercising routines for people of all ages and religions globally due to its benefits to the human body (Raman 89). Hatha Yoga in particular has been credited for rejuvenating and speeding up the body’s healing process. Other health benefits of Yoga include toning and stretching of muscles and joints. It also increases blood flow in the body. Most professionals argue that Yoga has no negative effects when carried out in the most skillful way. Yoga generates motion without originating unnecessary tension and disproportions in the muscular system and it is this ability that makes Yoga a very unique type of exercise hence preferred by many professionals. With dedication and purpose Yoga can be challenging but a very rewarding type of exercise. While not naturally aerobic, Yoga exercises incorporate almost every muscle in the body and challenges the body to work in a more reflexive way. The limbs pose as free weights; work load is created by a movement by the body’s the center of gravity. This strengthening enables endurance as poses are held for longer durations. Most conventional forms of exercise, such as weight training stress on the number of repetitions unlike Yoga that stresses on the quality of movement over quantity. Hatha yoga practiced continually can refresh the body and quiet the mind, causing health, happiness, and relaxation. (Dykema 221). Yoga has been proven to be beneficial to everyone. Children perceive Yoga as a source of fun but learning Yoga also instills an aspect of self-discipline that can help the youth to sway away from the behaviors of negative effects and has the ability to enhance their mental and physical health. Asanas are adequate for developing coordination and helps in improving memory and concentration. It has also been noticed that natural flexibility can be maintained for a long time as a result of regular practice of Yoga thus showing that flexibility can be enhanced or increased through Yoga. Older people often find that gentle yoga exercises enables them to maintain mobility and may ease problems such as poor circulation and arthritis (Radha 96). In pregnant women, Yoga promotes good health in both mother and the unborn child. Yoga asanas reduces the effects of complications such as overweight, backache, and depression. Women mostly find the practice of Yoga to shorten labor and make it a lot easier. Although some Yoga body positions have to be modified during pregnancy, their actual meaning is completely matched to this time of prolonged self-awareness. Pregnancy can also be a perfect time for meditation. Following a regular yoga routine can be beneficial to anyone. This is because it prevents many of the problems that are common in modern life. Asanas eases the physical tensions resulting from hours of sitting; deep breathing enhances vitality by intensifying the supply of oxygen to the brain while meditation improves the ability of concentration. Yoga improves strength and flexibility in the mind as well as the body, and aids relaxation. Yoga exercises and postures can enable people to completely relax, and enhance sound sleep; it also stimulates circulation and improves digestion (Burley 213). It frees the practitioner physically and mentally, often heightening intuition and creativity. Yoga helps the brain’s neurological system to get back into balance thus conditioning it to steer you naturally into a healthy lifestyle (Kirk and Brooke 102). The human body is made in a way that whatever we practice gets easier with time, thus if we practice healthy living standards the more our lives get to improve. It has also been proven that the practice of Yoga increases creativity when the body and mind begin to release mental blocks. Any form of stress, whether physical or mental reduces creativity and since Yoga brings about a form of relaxation with it , it enhances creativity. Yoga is a practice of getting connected. The practice of Yoga enables us to increase our connection to our surroundings thus including our souls. It is this kind connection that has been found to improve the spirituality amongst many irrespective of their religious backgrounds since in most cults prayers are more about meditation. Conclusion Yoga can be highly beneficial to the general well being of human being. It can be used by itself or in some instances as a complement of other forms of exercises such as aerobics and resistance exercises. The main advantage of it is that it is applicable for almost all people regardless of age, gender, physical ability, or health status. This is because the exercises and postures involved are not as stannous as those in the other exercises. Since it offers spiritual, physical and mental improvements it will be right to say it is a complete type of exercise. The fact that it can be used in controlling various health conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and others makes it more important to human existence. Unlike most exercise activity, Yoga is able to impact the spiritual aspect of human existence. This fact makes Hatha Yoga undoubtedly one of the most essential forms of exercise. Work cited Birkel, Dee A. G. Hatha Yoga: Developing the Body, Mind and Inner Self. Dubuque, Iowa: Eddie Bowers Pub, 2000. Print. Burley, Mikel. Haṭha-Yoga: Its Context, Theory, and Practice. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 2000. Print. Dykema, Ravi. Yoga for Fitness and Wellness. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2011. Print. Jackson, Sherri L. Research Methods and Statistics: A Critical Thinking Approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. Print. Khan, J A. Research Methodology. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation, 2011. Print. Kirk, Martin, and Brooke Boon. Hatha Yoga Illustrated. Leeds: Human Kinetics, 2005. Print. McBurney, Donald, and Theresa L. White. Research Methods. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2010. Print. Radha, . Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language : Symbols, Secrets & Metaphor. Kootenay Bay, B.C: Timeless Books, 2006. Print. Ramacharaka, . Hatha Yoga: The Yogi Philosophy of Physical Well-Being. Los Angeles, CA: Indo European Publishing, 2009. Print. Raman, Rajeswari. Hatha Yoga for All. Delhi [u.a.: Motilal Banarsidass, 1991. Print. Read More