Benefits and harms of Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is the most famous yoga ever practiced  world wide. Since there are certain poses of hatha yoga that can be dangerous if not done properly.

The third limb of Raja yoga called hatha yoga is practiced all across the world.The reason for hatha yoga’s gaining popularity,is  its ability to release stress and increasing flexibility to the patients suffering from various diseases.

Subodh Gupta, a celebrity yoga trainer says “Since the initial objective of Hatha yoga was different but its ability to help people with various ailments is really commendable. The paschimottanasana is one of the most demanding poses of yoga.In this pose the body is almost half folded providing an intense stretch to the entire back of the body, from the scalp down to the heels.”

He also added “Beginners often struggle in this pose of yoga.If you pull yourself  forward using your shoulders and arms you will create the tension through your body and you will ens up tightening your muscles and this will not allow you to get into the posture any quicker. While doing this yoga pose, give some time for the muscle to stretch and to release the tension.”

He also explains that the yoga is highly beneficial as it stimulates the kidney, liver, spleen and pancreas which improves the digestion in the body.Hatha yoga tones and massages the whole abdominal area and providing relief from constipation.It also increases flexibility in the hip joints and stretches the hamstring muscle, lumbar and sacral regions.Regular practice of Hatha yoga removes excess weight in the abdominal area.

Dangers of Hatha Yoga:

People who are suffering from following health conditions are not  recommended to practice Hatha yoga.

-People suffering from slipped disc and sciatica.

-People suffering from asthma.

-Pregnant women should not practice it, as this pose puts stress on the womb.