Hatha Yoga builds on the lesson of the two aspects that we consist of: consciousness and energy.

Ha is symbolized by the sun, the warm, physical side of our being (Pingala), Tha by the moon, the cool, mental and psychic side (Ida).
We may compare the two parts of our nervous system, the sympathetic and parasympathetic, with this ancient principle of the sun and the moon.
When the relationship between psyche and soma, between consciousness of thoughts/emotions and body/tension/energy is not in balance, when both these nervous systems, which serve respectively to calm and quicken the body to activity, are working against each other, then we are dealing with stress and psychosomatic diseases. Nervous diseases, ulcers, catarrh, diabetes, certain types of constipation, etc., often have an emotional or mental origin.

Hatha Yoga restores the harmonious balance in the body by purifying it. The mind, its ability to concentrate and other abilities are destroyed by impurities and tensions, which, when removed, allow you to experience deeper causes. Therefore Hatha Yoga is the beginning of the physical Yoga and combines with the physical exercises (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayamas) to cure and prevent psychosomatic diseases, and also, despite age, to hold back the process of physical decay; to keep your metabolism in order and to improve your concentration. Your circulation is stimulated by blood-pumping exercises, the nervous system is strengthened especially by breathing exercises, the general condition regulated by cleansing processes and poses which also affect the glands.

But Hatha Yoga itself consists only of six cleansing processes, by which poisonous substances and sluggishness are removed from the body’s organs. In Sanskrit these six processes are called shat karmas or kriyas (not to be confused with KriyaYoga) and they constitute all of Hatha Yoga:

1. Neti, a process of purifying and strengthening the entire nasal area to make it more sensitive. There are different variations.

2. Dhauti, a series of different techniques to cleanse the alimentary canal from mouth to anus. This also includes such details as the cleaning of eyes, ears, teeth, tongue and scalp.
3. Nauli, a very powerful method of massaging and strengthening the lower abdomen and intestines.
4. Basti, techniques for washing and strengthening the colon.
5. Kapalbhati are techniques for purifying the front part of the brain.
6. Tratak. This is a process whereby you stare intensely for increasing lengths of time to develop your concentration and the dormant psychic powers that we all possess. It is a very effective eye exercise.

body tension, consciousness, dealing with stress, emotions, nervous diseases, nervous systems, psyche, psychosomatic diseases, soma, sun and the moon, ulcers, yoga