Hatha yoga is about balancing the body and mind. ‘Ha’ represents the esoteric sun, and ‘tha’ the moon. The practice of Hatha yoga aims to join, yoke, or balance these two energies.
A yoga class described as ‘Hatha’ will typically involve a set of physical postures (yoga poses) and breathing techniques and guided meditation.These are typically practiced more slowly and with more static holds than a Vinyasa flow or Ashtanga class.
In my classes postures are practiced to align, strengthen and promote flexibility in the body. Breathing techniques and meditation are also integrated.
A sound bath will involve lying in a reclining position after taking part in yoga or meditation exercises. Using several instruments,( like Crystal singing bowls and rain drop sticks ) to create soothing, overlapping vibrations.
These vibrations lead you deeper into a state of contemplation or relaxation, shutting off your body’s fight-or-flight reflex.
A sound bath can be easier than other meditative practices because it doesn’t require a lot of discipline or patience to learn how to do it — all you have to do is listen.
Keep in mind that sound baths aren’t a replacement for medication or therapy with a licensed mental health provider when treating anxiety or depression.
But since relaxation is the main byproduct of this practice, it could be worth a try as a complementary add-on to your treatment.
What happens to your body during a sound bath?
As the mind and body relax, the heart rate and blood pressure decrease and our breathing become deeper. It is in this state that deep healing can occur. Thus, a sound bath not only reduces stress and anxiety by inducing a state of relaxation, but it also has physiological .As the sound baths elicit the relaxation response and in the relaxation response the body relaxes, the blood pressure lowers, heart rate lowers and the body basically goes into healing mode.
Please note that I only offer sound bath meditation during my yoga classes.
Full body strength, balance and relaxation are the goals , as we make a full circuit of the body’s range of motion standing postures, twists, back bends, forward folds and hip openers.
This class is designed for mixed-level participants – All Levels Welcome.