The basic aim of hatha yoga is to build a firm, strong, healthy body so it benefits in the practices of yoga.The word hatha is composed of two syllables, namely ha and tha. Ha means the ‘sun’ and tha means the ‘moon’. Yoga means communion. Thus hatha yoga means the harmony between the sun and moon aspect of our being. The right nostril is connected with the sun aspect; the left nostril is connected with the moon aspect. The moon rules over the mental functions, while the sun controls the vital and physical functions.
Hatha yoga also ensures that there is free flow of prana within the psychic channels of the body. This is of prime importance for perfect physical and mental health as well as experiencing higher states of awareness. Hatha yoga aims at harmonizing prana in the body so that in turn the physical body will automatically become healthy and receptive to higher vibrations. The mind and prana are intimately linked together and so if the pranic body is tuned up, then the mind is automatically relaxed and harmonized. Hatha yoga treats the body as an instrument to be kept in the best possible condition. Some of the basic practices of hatha yoga can be divided into different groups as follows- shatkarmas, asanas, pranayama, mudras and bandhas. Shatkarmas are in the main concerned with cleansing the body. Many diseases are caused by the build-up of toxins within the body. These practices are the first step in eliminating these waste products, and thereby regaining perfect health. Asanas are the physical postures of yoga. Pranayama is the restraining of prana. Mudras and bandhas are often classified with hatha yoga. Mudras are special physical positions of the body or parts of the body which induce deeper physiological, psychic and mental changes in ones being. Bandhas are physical locks which performs the same function. Hatha yoga also ensures that there is free flow of prana within the psychic channels of the body. This is of prime importance for perfect physical and mental health as well as experiencing higher states of awareness. Hatha yoga attempts to harmonize the body so that it can be forgotten or transcended. In this way one is less hampered by the body and associated ailments, and more able to dedicate oneself to mental and spiritual pursuits. It is a method to master the mind and attain higher states of consciousness and is also by hatha one can gain good physical health.