Physiological and Psychological Effects of Hatha Yoga: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The word "yoga" is commonly used to refer specifically to Hatha yoga stretching postures or generally to Hatha yoga programs that also include certain relaxation,breathing and meditation practices.Such programs, however, represent only certain aspects of the comprehensive system that comprises the physical, psychological,philosophical, and spiritual components of yoga. In the generic sense, yoga means the practical aspect of a philosophy, — its methods and application. More specifically, it refers to the philosophical view of the world and the individual described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and related texts.