The different styles of yoga
The various types of Yoga
There are many different styles of yoga taught and practiced today. Although all styles are based on the same physical postures (asanas tones), each has a particular emphasis or road. Here is a quick guide of the most popular types of yoga that can help aa decide which style is right for you.
However, I am strongly advising that you try as many styles different classes and teachers as possible. It is essential for its development, which has a rich and varied experience of Yoga.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it's probably going to be rate slow and gentle and provide a good introduction to basic yoga postures. Highly recommended as a standard experience in the fundamentals of yoga. This is a good place to learn basic poses, relaxation techniques, and feel comfortable with yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga
Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term used to describe many different types of classes. Vinyasa, which means breath synchronized movement, tends to be a more vigorous style Based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Greetings, which corresponds to the movement of breath. A Vinyasa class will usually start with a series of sun salutations to warm the body for more intense stretching which is done at the end of the class.
Ashtanga or Power Yoga
Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series of postures are performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga Yoga is physically demanding because of the constant movement of one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is called Power Yoga. If a class is described as Power Yoga, is based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly to the whole Series of Ashtanga postures.
Iyengar Yoga
Based on the teachings of the yogi BKS Iyengar, this type of practice is most concerned with body alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise manner in which your body must be located in each pose in order to obtain maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar Yoga usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods in front by moving quickly from one pose to the next (Flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of accessories such as yoga blankets, blocks and braces, to bring the body into perfect alignment.
Kundalini Yoga
Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini Yoga to the U.S. in 1969. Now the practice is worldwide and growing. The emphasis Kundalini Yoga is breathing, the internal concentration, mantra (words or sounds) in conjunction with physical movement, in order to release energy within the body and allowing it to move upwards. All asana practices make use of breath control. But in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects breathing (also called prana, which means vital energy) in the postures is essential. Kundalini uses rapid, repetitive movements and does not represent Instead of a long time.
Hot or Bikram Yoga
Started by Bikram Choudhury, this style is better known as Hot Yoga. It is practiced in Room 95 to 100 degrees, allowing relaxation of tight muscles and profuse sweating, which is thought to cleaning. The Bikram method is a set number of 26 positions, but not all hot classes make use of this series.
Anusara Yoga
Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara combines a strong emphasis the physical adaptation to a positive philosophy derived from Tantra. The premise of philosophy is the belief in the intrinsic goodness of all beings. Anusara classes are usually be cheerful and accessible for students with different abilities. Poses are taught in a way that opens the heart, both physically and mentally, and accessories used frequently.
Jivamukti Yoga
This style of yoga emerged from one study of New York, best known yoga. Jivamukti founders David Life and Sharon Gannon are based on Ashtanga yoga and emphasize chanting, meditation and spiritual teachings. They have trained many teachers who have brought this style of yoga studios and gyms, mostly in the U.S. These classes are physically intense and often include some chanting.
Forrest Yoga
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and gaining popularity around the U.S., Forrest Yoga is the method taught by Ana Forrest. Performance a vigorous asana sequences is intended to strengthen and purify the body and release repressed emotions and pain so that healing can begin. Expect an intense workout with an emphasis on abdominal strengthening and deep breathing.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu's name being associated with a style hatha yoga and yoga and Wellness Center in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Both were founded by yoga guru Amrit Desai, who came to America from India in 1960. Kripalu is a practice of yoga with a compassionate approach and emphasis on meditation, physical healing and spiritual transformation that overflows in daily life. Kripalu also focuses on looking inward and move at your own pace.
Integral Yoga
Integral yoga follows the teachings of Sri Swami Sachidananda, who came to the U.S. in the 1960s and eventually founding many Integral Yoga Institutes and the famous Yogaville Ashram in Virginia. Integral is a practice gentle hatha, and classes often also include breathing exercises, chanting, kriya and meditation.
Sivananda Yoga
Swami Vishnu-Devananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda, founded the first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in 1957. At present there are about 80 locations worldwide, including several ashram retreats. Sivananda yoga is based on five principles:
1. Proper exercise (asanas, focusing on 12 poses in particular)
2. Adequate breathing (Pranayama)
3. Proper relaxation (Savasana)
4. Proper diet (vegetarian)
5. Positive thinking and meditation (Dhyana)
About the Author
Siridatta is an International Kundalini Yoga Teacher and Teacher Trainer. Author of Open Your Heart with Kundalini Yoga and the Raw Food and Yoga BIBLE, Mini Size Me.
She can be connected with at jeshoua33@aol.com and her site is www.anaharta.com or through Raw Food www.minisizeme.co.uk
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