Different Types of Yoga

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is the basis of all yoga. Originally from India, it consists of a series of
postures (asanas) that are accompanied by specific deep breathing techniques. There are hundreds of postures and variations of postures, as well as techniques for cleansing (kriyas). Yoga was traditionally practiced as a preparation for meditation, and it also includes a set of ethics and morals for daily living. These ethics are described in the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali.

In Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, “ha” means sun and “tha” means moon. Yoga is the unity of opposites- the harmony of body, mind, and spirit. There are many types of yoga including Ashtanga, Power, Flow, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Restorative, Yin, Bikrams, Mokesha, and Kundalini. [to add Kripalu Yoga, Viniyoga, Sivananda, Tantric Yoga, Partner Yoga and Bhakti Yoga].

Ashtanga Yoga

This method of Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of
postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. Ashtanga Yoga is taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois who has been teaching the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga since 1948. Ashtanga Yoga consists of 4 variations of the Sun Salutation, as well as very advanced postures. Astanga Yoga primarily builds strength and stamina.

Power Yoga

Power Yoga is a variation of Ashtanga. It involves variations of the Sun Salutation as well as intermediate and advance postures. It works on creating heat and sweat in the body as a method of detoxification and purification. Power Yoga is the style of yoga preferred by people who want a workout and who want, primarily, to build strength.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, and consists of practicing the postures (asanas) with more attention to symmetry, alignment, and meditation. Iyengar Yoga also uses props- chairs, straps, blocks, and pillows to compensate for lack of flexibility. It is very useful to people with back or joint problems. Poses are held longer and there is more of a focus on body awareness and meditation.


Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga is a variation of Iyengar Yoga. It consists of postures designed to bring the body back into correct alignment. It uses props- chairs, straps, blocks, and pillows to compensate for lack of flexibility and to allow for deeper relaxation. It uses gravity as a way of increasing flexibility. Poses are held longer and there is more of a focus on body awareness and meditation.

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga integrates Taoism, the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine, and Yoga. The defining characteristic of Yin Yoga is its emphasis on the Yin and Yang. In Taosim and traditional Chinese medicine, all things contain two essential characteristics- yin and yang. In yoga, muscles and blood are considered yang, and connective tissues and joints are considered yin. Most forms of yoga practiced today are yang as they emphasize muscular movement and contraction. In contrast, yin yoga targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis, and lower spine. Yin postures are held from 5-10 minutes at a time. Yin Yoga is excellent in preparing students for long periods of sitting meditation.

Bikrams Yoga

Bikrams Yoga is practiced in a room heated to 38°C or warmer. The heat is intended to replicate the temperature of weather in India where Yoga originated from. The heat helps to open and relax the muscles as well as stimulate sweating which helps to detoxify the body. Bikrams Yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury, and consists of a specific series of 26 postures (no variations). The exercises are very physical and intense.

Moksha Yoga

Moksha Yoga is a variation of Bikrams. It is practiced in a room heated to 37° C or more. The heat allows for deeper, safer stretching, and promotes detoxification of the skin, blood, and muscles through sweat. Moksha Yoga was developed by Ted Grand.

Hot Yoga is a variation of Bikrams. It is used to describe any type of yoga practiced in a heated room. The purpose of the heat is to warm the muscles and produce sweating as a means of detoxification.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga incorporates mantras (chanting), meditation, and visualizations. It
focuses on healing and purifying the mind, body, and emotions. Kundalini Yoga is designed to activate the “kundalini” energy in the spine. Kundalini yoga consists of poses combined with breath control, hand and finger gestures, body locks, chanting and meditation. You will practice precise postures; sounds and breathing that activate different parts of the body and the brain.

This article is taken from http://www.freeyogaday.ca/ which was posted by Farah Moolji Nazarali, Vancouver based Yoga Teacher