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Different Types of Yoga
Ananda Yoga: Ananda Yoga classes focus on
gentle postures designed to move the energy up to the brain and
prepare the body for meditation. Classes also focus on proper
body alignment and controlled breathing.
Anusara Yoga is a relatively new form of yoga
(1997), which pairs strict principles of alignment with a
playful spirit. Postures can be challenging, but the real
message of Anusara is to open your heart and strive to connect
with the divine in yourself and others.
Ashtanga (or Astanga) Yoga is the name given
to the system of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This
style of yoga is physically demanding as it involves
synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series
of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a
profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.
The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a
light and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga is an athletic
yoga practice and is not for beginners.
Bikram Yoga is the method of yoga that is a
comprehensive workout that includes all the components of
fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular
flexibility and weight loss. The founder, Bikram Choudhury, was
a gold medal Olympic weight lifter in 1963 and is a disciple of
Bishnu Ghosh, brother of Paramahansa Yogananda, (Autobiography
of a Yogi). One of the unusual but most beneficial aspects of
Bikram's yoga practice is the 95-105 degree temperature which
promotes more flexibility, detoxification, and prevention of
injuries. This is the only yoga style that specializes in using
the heated environment.
Hatha is an easy-to-learn basic form of yoga
that has become very popular in the United States. Hatha Yoga
is the foundation of all Yoga styles. It incorporates Asanas
(postures), Pranayama (regulated breathing), meditation
(Dharana & Dhyana) and kundalini (Laya Yoga) into a
complete system that can be used to achieve enlightenment or
self-realization. It has become very popular in America as
source of exercise and stress management. The ideal way to
practice the Hatha Yoga poses (asanas) is to approach the
practice session in a calm, meditative mood. Sit quietly for a
few moments, then begin the series, slowly, with control and
grace, being inwardly aware as the body performs the various
poses selected for the practice session. Do not overdo the
asanas or try to compete with others. Take it easy and
enjoy.
Integral Yoga: Sri Swami Satchidananda
described Integral Yoga as: "...a flexible combination of
specific methods to develop every aspect of the individual:
physical, intellectual, and spiritual. This traditional
type of yoga combines postures, breathing exercises, selfless
service, meditation, chanting, prayer, and self-inquiry.
ISHTA: The word ISHTA has a two-fold
definition. In Sanskrit, it means developing a personal yoga
practice that meets your individual needs. ISHTA also stands
for the Integrated Science of Hatha (the physical practice of
yoga that creates balance), Tantra (the yogic philosophy that
recognizes the perfection in all beings), and Ayurveda (the
Indian science of healing). Developed by South African teacher
Mani Finger and popularized in the States by his son Alan,
ISHTA (Integral Science of Hatha and Tantric Arts) focuses on
opening energy channels throughout the body with postures,
visualizations, and meditation.
Iyengar Yoga, developed by yoga master B.K.S.
Iyengar more than 60 years ago, promotes strength, flexibility,
endurance, and balance through coordinated breathing and poses
that require precise body alignment. The poses are generally
held longer than in other styles of yoga. In Iyengar, you
slowly move into a pose, hold it for a minute or so, and then
rest for a few breaths before stretching into another.
Equipment like cushions, blankets, straps, and blocks to help
the less flexible also distinguishes Iyengar from other types
of yoga. Although Iyengar incorporates the traditional
postures, or asanas, that make up the broader category of hatha
yoga, the cushions and other props revolutionized yoga by
enabling everyone -- even the elderly, sick, and disabled -- to
practice. Because of its slow pace, attention to detail, and
use of props, Iyengar yoga can be especially good if you're
recovering from an injury. Iyengar is still one of the most
popular types of yoga taught today.
Jivamukti Yoga: Developed in 1986 by Sharon
Gannon and David Life, the Jivamukti Yoga method expresses the
spiritual and ethical aspects of the practice of yoga that have
been disregarded or devalued in contemporary times. It is a
vigorous and challenging asana form with an emphasis on
scriptural study, Sanskrit chanting, vegetarianism,
non-violence, meditation, devotion to God and the role that
music and listening play in the practice of yoga. Life and
Gannon currently operate a popular yoga studio in New York
City.
Kali Ray TriYoga: A series of flowing,
dancelike movements was developed by Kali Ray in 1980. The
practice also incorporates pranayama (breathing exercises) and
meditation. Kali Ray runs the TriYoga Center in Santa Cruz,
California.
Kripalu is called the yoga of consciousness.
This gentle, introspective practice urges practitioners to hold
poses to explore and release emotional and spiritual blockages.
Goal-oriented striving is discouraged and precise alignment is
not as important as in some other traditions. There are three
stages in Kripalu yoga. Stage One focuses on learning the
postures and exploring your bodies abilities. Stage Two
involves holding the postures for an extended time, developing
concentration and inner awareness. Stage Three is like a
meditation in motion in which the movement from one posture to
another arises unconsciously and spontaneously.
Kundalini practice concentrates on awakening
the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. In
addition to postures, a typical class will also include
chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Power Yoga is essentially yoga with brawn.
It's the American interpretation of ashtanga yoga, a discipline
that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative
breathing. But power yoga takes ashtanga one step further. Many
of the poses (also called postures or their Sanskrit name,
asanas) resemble basic calisthenics -- push-ups and handstands,
toe touches and side bends -- but the key to power yoga's
sweat-producing, muscle-building power is the pace. Instead of
pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each
move flows into the next, making it an intense aerobic
workout.
Restorative Yoga: This is a gentle,
therapeutic style of Yoga that uses props to support the body
to deepen the benefits of the poses. It is a soothing and
nurturing practice that promotes the effects of conscious
relaxation. Judith Lassater is perhaps the most
well-known proponent, teacher and author on Restorative Yoga.
In her book Relax and Renew she writes, "I often refer
to restorative yoga poses as "active relaxation." By supporting
the body with props, we alternately stimulate and relax the
body to move toward balance. Some poses have an overall
benefit. In a restorative yoga class you'll spend long periods
of time lying on blocks, blankets and bolsters - passively
allowing muscles to relax.
Sivananda Yoga: Like Integral Yoga, this
traditional type of yoga combines postures, breathing, dietary
restrictions, chanting, scriptural study, and meditation. The
popular TV yoga teacher Lilias got her start practicing
Sivananda Yoga.
Svaroopa Yoga: New students find this a very
approachable style, often beginning in chair poses that are
comfortable. Promotes healing and transformation.
Viniyoga: This is commonly used as a
therapeutic practice for people who have suffered injuries or
are recovering from surgery. It is a gentle, healing practice
that is tailored to each person's body type and needs as they
grow and change.
Vinyasa: Focuses on coordination of breath and
movement and it is a very physically active form of yoga. It
began with Krishnamacharya who later passed it on to Pattabhi
Jois.
White Lotus Yoga: A modified Ashtanga practice
developed by Ganga White which is combined with breathwork and
meditation.
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