Major Types of Yoga

Studies show that practicing yoga regularly can be an effective way of dealing with stress and anxiety. The Mayo Clinic's article, "Yoga: Tap into the many health benefits of yoga" discusses various health benefits of yoga, including stress and anxiety relief, and an increased level of fitness, management of chronic health conditions, and weight control. Not all types of yoga are the same. Hatha yoga is a term used to describe the physical practices of yoga, and it is frequently confused with being a type of yoga itself. The major types of hatha yoga include Ashtanga, Kundalini, Iyengar, and Bikram, although there are many other types such as ISHTA, Kripalu, and Jivamukti.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga yoga is a system of hatha yoga which was made popular by master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. It is a form of yoga which focuses on the synchronization of the breath with a series of asanas, or postures. According to "Yoga Journal," there are six series of these asanas. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace so they can master the poses they are given at the beginning of any class, and move on to progressively harder flow series as they advance and improve. Power yoga is actually a form of ashtanga yoga, which has its own series of asanas. Earth Spirit Therapy's website states that power yoga is an Americanized form of yoga, which incorporates push-ups, handstands, and toe touches with a traditional ashtanga flow.

Kundalini

Kundalini is a Sanskrit word that literally means "coil." The term kundalini is used in yoga to describe the internal coiled energy that lies latent within each person. The yoga practice is used to awaken this energy, and to heighten one's consciousness. According to the "Yoga Journal" article, "Not All Yoga Is Created Equal," Kundalini yoga incorporates postures, dynamic breathing techniques, and chanting and meditating on mantras such as "Sat Nam" (meaning "I am truth"). Kundalini yoga was originally brought to the Western world by Yogi Bhajan in 1969.

Iyengar

Iyengar yoga is a form of yoga developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, characterized by 200 asanas and 14 types of pranayamas which encourage a meditative state of mind. According to his book, "Yoga the Path to Holistic Health," Iyengar states that this form of yoga was developed for people of every age, ability, and physical condition. In Iyengar yoga, poses are generally held longer than in other types of yoga so that students can pay attention to correct alignment. The use of props is encouraged in order to learn the proper technique and form of the different poses within one's own range of motion.

Bikram

According to the "Yoga Journal" article, "Not All Yoga Is Created Equal," Bikram yoga is known also as hot yoga. The yoga studios where these classes are held generally maintain temperatures of 100 degrees F to produce a sauna-like effect which helps to eliminate toxins from the body and allow for greater flexibility. This form of yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury, who developed a series of 26 asanas designed to stretch the body in a specific sequence.