Although forms of yoga have been practiced for hundreds of years in India and other countries, it has only gained popularity in the Western world in the past few decades. Today, Westerners practice yoga for physical strength and toning, mental clarity and a feeling of inner calm. According to "K.I.S.S. Guide to Yoga," by Shakta Kaur Khalsa, there are five styles of yoga that are popular in the Western world.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga is a form of yoga that was developed by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. It is an athletic form that is physically demanding and requires the synchronization of controlled movements and breathing. According to Khalsa, practicing Ashtanga yoga poses, called "vinyasas," builds internal heat and produces purifying perspiration. Because of the demanding nature of Ashtanga yoga, it is not recommended for beginning students.
Bikram
According to "The Everything Yoga Book," by Cynthia Worby, MSW, Bikram yoga was developed by Olympic gold medalist Bikram Choudhury in 1963. This form combines traditional concepts of yoga with a focus on muscle and cardiovascular strength, as well as weight loss. One aspect of Bikram yoga that differentiates it from other forms is the temperature of the practice room--the temperature remains up to 100 degrees F throughout the practice session. The elevated room temperature is thought to improve joint and muscle flexibility as well as prevent injuries and detoxify the body.
Hatha
Hatha is the form that most Americans associate with yoga. It incorporates poses, breathing control, elements of Kundalini yoga and meditation. Hatha is popular in the United States as a form of stress management. Students can also use Hatha yoga as a means for "centering" or attaining a sense of mental focus and calmness, according to Khalsa. Another reason for the popularity of Hatha yoga is because it is easy for beginners to learn.
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga focuses on holding poses longer than in other types of yoga--it is common for students to hold a pose for a full minute before moving into another pose. This form of yoga, developed by B. K. S. Iyengar and brought to the United States in 1974, incorporates many of the poses of Hatha yoga. According to Khalsa, Iyengar is designed to allow less flexible students to participate by adding cushions, blocks, "sticky" mats and straps into practice sessions.
Kundalini
According to Khalsa, Kundalini is a spiritual form of yoga that focuses on the understanding of a universal spirit through poses and breathing. It connects movements to specific breathing patterns with the purpose of harnessing energy. It also focuses on activating the chakras, which are thought to be energy centers within the body. Ulimately, Kundalini yoga is thought to stimulate secretion of the pineal gland in the brain, producing a change in consciousness.
References
- "K.I.S.S. Guide to Yoga"; Shakta Kaur Khalsa; 2001
- "The Everything Yoga Book"; Cynthia Worby, MSW; 2002
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