Bikram Choudhury developed a series of 26 yoga postures that are practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat brings more flexibility for stretching and enhances yoga's cleansing effect through good circulation, according to the Bikram Yoga website. The sweating that occurs in hot yoga flushes toxins out through the skin.
Where it Began
Bikram was born in Calcutta in 1946 and started learning yoga at the age of four. He studied under Bishnu Ghosh at the College of Physical Education in Calcutta, where he practiced for several hours each day. Bikram won the India Yoga Championship at age 13 and was the undefeated All-India National Yoga Champion for the next three years.
Yoga Aids His Recovery
After suffering a severe knee injury during a weightlifting accident at age 17, Bikram was told by European doctors that he may never be able to walk again. He returned to practice yoga with Ghosh in Calcutta, and after six months, his knee was completely restored. Bikram was inspired by his own recovery to open several yoga schools in India, and eventually develop the worldwide Yoga College of India.
Training Teachers in the United States
In 1994, a training course for Bikram style yoga teachers opened its doors in California. Bikram yoga's popularity has greatly increased since then, with 200 new teachers becoming certified each year, according to "Yoga Journal."
Bikram's Claims
The 26 postures of Bikram yoga stimulate, strengthen and balance all organs, glands and systems in the body, according to the Bikram Yoga website. Bikram has stated that practitioners of his yoga style who work to the best of their ability will maintain optimum health and a peaceful life.
Precautions
Hot yoga may not be advisable for persons with high blood pressure or Multiple Sclerosis, according to Richard Miller, co-founder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, as reported in "Yoga Journal." Always check with your physician before starting any new exercise program.
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