One of the most vigorous and challenging forms of yoga, Bikram yoga is a standardized sequence of 26 postures performed in a room that is heated to about 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Because certified Bikram yoga teachers are required to use a set dialogue provided by Bikram's Yoga College of India, you will hear the same terminology used in every Bikram yoga class, regardless of the studio at which you practice. Bikram yoga frequently uses terms unfamiliar to students of Hatha yoga.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga refers to any type of yoga that uses physical postures. Unless otherwise specified, yoga classes in the Western world are Hatha yoga classes. Bikram yoga is one type of Hatha yoga, as are Ashtanga yoga, power yoga, vinyasa, Anusara and restorative yoga. Although Hatha yoga is a beneficial physical workout in itself, it is only one part of the traditional Indian yoga practice, which also includes breathing exercises, meditation and moral observances.
Asanas
The term "asana" refers to any physical yoga posture. The Bikram yoga dialogue provides both the Sanskrit and English name for each posture. Your yoga instructor will also provide detailed instructions for correctly and safely executing each posture, which makes Bikram yoga suitable for students of all levels. Some of the postures used in Bikram yoga include Camel pose, or Ustrasana; Triangle pose, or Trikanasana; and Half Moon pose, or Ardha-Chandrasana.
Freshly Oxygenated Blood
Bikram yoga teachers often refer to the concept of freshly oxygenated blood moving throughout the body. Bikram yoga's founder, Bikram Choudhury, designed the specific sequence of 26 postures to provide maximum benefit to every system and internal organ in the body. Bikram yoga incorporates a technique known as the tourniquet effect: during each posture, blood flow is restricted to a certain muscle or area of the body. When the posture is released, freshly oxygenated blood is allowed to flow back into the area, flushing out toxins and providing essential nutrients to the area.
Compression Postures
Compression postures are also an important part of Bikram yoga. Compression postures place pressure on internal organs, employing the tourniquet effect and also providing a beneficial massage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and pancreas. Examples of compression postures include Rabbit pose, Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee pose, and Head to Knee pose.
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