Born in 1970, the practice of Bikram yoga is composed of 26 postures to be performed in a room at a minimum temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40 percent humidity. Founder Bikram Choudhury claims that his yoga practice can heal a wide variety of medical ailments and that the intense heat and sweating are the most beneficial parts of the class. Excessive heat coupled with intensive exercise can be dangerous. The practice also carries the risk that you may overextend the joints. Consult a health care professional before attempting this practice, especially if you have or are at risk for health problems.
History
Bikram Choudhury began studying yoga at age 4. Nine years later he won the National India Yoga Contest and held his title for a total of four years. He then competed in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo at age 20. After a knee injury, Choudhury learned he would never be able to walk again, but he had a different plan in mind. By developing a specialized yoga routine, Choudhury was able to heal his knee in six months, he claims.
Claims
According to Choudhury, Bikram yoga can treat medical ailments, diabetes, asthma, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, insomnia, and blood pressure problems. Bikram yoga also helps to naturally purge the body's cells to release toxins that cause weight gain and fatigue, increase metabolism and digestion and improve T-cell function, he says. The intense poses and heat combined will lead anyone to break a sweat. Sweating is one of the main ways the human body pushes out toxins that are in the body through the skin. Choudhury also states that Bikram yoga heat, sweating and poses act as natural irrigation for the circular and respiratory systems. Never use exercise or supplements to treat any health condition without discussing it with your practitioner.
Class Considerations
Sweating during Bikram yoga is more than light perspiration. Without the proper equipment and preparations, the class will become extremely difficult. To start, it is critical that you hydrate throughout the day. As part of the Bikram yoga guidelines, participants are not allowed a break for water until 35 minutes of the 90-minute class have passed. A beach towel or slip-resistant yoga towel are essential for covering a basic yoga mat to avoid it turning into a danger zone from sweat during the class. Wear lightweight clothing or layers that can be removed because you will end the class soaked in sweat. If you have health issues, approach this practice with caution and under the advice of your doctor.
Advice From the Founder
According to Choudhury, you need at least four classes per week to reap the full benefits of pushing out body toxins with sweat as well as the other benefits of his yoga. Bikram yoga is most beneficial for people who have worked or lived in areas that exposed them to toxins such as asbestos, black mold and ash, he claims.
References
- "Bikram Yoga: The Guru Behind Hot Yoga Shows the Way to Radiant Health and Personal Fulfillment"; Bikram Choudhury; 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Yoga
- Bikram's Yoga College of India: About Bikram Yoga
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