Types of Yoga
Millions of people enjoy the benefits of yoga everyday. Yoga means union, and helps one become in tune and familiar with the body. Yoga also helps with healing the body, mind and spirit. Many people are turned off by yoga at first, thinking they have to be able to twist their body in knots. This is not the case, and most people who try yoga find it becomes a way of life for them.
There are five principles of yoga and are the basis of attaining a healthy mind and body through yoga. Proper relaxation is needed so tension in the muscles are rested, proper exercise is needed to enhance the flexibility of the body and muscles, proper breathing is required to have an increase in oxygen intake, proper diet is needed (because a poor diet will lead to mental inefficiency and block spiritual awareness) and positive thinking is needed so one can facilitate having a peaceful mind.
Whether a beginner or experienced, there are several types of yoga that are right for anyone. There are so many different types and numerous poses to choose from that one may feel overwhelmed. With a little research, one can choose the right type of yoga that will become a lifelong pursuit and, in time, one will learn a number of poses that are more and more challenging. It is a good idea for beginners to start slow and simple with a big heart and a small ego.
A basic yoga session for a beginner starts with a warm up exercise followed by a variety of poses including standing and sitting, twists to release tensions in the spine, supine and prone poses to release tension in the abdomen, inverted and balance poses to help with coordination, backbends to benefit adrenal glands and kidneys and finally finishing poses to cool down. This type of yoga is known as Hatha or Iyengar yoga.
Another type of yoga is power yoga. It is a vigorous, fitness based approach to Vinyasa yoga. Power yoga does not follow a series of poses, so each class can vary widely from one to the next. They all focus on flexibility and strength, and as a result, many are seeing this as a way to work out. Power yoga classes vary from teacher to teacher and appeal to people who are fit, enjoy exercising, and want the most minimal amount of chanting and meditation while they yoga.
A different type of yoga is called Kundalini yoga. It is an ancient form of yoga that has only been recently taught to the public. Kundalini is untapped energy that forms at the base of the spine and can be drawn up through the body. Kundalini energy is often looked at like a snake at the base of the spine. Each Kundalini session is done with specific breathing that intensifies with each pose and allows freeing energy to move upwards.
Kundalini sessions may consist of repetitive, rapid movements with breath or by holding a pose and breathing in a certain way. A Kundalini class usually starts with a warm up to stretch the spine, a sequence of poses that focus on a specific area and mediation. Kundalini is one of the most spiritual types of yoga, and goes beyond the physical poses and instead focuses on breathing, meditation and chanting. These sessions are very intense and are for those who are up for both mental and physical challenges.
Lastly, is a type of yoga called Bikram or hot yoga. Hot yoga is a series of poses that are done in a room heated between 95-100 degrees. This type of yoga session produces profuse sweating which rids the body of toxins and makes the body more flexible. Bikram is a very controversial figure in the yoga world because if it is not followed exactly and taught by a certified instructor injury could occur. Each Bikram session is around 90 minutes and includes a set series of 26 yoga poses, each is performed twice in a class. This type of yoga is not for pregnant women and it is advised to wear very little clothing and drink plenty of water beforehand.