The Different Types of Yoga

With so many different types of yoga to choose from it can be a little bit

confusing for beginners. Before deciding on which type of yoga is best

for you it's a good idea to consider the different types of yoga, your

level of fitness, physical and spiritual goals as well as your overall health

condition.

 

Today were going to go over some of the most common types of yoga

to help you determine which type will work best for your lifestyle.

 

Iyenga yoga, which is considered one of the most common types of

yoga focuses on alignment, breathing and performing precise poses.

This type of yoga often incorporates props such as straps or blocks to

help beginners. Props help new students relax and become more

comfortable while holding various different positions.

 

Ashtanga yoga, often referred to as power yoga is known for its

powerful movements like lunges and pushups, which focus on building

stamina and strength. This challenging form of yoga is most often

practiced by athletes on the quest for better balance and concentration.

 

Bhakti Yoga, if a more spiritual form of yoga that teaches its

practitioners respect for life nature and creation as well as the

importance of treating others with kindness and generosity.

 

Hatha Yoga, another common form of yoga especially in the United

States emphasizes physical postures or exercises, known as asanas,

with the goal of creating balance in one's life.

 

Jnana Yoga, involves the practice of deep contemplation and a quest

for wisdom through meditation. With the ultimate goal of being one with

God.

 

Karma Yoga, is based on the philosophy that "yesterday's actions

determine today's circumstances." Practitioners of Karma yoga make

a conscious decision to perform selfless acts of kindness. By making

today's actions positive, they hope they can improve tomorrow's

circumstances for both themselves and others.

 

Raja Yoga, known in India as road to reintegration, blends the four

layers of self; the body, individual consciousness, individual

subconsciousness, and the universal infinite consciousness. the main

focus of this type of yoga is on the mind and spirit with emphasis on

meditation.

 

Tantra Yoga, similar to Hatha yoga involves practitioners to seek

balance in their lives and to break free from the six enemies; physical

longing, anger, greed, vanity, obsession, jealousy as well as the eight

fetters; hatred, apprehension, fear, shyness, hypocrisy, pride of

ancestry, vanity of culture, egotism, by using discipline, training, and

rituals.

 

Bikram yoga, often referred to as hot yoga, involves practicing yoga

postures in rooms heated to over 100° Fahrenheit (37.8° Celsius).

The belief behind this type of yoga is that postures are easier to attain

and hold. Another benefit is that warm muscles help reduce the risk of

injury. If you have a health condition, be sure to check with your health

care provider before attempting this form of yoga.

 

Kundalini yoga, the premise behind this type of yoga is that becoming

aware of your breath is a key. Practitioners learn to use their breathing

abilities in different ways, along with chants, meditation, and postures

designed to awaken energy at your spine’s base and drawing it upward

through the seven chakras.

 

Viniyoga, this is perhaps the most individualized form of yoga, and

involves working closely with an instructor, who will customize

Your workouts designed for your special needs.

 

Regardless of what type of yoga you decide to practice, be sure to

consult with your healthcare provider first to see if there are any special

considerations or restrictions you should follow. For example, people

who suffer from hypertension may need to avoid certain poses, while

women who are pregnant may have other limitations.

 

Make sure you look for your next issue soon. We will be talking about

the practice of good yoga posture.

 

Namaste,

Your Friends at Mala Prayer

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