Originated in ancient India, Yoga is a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines. There are countless different styles of yoga practice, distinct methods, and different lineages. Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” that is translated as ‘to yoke’, “to unite” or “union”. The practice of yoga encourages an experiential understanding of the interconnected nature of life. Yoga is a pathway of self-transformation, self-exploration, and awakening. Harmonizing the body with the mind and breath through the means of various breathing exercises, asana and meditation is carried out through yoga. Yoga helps to strengthen and deep relaxation of your body and mind. There are different types of Yoga. These different types of yoga help you in different ways.
Some of the different types of yoga are mentioned below along with the benefits of yoga:
Vinyasa Yoga
It is popular yoga in which the postures are usually done in a flowing sequence or vinyasa flow. Vinyasa means linking breath with movement and these fluid movements can be memorized and done as a moving meditation, almost like a dance. The popularity of this style of yoga comes from the sensual movements, relaxing music, usually exercised in a dark room.
Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga
Helps to lose weight and inculcates proper breathing
Contributes to toned muscles and functional strength
Calms the mind and reduce stress and anxiety
Helps in detoxification and treating addiction
Improve sleep and flexibility and also gives you cardiovascular benefits
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is one of the most physically challenging forms of traditional Indian yoga that involves a very long sequence of postures with a vinyasa in between each. Ashtanga means “having eight limbs or branches” and outlines all eight limbs of yoga and develops both psychological and spiritual health. Like Vinyasa yoga, the Ashtanga yoga asana synchronizes breath with movement as you move through a series of postures. It is usually performed without music, and sometimes in silence.
Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga
Improve flexibility and cardiovascular fitness
Increase strength and muscle tone
Reduce body fat, stress, and anxiety
Increase focus and creativity
Lower blood pressure
Iyengar Yoga
Named after B.K.S. Iyengar, a famous yogi from India, Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga that has an emphasis on detail, precision, and alignment in the performance of asana and pranayama. Iyengar yoga is usually taught without music and at a slower pace. It helps in flexibility, balance, and strength and may be useful in the management of certain health conditions like chronic low back pain.
Benefits of Iyengar Yoga
Relieve low back pain and stress
Breast cancer recovery and increase flexibility
Toned muscles and improve posture
Create a calmer mind and improve breathing
Protect from disease and promote better food and lifestyle habits
Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga was incorporated from traditional hatha yoga techniques by Bikram Choudhury in the early 1970s. It is a hot yoga style that consists of the 26 yoga postures and two breathing exercises. It is practiced for ninety minutes in a room that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity. The room is bright and the students face mirrors to check proper posture and alignment and are practiced without music.
Benefits of Bikram Yoga
Increases spine strength and mobility.
Promotes strength, awareness, and mindfulness
Detoxify Your Body and aid in weight loss
Increases mobility and flexibility in the joints and muscles
Relieve stress, risk of hypertension and helps in proper breathing
Reduce the effects of depression and anxiety and Heals old injuries and chronic pain
Jivamukti Yoga
Co-founded in 1984 by Sharon Gannon and David Life in New York City, Jivamukti yoga is a path to enlightenment through compassion for all beings. The name comes from the Sanskrit “Jiva” and “Mukti” translates to “liberated being.” It incorporates Sanskrit chanting, pranayama, and asana with a theme for each class. Jivamukti yoga is one of the different types of yoga which is a good blend of spiritual and physical exercise.
Benefits of Jivamukti Yoga
Increases strength, balance, and flexibility
Detoxifies the body
Relieves stress and anxiety
Improves respiration process and circulation
Sharpens your IQ level