The idea of practicing yoga has matured in your mind, but you don't know what kind to choose? In order not to get lost in its various "offshoots", the first thing you need to answer (to yourself) is what you want to do with yoga.
Do you primarily want to train your body with demanding exercises or focus on satisfying your spiritual pursuits? Are you looking to enhance flexibility or relieve stress?
After answering these or other similar questions, the choice will be easy. All we will do is show you the options on the table.
Of course, whichever style you choose, you should know that yoga is an integrated system that addresses both the body and the spirit. So you don't have to worry about not making the right choice.
Hatha yoga
In Sanskrit the term "hatha" means "sun" ("ha") and "moon" ("tha"), meaning the union of opposing elements in the universe.
Hatha is the most popular type of yoga in the West. In fact, the Sanskrit term hatha is an umbrella for all physical yoga exercises.
It uses body postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dyana) to create a healthy body and a calm mind. It focuses mainly on breathing and posture.
Every person, regardless of age and body type, can follow Hatha yoga. It is especially recommended for beginners who want to learn the basics quickly.
Iyengar yoga
This type of yoga was founded by Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, better known as B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most important yoga teachers in the world.
Iyengar yoga focuses on alignment, detailed and precise movements. The stops take a long time, and many are made with accessories such as chairs, pillows, mattresses, ropes, etc.
Helps to treat musculoskeletal and respiratory problems.
Kundalini yoga
This yoga style aims to release energy that is trapped at the base of the spine and resembles a coiled snake.
She was introduced to the West by teacher Yogi Bhajan, who came to the US in 1968 and began teaching her.
The kundalini contains breathing exercises, physical activity postures and meditation. It could be said that it is aimed at a more spiritual experience. For example, in addition to yoga postures (asana) it uses sacred sounds that create vibration in the body (mantras). It also emphasizes breathing, which is the bridge that connects the body and the mind.
This type of yoga releases the sexual system as it breaks down internal energy, including sexual intercourse. Many physical exercises focus on the trunk.
Ashtanga yoga
In Sanskrit ashtanga is the "eight-way path" of yoga. Literally, the word means "eight limbs", from ashta (eight) and anga (limb).
Ashtanga is one of the most aerobic forms of yoga and is aimed at those who are in good physical shape. Her physical exercises are demanding, and therefore not suitable for beginners.
Emphasizes body alignment and breathing synchronization with body movements, creating an internal heat that cleanses the body.
Vinyasa yoga
The term 'vinyasa' comes from the Sanskrit words 'nyasa' and 'vi' (in a particular way), which means 'to put something in a certain way'.
Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic (less static) form of yoga, which is mainly based on synchronizing breathing with movements.
It causes a lot of sweat due to the effort, thus helping in weight loss.
Bikram yoga
Εάν σας αρέσει η σάουνα, τότε αυτό είναι το κατάλληλο είδος γιόγκα για εσάς.
Η bikram, γνωστή ως hot yoga, γίνεται σε δωμάτιο με θερμοκρασία 40 βαθμούς Κελσίου και 60% υγρασία.
Η φυσική δραστηριότητα σε θερμό και υγρό περιβάλλον προκαλεί πολύ ιδρώτα και μεγάλη απώλεια βάρους. Βοηθάει στην εξάλειψη των τοξίνων.
Λόγω της απώλειας υγρών αντενδείκνυται για άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν προβλήματα υγείας. Πριν εξασκηθείτε, θα πρέπει να έχετε ενυδατώσει τον οργανισμό σας με πολλά υγρά.
Yin yoga
It is the most static type of yoga, as each exercise is performed slowly and takes longer.
Yin yoga emphasizes spirituality and flexibility rather than increasing muscle strength.
Its lessons are for everyone and are for beginners. They can help those who want to improve the flexibility of the hip and waist hips.
Restorative yoga
It is a mild form of yoga that helps restore mental and physical balance.
The trainee can stay in the same position for several minutes, using pillows, blankets, etc.
It is especially helpful for those who want to clear their minds after a long day and relieve stress.
Prenatal yoga
This type of yoga is specifically designed for pregnant women. Her exercises are gentle for obvious reasons and help the expectant mother strengthen the core and pelvic girdle.
Focus on breathing prepares the baby for delivery, where breathing plays an important role.
Pregnant women are helped not only physically but also psychologically as they develop balance and inner peace.
Anusara yoga
Anusara is a modern version of hatha yoga developed by teacher John Friend.
It gives weight to alignment and mind-body-heart alignment.
Jivamukti yoga
It is a trendy yoga style founded in 1984 by Sharon Ganon and David Life and has quickly attracted the interest of many artists in the US and other countries.
Jivamukti yoga includes intense physical activity, meditation and plenty of music.
This type of yoga emphasizes connection and harmonious relationships with the Earth. That is, it contradicts the dominant anthropocentric and egotistical position that everything should serve man.
Most Jivamukti yoga fans follow a vegetarian diet.
Many styles, but one the basic principle
There are many more yoga styles, such as the ones we have written about in detail.
For example, acro yoga, called acrobatics, combines the principles of yoga with the dynamic power of acrobatics.
We, through this article, have tried to present to you only the basics about the types of yoga that exist. In any case, you should choose based on your needs and temperament.
After all, yoga is not just a physical exercise, but a holistic system that helps balance the interior, so whatever style you choose will benefit you greatly.
Sources:
-Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom, by B.K.S. Iyengar
-The Aquarian Teacher - KRI International Kundalini Yoga Certification Text and Manual, Santa Cruz, NM, Kundalini Research Institute, Yogi Bhajan.
-Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body and Soul, Sharon Gannon, David Life.
-Restorative Yoga Therapy: The Yapana way to self-care and well-being, Carey, Leeann (New World Library).
-Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice, Mark Singleton (Oxford University Press).
By Dr Angel,
Αggeliki Koskeridou
Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
MSc Health Psychology
