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Knowing about these evolved styles would be very helpful to those starting to do Yoga. The most popular are Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga and Bikram, among many others.

Hatha Yoga

Also known as Hatha Vidya, Hatha arose in 15th century India as a preparatory stage in purifying the body for higher meditation.

‘Hatha’ comes from a combination of ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha,’ meaning sun and moon, regarded to be the essential paths of the body’s energy and which must be entirely operational for the attainment of a state of enhanced meditation. One definition of ‘hatha’ in Sanskrit is forceful. Hatha is the yoga style that is most identified with Yoga in the western countries and most popular for its physical and mental benefits. A Hatha yoga class usually focuses on traditional asanas or postures and some breathing techniques. This would be a good exposure for a yoga beginner while s/he still makes up his or her pace.

Kundalini Yoga

Unlike the other yoga styles, Kundalini applies other poses and breathing techniques. This modification aims to reach a higher level of awareness by coursing energy through the body’s chakras. A book on kundalini yoga illustrates it to be “the body’s latent spiritual potential.” Energy is symbolized by a twisted snake at the spine’s foundation.

Meditation during kundalini yoga has chantings during its performance. Breathing exercises consist of powerful exhalations through the nose and most stances are done while seated.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga moves are flowing and more exact at the same time, in contrast to hatha. The movements in Ashtanga is such that one sequence of positions is such that each change is in one breath. This coordinated inhalation-movement is called vinyasa which the regular practitioners can execute quite fast. Stimulating the sweat glands is vital to this yoga style because the sweat aids in the removal of toxins and thus, the purification of the body. The quick and smooth actions also facilitate blood circulation. This yoga style is best suited to those already comfortable with the various asanas.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is ideally performed in a room that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% humid. A common term for this style is ‘hot yoga.’ The heat is essential for protecting the stretching muscles while providing improved cardiovascular workout. It also cleans out the circulation and expels the toxins out of the body. Since there is high level of heat and humidity, yoga newcomers should best come to class well hydrated.

Other Styles

Other modifications in yoga styles have developed, among these are Lyengar yoga, which employs straps to facilitate body alignment. There are also the Sivananda which is comprised of chanting, meditation and vegetarian practices and Viniyoga, a style that is so personalized that the asanas are adapted to the practitioners’ requirements. Nowadays, there are also yoga styles for children, for pregnant women, for weight loss, etc.

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Source by Lindaa Adams