Major Yoga Styles

There is a diverse variety of styles of yoga, which have a huge degree of popularity all over the world. The reason for this great popularity and acknowledgement is the practical usefulness of this system of exercise, which not only benefits the mind but also contributes a big deal towards the maintenance of physical health and fitness. So as to speak, the different styles of yoga are world renowned and are taught and practiced all over the world.

The postures, which are mainly, referred to as asanas in the yogic code of language forms an integral part of all these different styles of yoga. Although on the surface, all of the styles of yoga seem to share these postures in common but in reality, each style of yoga has a different emphasis, a different focus around which the entire exercise revolves. The most important styles of yoga, which are practiced and taught in today’s world are hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga (both of these are general terms, which are also used to describe other important styles of yoga), ashtanga yoga, power yoga (which is a direct inspiration of ashtanga yoga and is based on the flowing style of ashtanga yoga), iyengar yoga, kundalini yoga, bikram yoga (which is also referred to as hot yoga because of the increased temperature requirement in this particular form of yoga), anusara yoga, jivamukti, forest, integral and sivananda (the last three styles have a greater level of intensity in terms of physical activity and usually include some chants).

The Hatha term is quite a general term in the light of yoga. Basically it could encompass a majority of the different styles of yoga. If any of the yoga styles are described as a hatha style yoga, it means that this particular style of yoga that is being referred to has a slow and steady nature and is very gentle in continuity. In addition to that, it also means that this certain yoga style has the capability to provide a sound and appropriate introduction to the basics of the yoga system. The Vinyasa, shares the general reference factor with hatha yoga in common. Just like hatha yoga, vinyasa is also a term, which is used in a general regard for the different types and styles of yoga. In the literal sense of the word, vinyasa yoga is taken in the meaning of breath-synchronized movement. As for the Ashtanga style of yoga, it is basically a fast-paced style that involves a greater level of intensity. As a result, this particular yoga style is physically demanding as well. Another style of yoga is power yoga, which is a direct inspiration of Ashtanga yoga and the basis of its existence is the flowing style of Ashtanga yoga. Th iyengar style of yoga is based on the teachings of Mr.B.K.S Iyengar, who was a yogi himself. Next in line is Bikram yoga, which is also, called hot yoga. The special factor connected to Bikram yoga is the recommended high temperature, which is a pre-requisite for practicing this certain style of yoga. This extra heat leads to many physical and spiritual boosts however critics point out that this increase in temperature could also be the cause (direct and / or indirect) of major health risks. The next style of yoga is the Kundalini style of yoga. In this particular yoga type, the prime factor of focus is the degree of harmony in the combination of breath and physical movement, the purpose of which is to free the inward energy in the lower segment of the body, thus allowing it to travel to the upward part. Another important style of yoga is the doggie style yoga, which is also known as ‘ruff yoga’. This type of yoga is aimed towards dogs and the benefits resulting from practicing ‘ruff’ yoga include reduction in stress for both the owners and the pets (dogs) along with the development of a stronger bond between the owner and the dog.

Overall the scope of yoga in terms of benefits as well as application is widening day by day providing greater opportunities and modes of convenience to people along with the promise of providing a healthy style of living.