The Western World's Variations On Yoga Practices

There are now many different variations in Yoga styles that have developed in many centuries. A newcomer to Yoga would be helped by learning about these variations. 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. Hatha yoga class generally is applied to the traditional asanas and breathing techniques too. This would be a good exposure for a yoga beginner while s/he still makes up his or her pace.

Kundalini Yoga

In Kundalini yoga, different stances and breathing techniques are used, in comparison to the other yoga styles. The objective in this variation is to attain a much higher level of consciousness by routing energy in the body’s chakras. One book on Kundalini Yoga describes kundalini as “the body’s latent spritual potential.” A coiled snake situated at the foot of the spinal column represents the energy.

The performance of Kundalini includes chantings during its meditation aspects. The breathing techniques include vigorous exhalations through the nose while most asanas are performed in a sitting position.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga moves are flowing and more exact at the same time, in contrast to hatha. It is such that one string of positions progresses to another in one breath. Vinyasa is the term applied to the synchronized breath-movement and longtime devotees perform these swiftly. The reason for this style is to stir up sweat which is essential to expelling toxins out of the body to cleanse it. The rapid yet smooth movements assist in blood circulation, as well. This style would be better performed by those who've been performing the asanas regularly.

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. Circulation is also cleared and toxins are expelled from the body. Because of the heat involved in this style, beginners are advised to be well hydrated before performing it.

Other Styles

There are other variations that have sprung up in the practice of yoga, like Lyengar yoga, which involves the use of straps to assist in body alignment . There's also Sivanada, involving chanting, meditation and vegan lifestyle and Viniyoga which has postures that are customized as per the needs of the practitioners. At present yoga has evolved into particular styles for children, pregnant women or specific objectives like weight reduction.

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