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Yoga is a holistic practice though for some it is more a spiritual practice and for others it is a fitness tool. There are numerous types of yoga and a style to suit every need. Some people choose to participate in group classes and others take up private practice, either alone or with a teacher. Hatha Yoga is a general term for yoga. Hatha Yoga refers to yoga which aims to free people from the competing opposites of life. The word Hatha means ‘Ha’ for sun and ‘Tha’ for moon. The style uses deep breathing through the nostrils with the body following the energy flow. It is a good style for beginners due to the slow flowing movements with basic positions. Hatha aims to cleanse nurture and nourish the physical body. Practice of Hatha helps to integrate the body, mind and soul. For more advanced Dynamic Hatha is a more difficult form. There are many types of Hatha Yoga, such as Ananda Yoga which uses postures and breath to awaken the energies inside. Bikram Yoga is generally referred to as hot yoga. It is practiced in a 37 degree room. It is thought this helps to loosen muscles and induce sweating, which is cleansing. Bikram Yoga warms the body and stretches muscles. Practice is a set of 26, depending on the class and level of skill these may or may not be all used. It is more physical than contemplative and often a stepping stone to other styles of yoga. Bhakti Yoga is the yoga is more contemplative. It is the yoga of devotion to a higher power and teaches the love of all creatures. It is a multi faith practice and focus can be on any divine being one chooses. Rather than a set of postures of breathing exercise Bhakti Yoga consists of meditations, singing, dancing, chanting and praying but can also be extended to watching religious movies or reading spiritual books. Ashtanga Yoga is derived from the teachings of Sri Krishnamacharya and Sri Pattabhi Jois. It focuses on two types of breathe as breathing is the most important act of life. Ashtanga is faster paced with active, quick moments. It is considered more physically demanding. A series of postures are repeated in sequence. Often participants memorize postures and teachers adjust movements and postures. It strengthens bodies and improves stamina. Kundalini Yoga is the most comprehensive, it combining meditation, mantra, physical exercises and breathing. It is more focused on the spiritual practice than achieving perfect postures. It uses rapid movements, breathing and chanting to express love of the divine. Specific fast movements are timed to mantras, chants, breathing or meditations. It is thought to connect your heart to your conscious mind. There are specific sets of movements and matching actions to cleanse every area of the body. Iyengar Yoga is most concerned with correct posture and positioning of the body. It is important to hold postures for an extended period of time. Alignment is key. There is often use of aids, such as mats, balls, blankets, and steps, to help with posture.
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