Common Variations of Yoga as Practiced in the West

Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga, otherwise known as Hatha Vidya, begun in India in the 15th century as an initial stage of body cleansing for advanced 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. A Sanskrit dictionary defines 'hatha' as forceful. Hatha yoga is the style most people in the western world associate with Yoga and most commonly practiced for mental and physical well-being. In Hatha yoga classes, focus is on the traditional poses as well as breathing exercises. For one just starting Yoga, this style would be the practical one to follow as s/he is still establishing her/his tempo.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga employs postures and breathing exercises different from other styles of yoga. The objective in this variation is to attain a much higher level of consciousness by routing energy in the body's chakras. In a book on Kundalini Yoga, it is depicted as "the body's latent spiritual potential." Energy is portrayed like a coiled snake at the bottom of the spinal column.

Kundalini's meditations involve chanting while it is being done. The breathing techniques include vigorous exhalations through the nose while most asanas are performed in a sitting position.

Ashtanga Yoga

The Ashtanga style varies from hatha in the smooth and more specific moves. 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. The reason for this style is to stir up sweat which is essential to expelling toxins out of the body to cleanse it. 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. It is popularly referred to as 'hot yoga.' The heat is important for the protection of the muscles being stretched and at the same time, encourages enhanced cardiovascular workout. Circulation is also cleared and toxins are expelled from the body. Since there is high level of heat and humidity, yoga newcomers should best come to class well hydrated.

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 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.

Linda Adams adores all things that have to do with health.

One of the most excellent health websites Linda has found is Yoga Classes Kamloops, which is a special mix of yoga and health.

New to yoga? National Yoga Month is a Good Opportunity to Find out What it's All About | Yoga has a Long History in America | First-time Yoga Students should be Mindful of Rules of the Studio | Join Kamloops Yoga Boot Camp And Train Your Mind And Body | Stretch and Bend Away those Menopausal Pains with Yoga | Kamloops Yoga Fitness Tips