ecoPharmacist

Types Of Yoga

Learning more and more about the benefits of yoga, and the many types of yoga. According to mindbodygreen.com, there are several types of yoga to fit everyone’s needs to desired benefit.

 

There are many different types of yoga to practice, so it’s important to find out which type of yoga is right for you. Here’s a quick introduction to some of the most common and popular types of yoga:

 

Bikram Yoga – Get ready to practice yoga in 105 degree heat and in 40% humidity — hot! Though Bikram only has 26 poses and there’s lots of alignment work so it might be a good fit for beginners.

 

Hatha Yoga-Class is also likely to be focused on slow and gentle movements so it’s a great type of yoga to wind down with at night

 

Vinyasa Yoga-Commonly called “Vinyasa flow” or just “flow”, you’ll definitely be moving, flowing from one pose to the next. Other than starting with a sun salutation, no two classes will be alike. It’s the most popular style of yoga in America.

 

Kundalini Yoga-“Kundalini” refers to the energy of the Root Chakra, which surrounds the area around your lower spine. Expect lots of work in your “core” area and classes are known to be pretty intense.

 

Ashtanga Yoga-Commonly called Power yoga, Ashtanga is definitely physically demanding. It’s probably best suited for an ex-athlete or someone looking to really push their body.

 

Iyengar Yoga-Expect lots of props with this type of yoga such as blocks, harnesses, straps, and even cushions. There’s also a lot of focus on alignment so Iyengar can be great for physical therapy.

 

Anusara Yoga-Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara is epitomized by “the celebration of the heart. Expect many “heart-opening” poses like backbends and more talking by the instructor in class.

 

Restorative Yoga-Looking to wind down after a long day of work? Or perhaps you want to quiet your mind? Restorative yoga might be the answer as it’s focused on relaxation.

 

Jivamukti Yoga-Jivamukti is mostly practiced in NYC as it was founded there in 1984 by Sharon Gannon and David Life. It’s a mix of vinyasa flow sequencing infused with chanting and a vegetarian twist.

 

Prenatal Yoga-If you’re an expectant mother then Prenatal yoga is probably for you. Prenatal yoga is thought to be one of the best types of exercise for moms-to-be as there’s a lot of core work and a focus on breathing. Sorry guys, this one is not for you.

 

Yoga Poses To Balance The Chakras

Try these yoga poses to balance the chakras within you.

 

 

Seated Forward Bend

Use this pose to enhance your communication and self-expression.

 

Chakra:

Throat

 

Sounds To Make:

Mantra (activating): Ham

Syllable (calming): ee (as in bee)

 

 

 

 

Sun Salutation

Use this pose to enhance your creativity and pleasure.

 

Chakra:

Sacral

 

Sounds To Make:

Mantra (activating): Vam

Syllable (calming): oh (as in flow)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bharadvaja’s Twist

Use this pose to enhance your personal power and self-esteem

 

Chakra:

Solar Plexus

 

Sounds To Make:

Mantra (activating): Ram

Syllable (calming): ah (as in father)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camel Pose

Use this pose to enhance your inner peace.

 

Chakra:

Heart

 

Sounds To Make:

Mantra (activating): Yam

Syllable (calming): eh (as in say)

 

 

 

 

 

Warrior II Pose

Use this pose to enhance your survival and foundation.

 

Chakra:

Root

 

Sounds To Make:

Mantra (activating): Lam

Syllable (calming): oo (as in moo)

 

 

 

 

 

Tree Pose

Use this pose to enhance your intuition and imagination.

 

Chakra:

Third eye

 

Sounds To Make:

Mantra (activating): Om

Syllable (calming): mm (as in sum)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leg Up The Wall Pose

Use this pose to enhance your inspiration and sense of connection.

 

Chakra: 

Crown

 

Sounds To Make:

Mantra (activating): (silence)

Syllable (calming): ng (as in sting)