Time was when yoga was just yoga. It is not the case anymore as Yoga has spawned many different styles and “types” attributed to a lineage, a guru, a teacher or a modern-day version of a yogi. Of the numerous styles available today, I have chosen a few and put them together for a better understanding of the different types of yoga available.
Ananda Yoga: As the name itself suggests, ananda yoga is focused on developing bliss consciouness. In this style, yoga is done to increase prana to the brain and get the body ready for meditation.
Anusara Yoga: Anusara is a modern version of an ancient art. It couples a strict movement regime with a playful undercurrent and so encourages the practitioner to connect to the self.
Ashtanga Yoga: This is a system developed by Shri K Pattabhi Jois of Mysore whereby systematic sychronization of the breath and movement take place. It pairs pranayama with demanding asana practice and the asana itself are done in a flowing style of continuous movement called vinyasa.
Bikram Yoga: This is the famous Hot Yoga. It is believed that the high temperature under which this yoga is practiced promotes flexibility, protection from injury and blood purification. Its founder, Bikram Choudury developed it so that it uses all aspects of fitness including strength, endurance, cardio, flexibility, and weight loss.
Hatha Yoga: This is the yoga that all other yoga styles come from. The word “hatha” means “sun-moon” and the aim of this type of yoga is to balance the solar and lunar energies of the body, also known as yang and yin. This is done through the practice of asana, pranayama and meditation.
Iyengar Yoga: This branch of yoga has been developed by master yogi, shri BKS Iyengar. It promotes stability, endurance, flexibility and strength while using the breath to propel the body's movements. It focuses on precision in body alignment and uses props to this end. It revolutionized yoga in a sense because it brought props into the picture. The aim was to help people assume poses that the body resisted by giving it a sense of security through props and thereby easing it into the specific pose.
There are yet other styles that have come into their own and are now enjoying a good following. However, some of the most commonly practiced styles of yoga are the ones discussed in this article.