Types of Yoga
Anusara
"To step into the current of divine will." An integrated approach to hatha yoga in which the human spirit blends with the precise science of biomechanics. A new system of hatha yoga.
Power Yoga
A western spin on Ashtanga Yoga designed to create heat and energy flow. Created by Bender Birch in 1995.
Viniyoga
An approach to yoga that adapts the various means and methods of pratice to the unique condition, needs and interests of the individual to actualize the process of self-discovery and personal transformation.
Integral
Classes incorporate gentle asana, guided relaxation, breathing practices, sound vibration (repetition of mantra or chant), and silent meditation. A way to integrate yoga's teachings into everyday work and relationships to promote greater peace and tolerance. Introduced by Reverend Sri Swami Satchindananda in 1966.
Vinyasa Yoga
Combines a series of flowing postures with rhythmic breathing. Ashtanga, Power and Jivamukti are a few types of Vinyasa Yoga.
Iyengar
Founder BKS Iyengar, Pune India. Penetrates deeper into the experience of each pose. This system demands precise muscular and skeletal alignment. The Yoga Center in Bellevue Washington teaches Iyengar Yoga.
Sivananda
Geared toward answering the question, "Who am I?" Based on the philosophy of Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, India who taught disciples to "serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realize."
Jivamukti
Highly meditative and physically challenging form of yoga--Founded in1986 by David Life and Sharon Gannon.
Bikram
Hot yoga, designed to replicate the southern Indian climate with temperatures pushing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Designed by Bikram Choudhury who sequenced a series of 26 traditional hatha postures. He first visited the USA in 1971.
Tantra
Some involve sexual practices and meditations. Modern tantra: exploring how to discover and strengthen love, relationship, and connection, while riding waves of creative force that is sexuality
Kundalini
Stemming from the tantra yoga path, practice incorporates postures, dynamic breathing techniques, chanting and meditation on mantras. Practitioners concentrate on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward through each of the seven chakras.
Kripalu
The deep release of prana (life's energy force) through movement in three stages of practice--willful practice, willful surrender and meditation in motion. Developed by Amrit Desai in the 1970s.
Hatha Yoga
The most widely practiced form of yoga in the world. Hatha Yoga use postures (asana) and conscious breathing (Pranayama) to develop awareness, strength and flexibility, and relaxation. There are many different traditions, styles, and branches of Hatha Yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga
The practice of Ashtanga (8 Limbs) is a fast-paced series of sequential postures. Aka Raja (kingly) yoga. Attributed to Patanjali but popularized by Swami Vivekananda
Karma yoga
Yoga of action, of doing Seeks to bring more awareness and artistry into our actions
Bhakti
Yoga of devotion; consisting of prayer, songing, devotional pracrices, study of scriptures, rememberance of god, service, and rituals Modern interpretation: directing devotion to magic, mystery, beauty of life and high powers
Jnana yoga
Yoga of wisdom, based on study of oneself and everything in life Encourages inquiry and questioning
Tibetan
A term used among Buddhists to describe a range of meditation and pranayama practices. Composed of five flowing movements, this active workout keeps students on the move. Classes may be difficult to find because little is known in the West about the physical practice of Tibetan Yoga.
