Major Types of Yoga

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word 'yug,' which means 'to unify,' according to Yoga World. Yoga practice aims to unify the body, mind and emotions in order to enhance everyday life. According to The Yoga Site, the different types of yoga are distinguished by their emphasis; some types of yoga focus more on breath coordination, whereas others emphasize posture or body alignment.

  1. Kundalini Yoga

    • Kundalini yoga focuses on the release of dormant energy, otherwise known as kundalini energy. Yogi Bhajan of India brought the practice of kundalini yoga to the west in 1969. Kundalini yoga employs visualizations of spiritual energy, combined with breathing techniques, in order to allow for free flow of kundalini energy. For example, dormant kundalini energy is imagined as a coiled snake at the base of the spine, which can only be released by deep breathing and a strong nervous system.

    Bikram Yoga

    • Bikram yoga, named after founder Bikram Choudhury, utilizes extreme heat in order to cleanse the body of toxins and increase circulation. Bikram yoga is practiced in a heated room, normally 105 degrees Fahrenheit, in order to "soften" the body and allow for increased flexibility. Sweat is also seen as a positive side-effect, since it increases the cleansing effects of bikram yoga. Bikram yoga uses 26 postures, each of which stimulates and strengthens a particular part of the body.

    Hatha Yoga

    • According to Sanatan Society, "With ha meaning 'sun' and tha meaning 'moon,' hatha yoga is commonly translated as the yoga that brings union 'of the pairs of opposites.'" The primary aspects of hatha yoga are postures and breath control. For example, hatha yoga encourages holding one posture for an extended amount of time, in order to increase concentration and prepare the body for deep meditation. Hatha yoga is one of the original four traditional Indian yoga types, or Tantra yoga.