Different Types of Yoga and its Benefits
What is Yoga?
Yoga means union. It signifies a balanced union of the body, mind and soul. Yoga is a set of physical poses (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dhyan), which brings about this balance.
These sets of exercises were first formed by Patanjali almost 8000 years ago. Since then, some practitioners of yoga have also formulated a few variations of yoga.
Different types of Yoga: The different types of yoga differ in levels of difficulty and intensity. Some styles of yoga concentrate more on spiritual well-being, and some on the physical aspect.
Ashtanga Yoga, formulated by Patanjali, is a powerful yoga which increases stamina and concentration. It includes the eight-fold path of Yama (moral code), Pranayama (yoga breathing), Asana (poses), Niyama (personal discipline), Dharana (concentration), Prayahara (withdrawal of senses), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (salvation).
Hatha Yoga concentrates mainly on physical aspects and is helpful for learning techniques of relaxation.
Kundalini Yoga concentrates on spirituality as well as the physical aspects, and consists of breathing and chanting exercises along with the poses and meditation.
Bikram Yoga is also known as ‘hot yoga’ because it is done in a hot room.
Vinyasa Yoga is a rhythmic and slow form of yoga which is almost like a dance and brings serenity. The Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation) is a sequence of Vinyasa Yoga.
Power Yoga is an energetic and powerful type of yoga, practiced by those who want quick results.
Bhakti Yoga calls for love, devotion and, attachment to God. It advocates surrender of materialism which brings eternal peace.
Mantra Yoga teaches you to chant mantras, which will bring about positive vibrations in your body.
Raja Yoga focuses on bringing your mind into balance by directing the life force onto a single point, and thus attaining meditation.
Swara Yoga teaches you to manipulate and control your breath.
Kriya Yoga focuses on techniques of meditation which will activate your spiritual energy and help union with the Divine.
Karma Yoga teaches you to practice good karma (deeds) and dedicate these to the Divine.
Jnana Yoga focuses on the attainment of knowledge (jnana).
Benefits of Yoga:
Yoga means union. It signifies a balanced union of the body, mind and soul. Yoga is a set of physical poses (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation (dhyan), which brings about this balance.
These sets of exercises were first formed by Patanjali almost 8000 years ago. Since then, some practitioners of yoga have also formulated a few variations of yoga.
Different types of Yoga: The different types of yoga differ in levels of difficulty and intensity. Some styles of yoga concentrate more on spiritual well-being, and some on the physical aspect.
Ashtanga Yoga, formulated by Patanjali, is a powerful yoga which increases stamina and concentration. It includes the eight-fold path of Yama (moral code), Pranayama (yoga breathing), Asana (poses), Niyama (personal discipline), Dharana (concentration), Prayahara (withdrawal of senses), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (salvation).
Hatha Yoga concentrates mainly on physical aspects and is helpful for learning techniques of relaxation.
Kundalini Yoga concentrates on spirituality as well as the physical aspects, and consists of breathing and chanting exercises along with the poses and meditation.
Bikram Yoga is also known as ‘hot yoga’ because it is done in a hot room.
Vinyasa Yoga is a rhythmic and slow form of yoga which is almost like a dance and brings serenity. The Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutation) is a sequence of Vinyasa Yoga.
Power Yoga is an energetic and powerful type of yoga, practiced by those who want quick results.
Bhakti Yoga calls for love, devotion and, attachment to God. It advocates surrender of materialism which brings eternal peace.
Mantra Yoga teaches you to chant mantras, which will bring about positive vibrations in your body.
Raja Yoga focuses on bringing your mind into balance by directing the life force onto a single point, and thus attaining meditation.
Swara Yoga teaches you to manipulate and control your breath.
Kriya Yoga focuses on techniques of meditation which will activate your spiritual energy and help union with the Divine.
Karma Yoga teaches you to practice good karma (deeds) and dedicate these to the Divine.
Jnana Yoga focuses on the attainment of knowledge (jnana).
Benefits of Yoga:
- Increases physical strength, flexibility and stamina.
- Improves muscle tone and posture.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Helps to eliminate toxins from the body and improve functioning of organs.
- Gives you glowing and healthy skin.
- Increases tolerance to pain.
- Helps to heal injuries.
- Diminishes stress and help the body and mind to relax.
- Increases concentration, self control and mental clarity.
- Brings balance, harmony and peace of mind.
- Yoga also helps to cure a range of ailments from allergies, acidity, asthma and epilepsy to diabetes, depression, kidney stones and urinary tract disorders.
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