Yoga (Sanskrit: योग)
is a commonly known generic term for the physical, mental,
and spiritual practices or disciplines which
originated in ancient India with a view to attain a state of
permanent peace. Specifically, yoga is one of the six āstika ("orthodox") schools of Hindu philosophy. One of the most detailed and thorough
expositions on the subject is the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali,
which defines yoga as "the stilling of the changing states of the mind" (Sanskrit:
योग: चित्त-वृत्ति निरोध:).
Yoga has
also been popularly defined as "union with the divine" in other
contexts and traditions.[3] Various traditions of yoga are found
in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
Post-classical traditions consider Hiranyagarbha as
the originator of yoga. Pre–philosophical
speculations and diverse ascetic practices of first millennium BCE were
systematized into a formal philosophy in early centuries CE by the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. By the turn of the first millennium, Hatha yoga emerged
as a prominent tradition of yoga distinct from Patanjali's Yoga
Sutras and marks the
development of asanas into the full body postures now in
popular usage
and, along with its many modern variations, is the style that many people
associate with the word yoga today.
Hindu monks, beginning with Swami Vivekananda, brought yoga to the West in the late 19th
century. In the 1980s, yoga became popular as a system of
physical exercise across
the Western world. This form of yoga is often called Hatha yoga. Many studies have tried to determine the
effectiveness of yoga as a complementary intervention for cancer,
schizophrenia, asthma and heart patients. In
a national survey, long-term yoga practitioners in the United States reported
musculo–skeletal and mental health improvements.
Types of
Yoga Practice
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. (Sorry,
guys!) Some say that Prenatal is one of the best types of exercise for
moms-to-be as there's a lot of core work and a focus on breathing.