Yoga Styles That Have Become Popular In The Western World

A newcomer to Yoga would be helped by learning about these variations. The most popular are Hatha, Kundalini, Ashtanga and Bikram, among many others.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga, also called Hatha Vidya,  was introduced in the 15th century in India where Hatha is introduced as a preliminary step of physical purification towards higher meditation.

Hatha comes from two words, ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha,’ sun and moon, which are considered to be the fundamental channels of energy of the body that must be totally functioning in order to reach a state of concentrated meditation. One definition of 'hatha' in Sanskrit is forceful.  Hatha yoga is the style most people in the western world associate with Yoga and most commonly practiced for mental and physical wellbeing. Hatha yoga class generally is applied to the traditional asanas and breathing techniques too. For one just starting Yoga, this style would be the practical one to follow as s/he is still establishing her/his tempo.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga employs postures and breathing exercises different from other styles of yoga. In this adaptation, the goal is attaining a higher stage of consciousness in directing the energy via the body's chakras.  In a book on Kundalini Yoga, it is depicted as "the body's latent spiritual potential.” Energy is portrayed like a coiled snake at the bottom of the spinal column.

Kundalini's meditations involve chanting while it is being done.  The breathing techniques include vigorous exhalations through the nose while most asanas are performed in a sitting position.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga moves are flowing and more exact at the same time, in contrast to hatha. The movements in Ashtanga is such that one sequence of positions is such that each change is in one breath. Vinyasa is the term applied to the synchronized breath-movement and longtime devotees perform these swiftly. The principle behind this style is the stimulation of sweat glands which facilitate toxin removal and body purification. The swift and flowing movements likewise help in blood circulation.  It would take one who's used to the many postures to do this style properly.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is ideally performed in a room that is 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 40% humid. It is popularly referred to as 'hot yoga.’ The heat is important for the protection of the muscles being stretched and at the same time, encourages enhanced cardiovascular workout.  Circulation is also cleared and toxins are expelled from the body.  Since there is high level of heat and humidity, yoga newcomers should best come to class well hydrated.

Other Styles

There are other variations that have sprung up in the practice of yoga, like Lyengar yoga, which involves the use of straps to assist in body alignment .  There are also the Sivananda which is comprised of chanting, meditation and vegetarian practices and Viniyoga, a style that is so personalized that the asanas are adapted to the practitioners’ requirements. At present yoga has evolved into particular styles for children, pregnant women or specific objectives like weight reduction.