The 24 Types Of Yoga That Will Improve Your Mental Balance
Yoga, despite being fashionable in the West, is an ancient practice which has been shown to have many benefits, both physical and psychological. For many, it is not only a way to keep the body firm and healthy, but it is key to their mental well-being.
Given its long history and popularity in regions of Asia, today there is not simply yoga, but There are, rather, several types of yoga created with different objectives. Let’s see what they are.
Anyone can learn to practice yoga, and that is why it has so many followers. In the last decade, its practice in the West has increased in such a way that it is possible to enjoy its benefits in any gym or in specialized training centers.
The benefits of this ancient art are the following:
You can delve into these benefits in our articles: “The 6 psychological benefits of yoga” and “10 benefits of yoga for athletes (according to science)”
Types of Yoga
Over the centuries, this practice has evolved and many types of yoga have emerged. They are the following:
1. Iyengar
The main characteristic of this type of yoga is the intensity with which attention must be maintained in the present It is named after its founder Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar. It uses accessories such as wooden blocks, ribbons, harnesses and tilt boards that help achieve more perfect postures and allow individuals with physical limitations to do the asanas.
2. Yoga Mindfulness
Mindfulness Yoga or Attentive Yoga refers to a type of yoga in which full awareness of breathing and the connection between the body and mind is worked on. It’s meditation in motion, where the important thing is to be aware of the union of the body and mind and to detect the limitations of each one. Self-compassion and self-care are worked on.
3. Bikram
This type of yoga refers to a series of exercises, specifically, 26 demanding asanas and difficult to master that are carried out in a space where the temperature is 42°C. Sessions last 90 minutes.
4. Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga is the most practiced in the world There are other types of yoga, some more mental and others that promote love and are more selfless. Hatha Yoga is known as physical yoga, and although it also has a spiritual component (meditation, breathing…), it has a strong physical component.
5. Anusara
A type of modern yoga that was created in 1997 It focuses on its asanas that open the heart and take into account the spiritual and meditative benefits of this practice.
6. Passive yoga
passive yoga It is a preventive and relaxing technique, and it is a healing therapy that encompasses all the vital areas of the human being: the physical, mental and emotional. It is also called Thai Massage.
7. Vinyasa yoga
It is known as Yoga flow and refers to the connection with breathing and movement of asanas The transition from one to the other is smooth. Each session ends in savasana, which is the final relaxation posture.
8. Ashtanga Yoga
This type of yoga is also known as “Power Yoga”. Like the previous one, it focuses on the connection between asanas and breathing, but movements are faster and more physical
9. Hot yoga
Like Bikram Yoga too It is practiced in a room with a high temperature However, it does not contemplate the sequence of 26 Bikram postures, but any type of yoga can be used.
10. Kundalini Yoga
It focuses on breathing (pranayama) and core work, while paying attention to developing awareness. Each posture has a different breathing technique associated with it, with the idea that this intensifies the posture. A very spiritual and meditative style.
11. Yin Yoga
Developed by Paulie Zink, is a slow style of yoga in which postures are held for long periods of time. This helps strengthen connective tissue, improve circulation and increase flexibility.
12. Yoga Jivamukti
It is a type of Hatha yoga, but it is not just a physical exercise to keep the body in shape or to increase strength or flexibility. This style of yoga aims to lead to enlightenment and It is based on the idea of the unity of being in which the relationship with others is of great importance.
13. Kripalu Yoga
A type of yoga that has three characteristic elements: knowing, accepting and learning from the body. It’s based on a series of prolonged postures that promote meditation The person must feel deeply to find the spontaneous flow in the asanas.
14. Restorative Yoga
A job that requires deep meditation, with slow movements A yoga of few postures and short duration, but with the objective of a psychic cleansing, to feel like new.
15. Yoga Sivananda
A slow yoga practice in which 12 asanas are always used. This type of yoga has its origin in a philosophy that relaxation, diet, exercise and positive thinking work together to form a healthy yogic lifestyle
16. Viniyoga
It is based on the idea of adapting goals to your own needs and abilities. “Vini” refers to differentiation, adaptation and appropriate application. It is a new type of yoga, which does not use strength and flexibility if not proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF).
17. Prenatal Yoga
Yoga can be of great help for mothers. prenatal yoga It is ideal for those women who are pregnant Thanks to Prenatal Yoga, future mothers will be able to take care of their body or maintain a healthy and relaxed mind, as well as a much more relaxed birth.
18. Tantric yoga
A yoga that has its origin in the control of all energies, including sexual It is ideal to practice as a couple as it promotes unity and balance between masculine and feminine energies.
19. Forrest Yoga
Forrest Yoga is a practice that demands great physical effort and whose objective is to transport the person’s transformation beyond the yoga sessions. Aims to overcome emotional blockages and find the way forward.
20. Ishta Yoga
This type of yoga It was created by Alan Finger in the 60s in South Africa It is based on the idea of mental clarity and generosity of spirit. This practice combines the principles of Hatha and Tantra yoga.
21.Yoga focused on the Core
This is a type of Yoga that has been created in gyms in the United States. It was born in Denver in 2002 and, since then, has spread throughout the West. Focuses on the central part of the body
22. Integral Yoga
A gentler style of Hatha Yoga, which It has its origin in the ideas and guidelines of Sri Swami Satchidananda In an attempt to integrate mind, body and spirit, this type of yoga includes chanting and meditation.
23. Yoga Moksha
Founded in Canada in 2004, it is also known as Modo Yoga. It is a style that It has 45 asanas performed in an air-conditioned room just like hot Yoga.
24. Yoga Sridaiva
This style is very peculiar, different from the previous ones and introduces a new alignment system. It is quite different from other types of yoga in which the knees remain bent and the pelvis is always tilted forward. Defenders say they find new strength in this lineup.
