Types of Yoga: While the asanas (poses) of yoga, and the breathing techniques (pranayama) remain the same, the various combinations, situations, styles and objectives, determine the various types of yoga which are practiced today. Thus we have Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Bikram Yoga and Iyengar Yoga, to name a few.

Hatha Yoga: The two words ‘ha’ meaning ‘sun’ and ‘tha’ meaning ‘moon’ have been combining to form Hatha, which is translated to mean the pairing of opposites. Hatha yoga is also referred to as ‘forceful yoga’ since the hatha yoga poses are performed in the strongest and most forceful way. 

Hatha yoga concentrates on practicing the yoga exercises (asanas), followed by breath control (pranayama), with the aim of opening up and energizing the subtle channels (Nadis) of the body.

It also believes that mastering the various intricate poses increases greater concentration and will power, which ultimately leads to greater self awareness and better meditation powers. 

Ashtanga Yoga: Formulated by Patanjali, Ashtanga Yoga can be translated to mean the ‘Eight limbed yoga’. The eightfold path which leads to ultimate union with the universe includes:

• Yama, which is ethical principles and social restraints

• Niyama, which entails personal discipline, purity and tolerance.

• Asanas or physical exercises.

• Pranayama, which included yogic techniques of breathing.

• Pratyahara, which means a withdrawal of the senses.

• Dharana, which means concentration.

• Dhyana, which is meditation.

• Samadhi, which is ultimate salvation.

Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini Yoga is an ancient and very intense form of yoga, which uses kriyas to open up the blocked energy channels of our body.

Kundalini refers to the immense energy at the base of our spine, which can be activated o reach all the seven charkas (energy points) of our body. The Kundalini Shakti (energy) is often depicted as a coiled snake at the base of our spine.

Kundalini yoga classes often have intense chanting along with poses, breathing and meditation. The performance of kriyas (repetitive movements coupled with specific breathing exercises) is essential to warm up the spine, make it more flexible and open up the blockages.

This is a very spiritual type of yoga.

Bikram Yoga: This is a very special form of yoga which consists of 26 asanas, performed in a hot and humid room where temperatures are as high as 40.5 degrees Celsius.

Vinyasa Yoga: This is a very slow and graceful form of yoga. It consists mainly of the poses in the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) which are performed in a fluid sequence. One pose flows into the next. 

Iyengar Yoga: Founded by BKS Iyengar, this form of yoga allows the use of props like blocks and belts in helping to do the poses. It emphasizes the structural alignment of the body, along with strength, balance, flexibility and stamina in order to promote mental and physical health.