Alternative Therapies

Based on the emphasis given to different aspects, yoga is practiced and taught in different styles.

1. Hatha yoga style is done in a slow pace and gives a good foundation for yoga practice. It aims at the harmonizing of body, mind and soul. In Sanskrit, “ha” stands for the “sun” and “tha’ stands for the “moon”. It expresses the duality in life.
2. Astanga yoga is an intense yoga style that is performed in a set series. There is a constant flow from one pose to the next.
3. Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar. It gives emphasis on how our body should be aligned in each pose so as to get maximum benefits and avoid injury. The focus is on understanding the body and its workings. Each pose is held for a longer period of time than in other styles. In Iyengar yoga, props are also used to improve the posture and get maximum benefits.
4. Kundalini yoga style gives prominence to breath control. It involves rapid movements rather than staying in a particular posture for a long time. It awakens the kundalini energy at the base of the spine. It gives importance to chanting and breathing exercises.
5. Bikram yoga is practiced in a room with very high temperature. The body is cleansed through profused sweating.
6. The Sivananda yoga practice is made up of five principles: Yogasana, Pranayama, Savasana, meditation and a vegetarian diet. It introduces suryanamaskara which is a combination of 12 sun salutation poses. It is accompanied by breathing exercises and mantra chanting.