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Styles of Yoga

Styles of Hatha Yoga come in many variations with the same basic 'seed-postures' as a common link. Differences arise from variations on breath, sequence, motion, alignment and overall form. At One Yoga classes offer many different types of Hatha Yoga with the overall emphasis of integrating a serene mind, harmonious Spirit and powerfully healthy body.

Popular Styles of Yoga

Anusara

Anusara means "flowing with grace". Started by John Friend, Anusara yoga is a heart-oriented, spiritually inspiring, biomechanically integrated approach to self-discovery.

Ashtanga

Started by Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga Integrates all eight limbs of yoga through the practice of six sequential series. Emphasizes ujjayi breathing and yogic locks or "bandhas" into a flowing vinyasa style to create a purifying internal heat. The first series called Yoga Chikitsa or Yoga Therapy emphasizes forward bends. The second series emphasizes backbends. Both are designed to strengthen and align the gross muscular and skeletal system, heal glands and organs and balance the flow of energy in the body. BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois each had Krishamachacharya as their original yoga teacher.

Bikram

Started by Bikram Choudury, a series of 26 deep asanas chosen to strengthen and heal the entire body. Practiced in a heated room.

Kundalini

Emphasizing breath (Pranayama) and Mantra (sound or chanting), focuses on raising consciousness and energy (Kundalini) up from the base of the spine through Susumna, the central energy channel upon which all seven Chakras are aligned. Often uses Breath of Fire and different Drishtis or gazing points to elevate prana and merge with the infinite creator. Very effective for balancing glands and organs and healing the physical/emotional body.

Iyengar

Started by BKS Iyengar, a form of Hatha yoga emphasizing but not limited to form and alignment. Iyengar Yoga is extremely effective for realignment and healing of the skeletal system and creating clarity of thought and precision of action. BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois each had J. Krishnamurthi as their original yoga teacher.

Power

Power yoga is an integration of many styles of yoga. Like Ashtanga, it emphasizes breath and a vinyasa flow to build internal heat. Like Iyengar Yoga, it can also emphasize form and alignment. Popularized by Bryan Kest and Beryl Bender Birch and Tom Birch.


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