Therapies... - Yoga - Types of Yoga |
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There are many forms of yoga practiced throughout the world. While sharing many common elements, some forms focus more on postures and pranayamas while others centre around more spiritual elements. The various forms are often viewed as rungs on a ladder, with Hatha being the "lowest" form and Raja, or "union by mental mastery" regarded as the "highest".
HathaHatha yoga, or The Yoga of Vitality, is the most popular form of yoga in the Western world. "Ha" means sun and "tha" means moon. This basic form of yoga is easy to learn and focuses on physical postures and breathing techniques.
KarmaKarma yoga, or The Yoga of Action, promotes selfless action and service, in the spirit of Mahatma Ghandi and others.
MantraMantra yoga, or Union by Voice or Sound, involves rhythmic repetitions of specific sounds or mantras. This form of yoga has been popularized by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of Transcendental Meditation.
Laya / KundaliniLaya/Kundalini yoga, or Union by Arousal of Latent Psychic Nerve Force, awakens psychic energy in the body and promotes union of the male and female parts of the individual.
RajaRaja yoga is regarded as the highest form of yoga. Transcending the body and its senses, Raja yoga seeks to communicate with the universal spirit.
Additional TypesOther types of yoga include Ananda, Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Flow, Integral, Iyengar, Kali Ray Triyoga, Kripalu, Restorative, Pilates, Pre-Natal, Post-Natal, Seniors', Sivananda, and Svaroopa yoga, with further variations depending on the instructor, class, or organization you are dealing with.
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