Yoga is a kind of physical exercise and fitness practice that not only helps in keeping body fit but also eradicates the physical and mental fatigue. Yoga is the perfect way to get peace and relief. Yoga is an ancient therapy using that one can get numbers of 8 types of yoga benefits.

Learn about 8 types of yoga

Hatha Yoga

The most popular form of yoga in the western world. Hatha yoga is often practiced solely for its physical benefit. Which are the physical postures or poses of yoga? This 15th century form of yoga is believed to purify the physical body and bring strength in order to lead to the purification of the mind.

Along with Asanas (poses), Hatha yoga includes breathing yoga exercises meditation and purification procedures known as ‘Shatkriyas‘. Hatha yoga is not just about stretching as many people mistake it for, it develops both strength and flexibility and each pose has specific physical benefits. Hatha Yoga with its many modern variations is the style that many people associate with the word “Yoga” today.

Ashtanga Yoga

Also known as Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga or Raja Yoga is one of the earliest types of yoga. Started around 5000 BC, Ashtanga yoga follows an eight fold path formulated by Patanjali’s also known as the eight limbs of yoga mainly-Yuma(moral code towards others); Niyama (personal discipline);

As you see out of the 8 limbs, only one involves the physical performance of yoga postures. Each of the limbs builds off each other in order, with an aim of achieving a healthy and fulfilling life. The benefits of this yoga practice is more than just the physicality found in Hatha yoga, it applies to everyday aspects of life and is more of a complete way of living rather than a short practice.

Karma Yoga

Many people are familiar with the term Karma, but how many know that it’s a types of yoga. Karma or ‘discipline of action’ is the conscious practice of those actions that bring the most amounts of good and the least amount of evil as it is believed the result of that action will reciprocate yours. This discipline of yoga dates back to before 800 BC and is a spiritual path that dedicates actions to God.

Jnana Yoga

Jnana yoga is a types of yoga that focuses on knowledge. Jnana Yoga includes knowing oneself that leads to self-realization, control of the senses, developing an indifference or detachment from objects, concentration, and attainment of tranquillity and ultimately bliss.

Pranayama Yoga

The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word Pranayama is ‘restraint (ayama) of breath (prana)’. It is the practice of breath control and breathing techniques. Since air is considered the breath of life or vital force responsible for life, its control into the various parts of the body especially the mind is said to help attain higher states of awareness. On a scientific level pranayama techniques are believed to be beneficial in treating a range of stress related disorders, asthma and oxidative stress.

Swara Yoga

Swara yoga focuses on controlling and manipulating the flow of breath in the nostrils. The word swara means “the sound of one’s own breath” and this form of yoga involves studying the nostril’s breath flow at all times of the day and seasons. It uses Pranayama or ‘breath control’ exercises as a part of a more precise and extensive focus on nose breathing.

Iyengar Yoga

Developed by the living yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar (now age 91), this modern adaptation of Patanjali’s Ashtanga yoga and Hatha yoga, uses props such as belts, cushions, blankets and blocks as aids in performing asanas (postures). This style of Yoga is said to promote strength, increase flexibility, endurance, balance and stamina through coordinated breathing and poses that require precise body alignment. Iyengar Yoga is one of the most popular types of yoga taught today. The poses are performed at a slow pace and are generally held longer than in other styles of yoga making it especially good if you’re recovering from an injury.

Power Yoga

The American interpretation of ashtanga yoga aimed at a physical workout is what has come to be known as Power Yoga. This fitness approach to yoga is a sweat-producing, muscle-building series of yoga asanas (poses) that flow into each other without the usual pauses between the poses practiced in traditional yoga. Power yoga is also breath-synchronized and the fluent movements from one pose to another create an almost aerobic workout feel. Power yoga’s popularity as a way to workout has made is a common option in the gyms of America.