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Yoga PhilosophyWhat are the 8 limbs of yoga and how do they relate to modern times? Take a stroll down a path of expansion as we dive into mindset, relationships with ourselves and others, self-observation, philosophy around mindfulness and how we are the placebo in the creation of our reality. Your physical practice directly translates into these other tenets of ascension, is served by them, and is serving to them.
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8 Limbs of Yoga | Types of Yoga | Yamas & Niyamas
Styles/Types of Yoga
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of types and styles of yoga. Some methods are more well known having closer ties to the ancient origins of this practice and others are new-age styles of a modern era. We have listed several more common styles of yoga below:
Vinyasa
Vinyasa yoga links breath to movement. Vinyasa teachers create unique sequences intended to form a flowing, smooth experience for students. Classes are often paired with music. Vinyasa classes are often lively and more dynamic than other styles of yoga. No two vinyasa classes are the same.
Bikram
Bikram yoga is now often called by other names (“Hot 26” for example) due to lawsuits by Bikram Choudhury. Bikram is a specific set of 26 postures, performed in the same order every class. The room is set to a specific 105º with a humidity of 40%. Postures are not ‘linked’ but rather experienced on separate tracks and independent from another.
Hatha
Hatha yoga is an more generic term used for any type of yoga that teaches physical postures. In modern culture, hatha is often referenced for ‘slower’ paced classes though this term/definition is not entirely accurate. Hatha yoga is allphysical yoga, fast or slow, challenging or calming.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga means "eight-limbs". Ashtanga yoga is similar to Vinyasa in that it links breath to movement but different in that it is the same series/sequence every class. Ashtanga classes feel ‘flowing’ in nature but will produce the same experience for the student given the same base sequence that is used for each class.
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. Iyengar is a very meticulous style of yoga that focuses intently on alignment. Props are essential if practicing Iyengar yoga. Often times, postures are held for longer periods of time in Iyengar yoga so as to find proper alignment and engagement. Iyengar yoga is a ‘safer’ form of yoga if you are experiencing any injuries or chronic conditions.
Restorative
Restorative yoga is generally practiced mostly lying down or in very restful postures. Restorative yoga is calming and intended to bring the body to a relaxed state using bolsters, blankets, etc. Postures are offered to gently work in to the fascia of the body, to elongate, release, and expand into tension and tightness.
Yin
Yin yoga is different than restorative yoga. Though yin yoga is often also practiced often lying down or in floor positions, the practice is intended to be more engaged. Yin yoga targets the fascia of the body with active stretching. Many restorative postures translate into yin yoga but are then practiced in a more active nature, by flexing the feet or intentionally shortening in order to stay in an engaged range of motion.
Kundalini
Kundalini yoga is a dynamic and powerful practice, often referred to as the Yoga of Awareness. Kundalini combines breath, mudra, mantra, body locks, and asana. Through the practice of Kundalini, we aim to strengthen the nervous system (sympathetic/para-sympathic balance), expand lung capacity thus inviting more prana/energy, purify, and ultimately bring balance to the body, mind, and soul.
Vinyasa yoga links breath to movement. Vinyasa teachers create unique sequences intended to form a flowing, smooth experience for students. Classes are often paired with music. Vinyasa classes are often lively and more dynamic than other styles of yoga. No two vinyasa classes are the same.
Bikram
Bikram yoga is now often called by other names (“Hot 26” for example) due to lawsuits by Bikram Choudhury. Bikram is a specific set of 26 postures, performed in the same order every class. The room is set to a specific 105º with a humidity of 40%. Postures are not ‘linked’ but rather experienced on separate tracks and independent from another.
Hatha
Hatha yoga is an more generic term used for any type of yoga that teaches physical postures. In modern culture, hatha is often referenced for ‘slower’ paced classes though this term/definition is not entirely accurate. Hatha yoga is allphysical yoga, fast or slow, challenging or calming.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga means "eight-limbs". Ashtanga yoga is similar to Vinyasa in that it links breath to movement but different in that it is the same series/sequence every class. Ashtanga classes feel ‘flowing’ in nature but will produce the same experience for the student given the same base sequence that is used for each class.
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. Iyengar is a very meticulous style of yoga that focuses intently on alignment. Props are essential if practicing Iyengar yoga. Often times, postures are held for longer periods of time in Iyengar yoga so as to find proper alignment and engagement. Iyengar yoga is a ‘safer’ form of yoga if you are experiencing any injuries or chronic conditions.
Restorative
Restorative yoga is generally practiced mostly lying down or in very restful postures. Restorative yoga is calming and intended to bring the body to a relaxed state using bolsters, blankets, etc. Postures are offered to gently work in to the fascia of the body, to elongate, release, and expand into tension and tightness.
Yin
Yin yoga is different than restorative yoga. Though yin yoga is often also practiced often lying down or in floor positions, the practice is intended to be more engaged. Yin yoga targets the fascia of the body with active stretching. Many restorative postures translate into yin yoga but are then practiced in a more active nature, by flexing the feet or intentionally shortening in order to stay in an engaged range of motion.
Kundalini
Kundalini yoga is a dynamic and powerful practice, often referred to as the Yoga of Awareness. Kundalini combines breath, mudra, mantra, body locks, and asana. Through the practice of Kundalini, we aim to strengthen the nervous system (sympathetic/para-sympathic balance), expand lung capacity thus inviting more prana/energy, purify, and ultimately bring balance to the body, mind, and soul.
