Introduction to yoga
At the TARA Psychology and Yoga center, we find it very interesting to investigate the different styles offered by the ancient practice of yoga, whose benefits are practically unlimited and cover physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person.
In this introductory text to yoga we have focused on Hatha Yoga , which we define below, since it is not limited to the work of the body and allows , with perseverance and constancy, the body-mind union.
For many of you, the idea of this practice may be biased by a wrong image of our society, thus making it difficult to reach its unlimited benefits. For this reason we offer to define in a simple way this concept and its different styles .
What is yoga?
The science of yoga has two aspects: the physical and the spiritual. For a yogi, health means the absence of disease and old age, since old age and death are the inevitable results of disease. It aspires to eliminate the root of all diseases , not to treat their symptoms as medical science generally does.
Today's psychologists and scientists do not understand the difference between spirit, mind, and body . It is not possible as long as we experiment with the exterior and do not direct our attention inwards and observe our own mind and soul.
What types of yoga exist?
HATHA YOGA
It includes all types that are based on physical practice, that includes Ashtanga and Iyengar Yoga for example but not Kriya , Raja or Karma Yoga , which are not based on physical practice.
It is recommended to start with Hatha Yoga , since the pace is much slower than other styles . The practice consists of having to maintain a posture for several breaths and also emphasizes meditation, and correct breathing to posture. It also includes breathing and relaxation techniques.
IYENGAR YOGA
Founded by BKS Iyengar, this form of yoga is ideal for those who want to work on injuries and joint problems.
Focused on the correct alignment of the body and very precise movements . Stances are held for as long as you hold your breath, and the duration of each stance increases with experience. The “perfect” posture is achieved with the help of accessories such as cloques, blankets, etc. This practice improves stability, mobility, strength and flexibility.
KUNDALINI YOGA
It is a style of yoga that is both physical and spiritual, and involves a lot of meditation, mantras, mudras, and breathing techniques . The central purpose of this style is to release the Kundalini energy that develops in the lower spine. It is necessary to practice many fast-moving postures with periods of relaxation where you will be taught to pay attention to inner sensations and the flow of creative energy so that you can harness your Kundalini-shakti . This style is recommended for those looking for more than a physical practice.
ASHTANGA YOGA
Beyond other types of introduction to yoga, this involves more physical demand. Begin with five Sun Salutations A and five Sun Salutations B, then move into a series of standing and ground postures. In Mysore (India), people gather to practice this form of yoga together at their own pace ; in a “Mysore style” Ashtanga class you are expected to know the sequence of the series of postures.
VINYASA YOGA
It means "to place in a special way" the determined positions. Vinyasa was adapted from Ashtanga Yoga in the 1980s.
In classes, the movement is coordinated with the breath and goes from one position to another. The postures vary greatly depending on the instructor. It can include mantras and meditation as well.
BIKRAM YOGA
A sweaty style of yoga, it features a sequence of poses in a sauna-like room, usually at 105 degrees and 40% humidity. The sequence includes a series of 26 basic poses, repeating each one twice. You release toxins from the body, while with the postures you work all the parts of your body and bring oxygenated blood to all your internal organs.
YIN YOGA
Very slow practice that allows you to maintain the postures for a longer time, from 45 seconds to 5 minutes. There are also many sitting postures and it includes spiritual focus, search for inner calm and relaxation. By maintaining postures for a long time, the connective tissue is stretched, allowing greater elasticity . It also improves blood circulation and energy in the body.
PRENATAL YOGA
Practice for pregnant women, safely without putting the fetus at risk . It can be practiced in all trimesters, it works the pelvic floor muscles and teaches breathing techniques that make childbirth easier. We hope that you have obtained a more complete vision of this ancient practice with this information on introduction to yoga and we encourage you to try and practice constantly to experience those body-mind-spirit benefits, because as it is said “what it takes to arrive, it remains in time and takes time to disappear”.
Thank you for your attention!
TARA Psychology and Yoga.
