The evolution of yoga styles
Starting from hatha yoga, different yoga styles have derived over the past thousand years.
Hatha yoga is the best known and most practiced yoga style in India and thus the origin of yoga. Hatha yoga is based on sequenced movements, which are combined with a pranayama breathing technique and meditation.
Kundalini yoga comes from Northern India and means activating one’s own inner power. Kundalini energy can flow through the whole body by activating and opening the bandhas (body locks, muscles). Therefore, activating the Kundalini energy is done through a sequence of breathing exercises.
Ashtanga yoga is called the supreme discipline among all yoga styles and therefore consists of six exercise series. These are practiced for months or years. The constant sequence of exercises creates a kind of meditation in movement.
Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic, flowing and powerful form of yoga in which the synchronization of dynamic movements with breathing (Ujjayi) is the main focus. The sequence of asanas is not fixed and varies accordingly.
Jivamuki yoga is a powerful physical and spiritually oriented practice based on Vinyasa Flow. The sequence of asanas is not fixed and varies accordingly.
Yin yoga is a meditative practice compared to the other yoga styles and is therefore mostly practiced sitting or lying down. The focus of this practice is based on completely letting go and relaxing the muscles.
Be curious and try out yourself and your personal yoga style!
Iyengar yoga is a slow sequence with focus on healing the body. Thus, this yoga practice is health oriented as it focuses on body control.
Sivananda yoga originated in Northern India according to the teachings of its guru Swami Sivananda. Therefore, the focus of this yoga style is on meditative and spiritual practice.
Anusara yoga is similar to hatha yoga. The focus is on the correct practice of the asanas. This style of yoga opens your heart and awakens joy within you.