Yoga is a life-changing practice and its history can be traced back more than 5,000 years ago in India where it was first developed. Over the centuries this practice has changed and evolved to meet people’s needs for healing or spiritual growth with various types emerging such as Hatha Yoga which focuses on physical postures and breathing techniques.
The written traces in Sanskrit considered to be the founding basis of yoga come from two scholars who are also referred as Yoga sutra of Patanjali authors: one would have been grammarian and the other one compiled various sentences related with this complex tradition that has since spanned across many cultures around world such as India where it originated centuries ago.
Yoga is a life-changing practice which helps you
focus on what matters most:
YOURSELF
However, the origin of yoga is a topic that has been subject to much debate and consideration. While some myths about its appearance have circulated, it’s difficult to accurately determine when the first person practiced yoga as we know it today.
These short sentences will then be transcribed by masters so they may be accessible for all. And these transcriptions are what define different types or styles within this practice. The Yoga Sutra itself was likely developed in ancient India though no one knows exactly where those origins lie.
Today the practice of yoga is increasing significantly and is spreading throughout the world and especially in Europe.
An increasingly widespread practice around the world
Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years. There are currently more than 250 million practitioners worldwide, which shows just how much people enjoy this sport – it combines both physical and mental activity for an excellent workout. The alliance of the two is therefore good for the body and the mind.
In addition, the practice of yoga is accessible to everyone and at any age, thus you don’t have to be an to achieve different postures. It means that even if someone has limitations due to their injuries or other conditions like arthritis in old age they will manage through gracefully as long as there’s desire.
The key thing about this activity lies within breath and posture coordination so when performing certain positions you must focus intently on how deeply you inhale and exhale while simultaneously following the different movements.
In the yogi culture, certain positions balance the different chakras. Relaxation, flexibility and bodybuilding are just three of the many benefits that come from practicing yoga asanas.
Yoga is a popular form of exercise that combines physical postures, meditation and breathing exercises. There are over 20 different types all sharing the goal to provide balance through movement while also focusing on your mental state.
From the gentlest to the most athletic, you can easily find the style of yoga that suits you according to your possibilities and your goals.
It is easy to practice yoga, alone or with others, by taking classes or watching one of the many videos available on the internet that will allow you to perform the different postures in the right way. However, we advise you to follow the lessons of an experienced teacher who will guide you to perform the exercises safely without the risk of hurting yourself, especially if you are a beginner.
Among the 20 types of yoga, 10 stand out and are the most practiced and in this article we will present to you the 5 most practiced types in Europe: Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Yin Yoga. We will explain their characteristics, their benefits and how to practice them.
Bonne lecture !
Discover the 5 most popular types of Yoga in Europe
Hatha Yoga: Balance
Many yoga practitioners find that CBD enhances the experience by relieving body pain, inflammation, and anxiety, as well as regulating our mood. CBD interacts with our Hatha yoga is the most popular and practiced in today’s society. Its name from Sanskrit can be translated as “yoga of effort”. This type combines the breath, postures and meditation to lead you on your spiritual journey.
Practice
It is the most zen type of yoga and it is considered as the most traditional. It doesn’t require much equipment, just your mat and some quiet time for yourself to focus on relaxing muscles with this ancient technique from India.You must adapt the postures according to your possibilities and your capacities and not the reverse.
Benefits
The postures must be carried out with concentration in order to align your body perfectly. Maintaining the different poses over a set period of time helps tone and discipline both mind and body. It is most beneficial when done regularly and for an extended amount of time–as this will result in excellent balance between relaxation and focus on technique and style; allowing you to maximize mental clarity while still feeling calm enough to improve your movements during practice sessions.
Summary
- Hatha Yoga is gentle and focuses on relaxation so it can be practiced at any age.
- The yoga postures can be practiced simply at home with a mat and does not require large equipment. However, it is recommended for beginners to take lessons in order to master these positions safely without injury.
- You will see an improvement in your concentration, your memory, your flexibility as well as a real effect on your stress and anxiety. Obviously everyone will find their own benefits.
Ashtanga Yoga: Requirement
The name of this yoga technique reflects its originality. Ashtanga was developed in the 1930s by Master Yogi Krishnamacharya who learned from one of India’s most famous teachers, Sri Ramamohan Brahmachari after he received his knowledge on how to practice these postures at an early age while living near Mount Kailash – or what we know today as Lake Mansarovar.
The number 8 refers to the number of postures declined in Ashtanga Yoga. It also refers to 8 rules, kinds of philosophy of life, namely:
- Yamas: rule of behavior
- Niyamas: self-discipline
- Asanas: body postures
- Pranayama: breathing
- Pratyahara: mastery of the senses
- Dharana: concentration
- Dhyana: meditation
- Samadhi: enlightenment
Practice
The flowing postures of Ashtanga Yoga are chained to form an intricate ballet. They require excellent discipline and timing, but offer sequences that get more complex with each posture performed perfectly in order for them all to be completed without error.
The perfect realization process requires patience as well as humility because you will only have to perform the next posture when the previous one is performed to perfection, which requires patience and humility. With Ashtanga yoga you will truly be in harmony among body parts and mind.
Benefits
By practicing Ashtanga yoga, you can improve your physical health and mental well-being. This type of practice acts on the breath as well as how it feels to be in motion; both aspects will make yourself known through postures that require patience to perfectly realize the postures by learning humility above all else.
As soon as pain appears, the movement must be stopped and resumed until it’s done without any further discomfort. Ashtanga Yoga relieves joints while reducing anxiety or stress which leads to increased endurance for those who practice these techniques properly.
Summary
- Ashtanga Yoga is perfect for those looking to get more physical and dynamic.
- It can be practiced at home, but it is recommended to have a minimum of practice to avoid any injury.
- You will notice an increase in your endurance, flexibility and toxins elimination. Your joints are strengthened as well mental strength has increased due to the better circulation of blood throughout your body.
Vinyasa Yoga: Fluidity
Vinyasa Yoga is a type of yoga that involves moving your body carefully and fluidly in order to sync with the breath. Indeed, in Sanskrit, Vinyasa Yoga means “synchronization of movement with breath”. The word ‘vi’ means movement, while ‘nyas’ translates as place or sequenced. Mastering the breath is an important component in the practice of this yoga.
Practice
Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic form of yoga that blends postures from many different traditions. It’s not about following rules, but rather utilizing your own experience and aspirations to create something new for yourself. It is a personal growth process.
Followers of this type of yoga can thus benefit from a complete workout combining body alignment and physical exertion.
Benefits
It is a more dynamic form of yoga that aims to increase blood flow and bring about better balance. It is a type of yoga for everyone since nothing will be imposed on you, only the experience of mastering the different postures can guide you between the different sequences. The help of an experienced yoga teacher can significantly help you progress and achieve your goals.
Summary
- Unlike Ashtanga Yoga which is more challenging, Vinyasa Yoga is accessible to everyone.
- You will sculpt your body and strengthen your mind.
- You will refine yourself and work on your breathing as well as your inner well-being and thus improve your flexibility and your balance.
Kundalini Yoga: Vital Energy
The history of this type or yoga began in the United States around 1892. It was introduced to Europe in 1932 and remained confidential until 1969 when it became taught by master Yogi Bhajan, considered one of the modern masters of raising and fulfilling consciousness.
But there’s more than just physical benefits from practicing Kundalini Yoga; mental clarity can also be achieved through meditation which helps you focus on what matters most: Yourself!
Practice
Kundalini Yoga requires a certain open-mindedness and having overcome some blockages in order to experience its true benefits. The sessions take place with mantras, meditation, breathing exercises; all closely related not only spirituality but also mental health because they help clear out any negative energy from your body while boosting oxygen levels through deep breaths that relax you completely at the end.
Benefits
Kundalini Yoga will leave you feeling refreshed and energized after each session. The practice balances your physical well-being with an energetic balance, which can lead to a deep sense of peace for both mind and body alike. Thus, each movement and each breath will allow you to warm up your sleeping energy.
Summary
- Kundalini Yoga is for all but preferably for experienced people.
- Unless you are used to it or an expert in the subject, we advise you to practice this yoga with a teacher.
- This yoga will allow you to get rid of your bad habits, it will bring you new energy and great internal happiness.
Yin Yoga: Serenity
In Yin Yoga, the practice of restorative postures aims at refocusing and re-balancing energies. Resting in these calming poses helps us to find stability within ourselves by balancing out our “Yin” and “Yang” ratio with more attention given towards feminine energy sources – Yin – like intuition or creativity which are often underrepresented among other things associated primarily with maleness such as strength and power. Unlike Yin, Yang represents the masculine energy, heat, activity and sun.
Practice
Yin Yoga postures are done a lot on the ground, using accessories (bolster, bricks, meditation cushions, straps, etc.) that will help you find your comfort in the right amplitude. You will stay several minutes in the posture, guided by your teacher, by your breathing. The fascias stretch, the areas of tension open up, the heart rate slows down.
Benefits
The first time you try this type of yoga, it will feel like nothing else. It’s gentle and suitable for everyone, even beginners. At the end of your practice there is a deep sense of inner peace plus great well-being. It improves your flexibility and relieves stress. The long held passive movements can help you feel at ease with the pace of life, while also improving general wellness in mind body connection.
The practice of Yin Yoga brings many benefits and calms our inner fire. The “Yin” is the feminine energy, of the cold, of the moon, of intuition, of creativity.
Summary
- Yin Yoga is a soft, slow yoga, with maintained asanas.
- Yin Yoga is suitable for beginners.
- Ideal for overexcited or stressed people, who cannot detach themselves from their mind and daily life.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to improve your physical and mental wellbeing, then try out yoga! It has been proven that practicing this ancient art improves concentration levels as well as other positive effects on the body. You’ll feel less stress or anxiety after each session because it relaxes muscles which helps you relax, better your mood, concentration and boost your energy.
Now you just have to choose the yoga that suits you best and combines it with meditation and a CBD routine.
In our next articles dedicated to the different types of yoga, we will talk about the famous Nidra Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Power Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga and Iyengar Yoga.
Enjoy your day feeling more relaxed and focused.
