CosBeauty Magazine #76

Wellness
Types ofyoga
The modern yoga ‘market’ can be
bewildering at best. Today there is
a vast array of teachings, teachers,
and styles – each entailing a different
experience and benefits.
AcroYoga
A style of partner yoga that involves
one person as the base and another
person ‘flying’ in various poses
balanced on the base’s feet. A
challenging physical practice
that blends elements of yoga
and acrobatics.
are usually slower paced and more
accessible to beginners than vinyasa/
flow style classes.
Kundalini
Physically this style of yoga is quite
different to other types. The exercises,
called kriyas, typically involve fast,
repetitive motions sustained for several
minutes, held in particular positions or
angles. Breath of fire (quick, forceful
exhalations through the nose) is done
in many of the poses. Mantra and
chanting is also strongly emphasised.
Ashtanga
A physically challenging style of
yoga involving a prescribed sequence
of sun salutations, followed by
standing, balancing, seated, twisting
and reclining poses. More advanced
Ashtanga practices include bandhas
(internal locks) and drishti (focused
gaze). Ashtanga is the precursor for
most vigorous styles of hatha yoga,
including its most commonly taught
derivatives, Power Yoga and Vinyasa.
Bikram
Headed by controversial Indian
teacher Bikram Choudhury, it involves
a prescribed series of 26 poses, each
practiced twice in a row, in a room
heated to over 100°F (38°C).
Hatha
The term Hatha Yoga technically
encompasses all of the lineages listed
here. However, when you see a class
labelled Hatha it typically means that
each pose is held for several breaths
versus flowing more quickly from
one pose to the next. Hatha classes
Restorative
In this style, the poses are all done
lying on the floor in various positions
using lots of bolsters, blankets and
blocks to enable the practitioner to
relax completely and stay in the pose
for several minutes.
Thyroid Yoga
A new style of yoga utilising sequences
and postures targeted at restoring
thyroid function and balancing
hormones. Focusing on energetics –
using conscious self-expression and
intuitive wisdom to heal physical
and emotional blockages, bringing
forth a state of hormonal balance and
sustained wellbeing. Strong influences
from Kundalini yoga, integrative
medicine and holistic nutrition.
Vinyasa
One of the most ubiquitous styles of
modern yoga, Vinyasa involves flowing
from one pose to the next with fluidity.
Similar to Ashtanga, only it does not
always involve the same sequence of
poses in each class.
Yin
This style is all about letting go,
releasing effort and surrendering
muscular tension. It seeks to deepen
flexibility of the fascia, tendons and
ligaments as opposed to just the
muscles. Most yin poses are performed
lying on the floor. Yin poses are held
for up to 10 minutes each.
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