There are multitudes of yoga styles widely taught and practiced today. All the styles are based on the same physical postures and asanas but each posture has a particular emphasis. Below is a quick guide to the various styles of yoga.
Power yoga is also called as Ashtanga. The name is derived from Sanskrit language, meaning "eight limbs”. In this style of yoga, a set of postures are performed in six series. The first series is known as Yoga Chikitsa, meaning yoga therapy. It a series that defines various standing and seating poses along with inversions and backbends. The second series is known as Nadi Shodana, which means purification of nervous system. It defines all the poses of previous series along with some new poses and variations. Other four series are collectively known as Sthira Bhaga, meaning divine stability. This series is the most intense series emphasizing on arm balances.
Iyengar yoga is completely based on the preaching of B.K.S Iyengar. This style lays more emphasis on body alignment and holding postures over long periods. Iyengar practice encouraged the use of props like yoga blankets, blocks, pillows, straps and chairs. The poses here help maintain the body balance that eventually leads to a stable mind.
Kundalini yoga is an ancient yoga, concentrating more on breath and physical movement. The practice here helps an individual to release the untapped energy at the base of the spine and allow it to move upwards through the body awakening all seven chakras. The yogis believe that full enlightment occurs when this released energy reaches the crown chakra.
Bikram or Hot Yoga is a style of yoga, pioneered by Bikram Choudhury. This style comprises a series of 26 yoga poses that are practices in a heated room. The prime objective of these poses is to promote profuse sweating that can swipe away toxins from our body.
If you want to learn more about the above mentioned styles of yoga, then go through the individual links of each style given below.