20 Types of Yoga

There are many types of Yoga. 20 types are considered as the leading/main forms of Yoga in current times. Here they are-

1. Hatha Yoga: Hatha Yoga is considered to be the father of all Yoga styles and is the one that we all know as “Yoga” in the West. An encompassing combination of Asanas (postures), Pranayama (regulated breathing), meditation (Dharana & Dhyana) and kundalini (Laya Yoga) targeted to achieving enlightenment or self-realization.

2. Purna (Integral) Yoga: Founded in 1921 by Swami Satchidananda Saraswati, this traditional type of yoga combinespostures, breathing exercises, selfless service, meditation, chanting, prayer, and self-inquiry.

3. Ashtanga (or Astanga) Yoga: Sri K. Pattabhi Jois introduced Asthanga Yoga (athletic yoga practice for advanced users) in 1948 to the world, a physically demanding style of yoga focused towards synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures. The purpose is to release internal heat that generates intense sweating to detoxify muscles and organs, improve circulation, flexibility and stamina, and yield a calm mind.

4. Iyengar Yoga: The most practiced and widespread for of Yoga in the world was founded by renowned Yoga masterB.K.S. Iyengar, more than 60 years ago, that promotes strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance through coordinated breathing and poses that require precise body alignment. Although Iyengar incorporates the traditional postures, or asanas, that make up the broader category of hatha yoga, the cushions and other props revolutionized yoga by enabling everyone -- even the elderly, sick, and disabled -- to practice.

5. Vinyasa Yoga: Focuses on coordination of breath and movement and it is a very physically active form of yoga. It began with Krishnamacharyawho later passed it on to Pattabhi Jois.

6. Sivananda Yoga: Founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnudevananda, Sivananda yoga, like Integral Yoga, this traditionaltype of yoga combines postures, breathing, dietary restrictions, chanting, scriptural study, and meditation.

7. Bikram Yoga: A fitness workout oriented practice to build muscular strength and endurance, and cardiovascular flexibility. Founded by Bikram Choudhury in 1963, this is the only yoga style that specializes in using a heated environment (95-105 deg. F) that assists in greater flexibility, detoxification,and prevention of injuries.

8. Kripalu Yoga: Founded in 1965 by Amrit Desai, this gentle, introspective practice urges practitioners to hold posesto explore and release emotional and spiritual blockages. Goal-oriented striving is discouraged and precise alignment is not as important as in some other traditions. There are three stages in Kripalu yoga: Stage One: postures; Stage Two: concentration and inner awareness; Stage Three: meditation.

9. Ananda Yoga: Ananda Yoga, founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, focuses on breathing control, and proper body alignment, with an aim of getting your body ready for meditation, through postures that help guide the energy upwards to the brain.

10. ISHTA: Developed by South African teacher, Swarananda Mani Finger in late 1960s, and popularized in the States by his son Alan, ISHTA (Integral Science of Hatha and Tantric Arts) focuses on opening energy channels throughout the body with postures, visualizations,and meditation.

11. White Lotus Yoga: A modified Ashtanga practice developed by Ganga White in 1968, which is combined with breathwork and meditation.

12. Kundalini Yoga: This practice, founded by Yogi Bhajan in 1969, concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. In addition to postures, a typical class will also include chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.

13. Restorative Yoga: Founded by Judith Lasater, influenced by her teacher B.K.S. Iyengar, focuses on muscle relaxation by passively spending long periods of time lying on blocks, blankets and yoga bolsters.

14. Kali Ray TriYoga: Developed by Kali Ray in 1980, this “dance” form of yoga incorporates graceful asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation.

15. Jivamukti Yoga: Developed in 1986 by Sharon Gannon and David Life, Jivamukti Yoga is inclined towards spirituality and ethical existence, values that are devalued in contemporary times. It emphasizes on scriptural study, Sanskrit chanting, vegetarianism, non-violence, meditation, devotion to God and the role that music and listening play in the practice of yoga.

16. Svaroopa Yoga: Founded in 1992 by Swami Nirmalananda Saraswati (formerly known as Rama Berch), this yoga style is a very approachable style for beginners, often beginning in chair poses that are comfortable. Promotes healing and transformation.

17. Anusara Yoga: A modern (1997) fusion concept of the ancient and new thought, combining the ancient principleswith playful spirit. Though the postures are slightly complex and advanced, Anusara Yoga uncorks the heart potential to connect your inner divinity with people around you.

18. Power Yoga: Founded in 2001 by Kurt Johnsen, Power yoga is the American interpretation of ashtanga yoga, a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing. Many of the asanas resemble basic calisthenics -- push-ups and handstands, toe touches and side bends -- but the key to power yoga's sweat-producing, muscle-buildingpower is the pace. Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense aerobic workout.

19. Vini Yoga: This is commonly used as a therapeutic practice for people who have suffered injuries or are recovering from surgery. It is a gentle, healing practice that is tailored to each person's body type and needs as they grow and change.

20. Yin Yoga: Sometimes referred to as yoga for the joints, not the muscles, it directs the stimulation normally created by the asana into areas deeper than the superficial or muscular tissues. Yin Yoga works the connective tissues of the ligaments, fascia, joints and bones.