The 24 types of yoga that will improve your mental balance

Yoga, despite being fashionable in the West, is an ancient practice which has been shown to have many benefits both physical and psychological. For many, it is not only a way to keep the body firm and healthy, but it is key to their mental well-being.

Given its long history and popularity in regions of Asia, today there is not simply yoga, but rather, there are several types of yoga created with different objectives. Let's see what they are.

The benefits of Yoga

Anyone can learn to practice yoga, and that is why it has so many followers. In the last decade, its practice in the West has increased in such a way that it is possible to enjoy its benefits in any gym or specialized training centers.

The benefits of this ancient art are as follows:

• Improves flexibility
• Reduce stress
• Helps in physical recovery
• Improve sleep
• Improves mood
• Increase strength
• Helps maintain balance and coordination
• Prevent injuries
• Improve concentration
• Improves stamina
• Improve intimate relationships

You can delve into these benefits in our articles: "

The 6 psychological benefits of yoga" Y "10 benefits of yoga for athletes (according to science)”

Types of Yoga

Over the centuries, this practice has evolved and many types of yoga have emerged. They are as follows:

1. Iyengar

The main characteristic of this type of yoga is the intensity with which attention should be maintained in the present. It is named after its founder Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar. Use accessories such as wood blocks, straps, harnesses, and tilt boards to help achieve more perfect postures and allows individuals with physical limitations to do the asanas.

2. Yoga Mindfulness

Mindfulness Yoga or Attentive Yoga refers to a type of yoga in which full awareness of the breath and the connection between the body and the mind is worked. It's meditation in motion, where the important thing is to be aware of the union of body and mind and to detect the limitations of each one. Self-compassion and self-care are worked on.

3. Bikram

This type of yoga refers to a series of exercises, specifically, 26 demanding asanas and difficult to master that are carried out in a space where the temperature is at 42 ° C. Sessions last 90 minutes.

4. Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga is the most practiced in the world. There are other types of yoga, some more mental and others that promote love and are more selfless. Hatha Yoga is known as physical yoga, and although it also has a spiritual component (meditation, breathing…), it has a strong physical component.

5. Anusara

A modern type of yoga that was created in 1997. It focuses on its asanas that open the heart and take into account the spiritual and meditative benefits of this practice.

6. Passive yoga

Passive yoga it is a preventive and relaxing technique, and it is a curative therapy that encompasses all the vital areas of the human being: the physical, the mental and the emotional. It is also called Thai Massage.

• If you want to know more, you can read our article: "Passive yoga: discover the benefits of stretching.”

7. Vinyasa yoga

It is known as Yoga flow and refers to the connection with the breath and movement of the asanas. The transition from one to the other is smooth. Each session ends in savasana, which is the final relaxation pose.

8. Ashtanga Yoga

This type of yoga is also known as "Power Yoga". Like the previous one, it is focused on the connection between asanas and breathing, but movements are faster and more physical.

9. Hot yoga

Like Bikram Yoga too performed in a room with a high temperature. However, it does not contemplate the sequence of 26 Bikram poses, but any type of yoga can be used.

10. Kundalini Yoga

It focuses on breathing (pranayama) and core work, while paying attention to developing awareness. Each posture is associated with a different breathing technique, with the idea that this intensifies the posture. A very spiritual and meditative style.

11. Yin Yoga

Developed by Paulie Zink, is a slow yoga style in which the postures are held for long periods of time. This helps to strengthen connective tissue, improve circulation, and increase flexibility.

12. Yoga Jivamukti

It is a type of Hatha yoga, but it is not just a physical exercise to keep the body in shape or to increase strength or flexibility. This style of yoga is intended to lead to enlightenment and is based on the idea of ​​the unity of being, in which the relationship with others is of great importance.

13. Kripalu Yoga

A type of yoga that has three characteristic elements: knowing, accepting and learning about the body. It's based on a series of prolonged postures that promote meditation. The person must feel deeply to find the spontaneous flow in the asanas.

14. Restorative Yoga

A job that requires deep meditation, with slow movements. A yoga with few postures and short duration, but with the aim of a psychic cleansing, to feel like new.

15. Sivananda Yoga

A slow yoga practice in which 12 asanas are always used. This type of yoga has its origin in the a philosophy that relaxation, diet, exercise, and positive thinking work together to form a healthy yogic lifestyle

16. Viniyoga

It is based on the idea of ​​tailoring the goals to your own needs and abilities. "Vini" refers to differentiation, adaptation and appropriate application. It is a novel type of yoga, which does not use strength and flexibility, if not proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF).

17. Prenatal yoga

Yoga can be of great help to mothers. Prenatal yoga it is ideal for those women who are pregnant. Thanks to Prenatal Yoga, future moms will be able to take care of their body or maintain a healthy and relaxed mind, as well as a much more relaxed delivery.

18. Tantric yoga

A yoga that has its origin in control of all energies, including sexual. It is ideal to practice as a couple as it favors the union and balance between masculine and feminine energies.

19. Forrest Yoga

Forrest Yoga is a practice that requires great physical effort and that aims to transport the transformation of the person beyond the yoga sessions. Aims to overcome emotional blocks And find the way to go

20. Ishta Yoga

This type of yoga was created by Alan Finger in the 60s in South Africa. It is based on the idea of ​​clarity of mind and generosity of spirit. This practice combines the principles of Hatha and Tantra yogas. .

21.Yoga focused on the core

This is a type of Yoga that has been created in gyms in the United States. It was born in Denver in 2002 and has since spread throughout the West. Puts your focus on the central part of the body.

22. Integral Yoga

A gentler Hatha Yoga style, which originates from the ideas and guidelines of Sri Swami Satchidananda. In an attempt to integrate mind, body, and spirit, this type of yoga includes chanting and meditation.

23. Yoga Moksha

Founded in Canada in 2004, it is also known as Mode Yoga. It is a style that has 45 asanas carried out in a heated room, just like hot Yoga.

24. Sridaiva Yoga

This style is very peculiar, different from the previous ones and introduces a new alignment system. It is quite different from other types of yoga in which the knees are kept bent and the pelvis is always tilted forward. Defenders say they find a new force in this lineup.