The 24 types of yoga that will improve your mental balance.

The great variety of forms in which this practice is presented can be impressive.

Yoga, despite being fashionable in the West, is an ancient practice that has proven to have many physical and psychological benefits. that has proven to have many physical and psychological benefits. For many, it is not only a way to keep the body firm and healthy, but 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 several types of yoga. rather, there are several types of yoga created for different purposes. Let's see what they are.

The benefits of Yoga

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

The benefits of this ancient art are the following:

• Improves flexibility
• Reduces stress
• Helps in physical recovery
• Improves sleep
• Improves mood
• Increases strength
• Helps maintain balance and coordination
• Prevents injuries
• Improves concentration
• Improves endurance
• Improves intimate relationships

You can learn more about these benefits in our articles: "The 6 psychological benefits of yoga" and "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 the following:

1. Iyengar

The main characteristic of this type of yoga is the intensity with which the attention must be kept in the present.. It is named after its founder Bellur Krishnamachar Sundarararaja Iyengar. It uses props such as wooden blocks, straps, harnesses and tilt boards to help achieve more perfect postures and allows individuals with physical limitations to do the asanas.

2. Mindfulness Yoga

Mindfulness Yoga or Mindful Yoga refers to a type of yoga that works on full awareness of the breath and the connection between body and mind. It is meditation in movementIt is meditation in movement, where the important thing is to be aware of the union of body and mind and to detect the limitations of each one. It works on self-compassion and self-care.

3. Bikram

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

4. Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga is the most practiced yoga 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 type of modern yoga that was created in 1997. It focuses on its asanas that open the Heart and takes into account the spiritual and meditative benefits of this practice.

6. Passive Yoga

Passive yoga is a preventive and relaxing techniqueIt is a healing therapy that encompasses all vital areas of the human being: physical, mental and 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 the movement of the asanas.. The transition from one to the other is smooth. Each session ends in savasana, which is the final relaxation posture.

Ashtanga Yoga

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

9. Hot Yoga

Like Bikram Yoga it is also is practiced in a room with a high temperature.. However, it does not contemplate the sequence of 26 postures of Bikram, 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 techniqueThe idea is that this intensifies the posture. A very spiritual and meditative style.

11. Yoga Yin

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

12. Jivamukti Yoga

It is a type of Hatha yoga, but it is not just a physical exercise to keep the body fit or to increase strength or flexibility. This style of yoga is intended to lead to enlightenment and is based on the idea of oneness. is based on the idea of the oneness of beingin 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 from the body. It is based on a series of prolonged postures that favor meditation.. The person must feel deeply to find the spontaneous flow in the asanas.

14. Restorative Yoga

A work that requires deep meditation, with slow movements. A yoga of few postures and short duration, but with the objective 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 work together to form a healthy yogic lifestyle.

16. Viniyoga

It is based on the idea of adapting 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 flexibilitybut rather proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF).

17. Prenatal Yoga

Yoga can be of great help to mothers. Prenatal yoga is ideal for those women who are pregnant. Thanks to Prenatal Yoga, expectant mothers will be able to take care of their body or maintain a healthy and relaxed mind, in addition to a much more relaxed childbirth.

18. Tantric Yoga

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

19. Forrest Yoga

Forrest Yoga is a practice that demands great physical effort and aims to transport the transformation of the person beyond the yoga sessions. It aims at overcoming emotional blockages and finding the way forward. and finding the path to follow.

20. Ishta Yoga

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

Yoga centered 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. It focuses on the central part of the body..

22. Integral Yoga

A gentler style of Hatha Yoga, which originates 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 Modo Yoga. It is a style that has 45 asanas performed in an air-conditioned room, just like Hot Yoga.just like Hot Yoga.

24. Sridaiva Yoga

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