Yoga

Contents

Yoga

Carmela Savoia

Danny O'Brien

Virtual Sessions

Spotlight

The yoga we know and practice today was developed more than five thousand years ago. Yoga is an art as well as a therapeutic science. It is a means of aligning ourselves with the divine, to see the intrinsic beauty and goodness of all created in this world.  This ancient discipline can help to balance out the body and relieve physical and emotional pain. It harmonizes the nervous and endocrine systems, which directly influence all other systems and organs of the body. This is achieved through the combination of asanas (physical postures), and pranayamas, (breathing techniques). Asanas promote health by reshaping the body through physical postures that stretch, massage and stimulate the internal organs. Pranayama starts with strengthening the diaphragm to restore its natural movement. Conscious, deep, diaphragmatic breathing will increase lung capacity as most people breathe rather shallowly. Combined with specific nurturing breathing techniques, a healthy body will emerge and a tranquil calm mind.

There are many forms of yoga. Some well-known styles include:

Anusara yoga, as founded by John Friend, is a uniquely integrated approach to Hatha Yoga, in which the art of the human spirit powerfully blends with the science of biomechanics. The asana practice integrates the celebration of the heart, and Universal Principles of Alignment with balanced energetic action.

Ashtanga is a fast paced, intense style of yoga founded by Sri. K Patabhi Jois. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. This practice is physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next called vinyasa or flow. Linking breath with movement, it is designed to build internal heat to detoxify, build strength and stamina and increase flexibility. Ashtanga is the inspiration for what is often called "Power Yoga" which is based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily in keeping to the specific set series of poses.

Bikram or Hot Yoga was pioneered by Bikram Choudhoury. It is practiced in a 95-105 degree room, which allows for the loosening of tight muscles coupled with profuse sweating which is thought to be cleansing. The original Bikram series is based on 26 postures repeated in the same order.

Iyengar Yoga is a style of practice based on the teachings of yogi BKS Iyengar and is most concerned with body alignment. The emphasis is on holding poses for long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks or straps, in order to bring the body into correct alignment.

Kundalini Yoga emphasizes breath in conjunction with physical movement, with the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move up. Kundalini uses rapid, repetitive movements rather than holding poses and classes will often include call and response chanting.

There are many more forms of yoga each with unique benefits. We encourage you to try out a few to see which one works best for you.