Types of Yoga

HATHA - also called 'forceful yoga'. Physically demanding, based on body-bending poses (asanas), cleansing techniques (shat karmas), breath control (pranayama), locks (bandhas) and seals (mudras). "It is thought that by perfecting the body, creating a healthy physical condition, and raising Kundalini energy upwards along the spine, the body becomes better prepared for yogic awakening (Samadhi, nirvana, union with God)."
Also includes higher spiritual practices such as meditation. AKA 'stairway to Raja Yoga'

KARMA - this is the total sum of all our actions (mental and physical), in this life and before. By serving God and humanity (without selfishness, egoism, and attachment) the heart becomes pure, the ego fades and one becomes increasingly in tune. Enlightenment is naturally realized though Karma Yoga.

TRIYOGA - Kundalini inspired Vinyasa Hatha Yoga system harmonizing the movement of body (asana) with the trinity of breathing (prayanama), concentration (dharana) and focus (mudra). Dance-like 4-directional circular movements, spinal-waves, and side rolls ar practiced in a realxed and flowing manner. Meditation, rhythmic breathing, pranayama, mudras, and music are all important elements.

KUNDALINI - based on tantric deiscipline for arousing and raising Kundalini energy upwards through the Chakras. This energy (Serpant Power) is the unlimited life-force (prana) that lies dormant in the Chakras. It can be accessed through the activation of the Chakras. Many methods are used to arounse Kundalini - Hatha asanas to straighten the spine, pranayama, mantras, and meditation.

IYENGAR - based on ancient Hatha yoga teachings. Precision and correct alignment is very important regarding asanas. Props and supports are often used to help with proper positioning. Emphasis on standing poses.

JIVAMUKTI - a style of Ashtanga Vinyasa Hatha yoga. Emphasis on living and practicing yoga philisophy in daily life. Asanas of Hatha yoga, spiritual teachings based on ancient yoga scripture, music, chanting, devotion and meditation.

POWER - many styles of Vinyasa Hatha Yoga. It is vigorous and physically demanding. Some focus on strength and flexibility training primarily for the body, others have a greater spiritual connection and focus on creating harmony, vitality and freedom for both body and mind.

ASHTANGA VINYASA - there is one breath for each movement. Movements flow together to heat the body and produce sweat. The inner heat is intended to burn away the six poisons (desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy, sloth) that surround the spiritual heart.

ASHTANGA (Classical) - the Eight-Fold Path. Hatha yoga is used to prepare for the higher spiritual practices of Raja Yoga.
The Eight-Fold Path / The Eight Limbs:
1. Yama (moral observance)
2. Niyama (self-restraint)
3. Asana (posture)
4. Pranayama (breath control)
5. Pratyahara (sensory inhibition)
6. Dharana (concentration)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (union with God, ecstacy, nirvana)

ANUSARA - a Vinyasa Hatha yoga system. Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness. Poses are often modified for varying bodies and abilities. Variations are encouraged for expressing human spirit.

INTEGRAL - Purna is a combination of Hatha, Tantra, Raja, Jnana, Karma and Bhakti yoga. Focused on developing and transforming the entire being; physically, mentally, psychically, and spiritually. Aims to achieve realization of the Divine in the physical world through a supramental transformation of human nature.
Trademark form of integral is a complete and felxible yoga integrating Hatha, Raja, Bhakti, Karma, Jnana and Japa yoga for the purpose of realizing spiritual untiy with all of creation (Samadhi). It is practiced by leading a natural life and caring for the human temple (hatha), gaining mastery over the mind (raja), being devoted to your chosen form of God (bhakti), living every action yogicly (karma), self-analysis meditation (jnana), and mantra repitition (japa).

ANANDA - Meditation and spiritual living are important elements. Asan affirmations are used. Movement is slow with pauses in between asanas.

ISHTA - acronym for 'integrated science of hatha, tantra, and ayurveda'. Ishta is a sanskrit work meaning: that which resonates with the individual spirit. This yoga form brings together multiple yoga styles and can be personalized for individual needs. You tune into yourself to discover which asanas best prepare your body, which breathing and visualization exercises best still your mind, and which meditation techniques best expand your awareness.

TANTRA - complete yoga system based on ancient Hindu scriptures. There are three different approaches/branches of tantric yoga;
1. Dakshina-marga / White Tantra - follows ascentic path of knowledge, devotion and worship. Increased awareness is achieved by increasing the flow of energy and clearing the subconscious. Celebacy is used to prevent energy loss.
2. Vama-marga / Red Tantra - follows a sexualized path of devotion. Awakening is achieved through deepening orgasm.
3. Kula-marga - follows a path similar to Kundalini Yoga

PHOENIX RISING - combination of classic yoga techniques and elements of contemporary body-mind psychology, encouraging deeper connection with self.

SIVANANDA - based on Hatha yoga focusing on the health of mind and body, as well as on spiritual development.
'Five Points of Yoga';
Proper exercise (asanas)
Proper breathing (pranayama)
Proper relaxaion (savasana)
Proper diet (vegetarianism)
Positive thinking (vendanta) and Meditation (dhyana)

KRIPALU - 'meditation in motion' combines asanas of Hatha with pranayama, meditation and sompassion. Proper use of breath is important. Poses are gentle and relaxed. Encouraged to become sensitive to the needs of your body and make asana adjustments accordingly.

SVAROOPA - style of Hatha yoga focused on opening the spine.

HASYA / LAUGHTER - idea that laughter is the best medicine. combines laughter, yogic breathing and stretching exercises to improve health and promote peace. May include elements of Hatha and Bhakti yoga. Best described as a health and wellness program for mind and body.

BIKRAM (Hot Yoga) - vigorous style of Vinyasa Hatha Yoga. Practiced indoors to a high level of heat. Very specific sequence, opening with a breathing exercise (pranayama) followed by 24 traditional asanas, ending with another breathing exercise.

FORREST - style of Hatha Yoga focused on developing strength, awakening the senses, becoming connected with one's deep core. Asanas practiced in vigorous sequences. Poses often held for prolonged periods of time to encourage sweating. Deep and proper breathing are important.

BHAKTI - the yoga of Love and Devotion. Direct path to union with God (Samadhi). Pure and unselfish. There are eleven methods to realize God through love.

RESTORATIVE - slower paced gentle Hatha Yoga. Intended for recovering from physical or emotional illness or injury. To improve overall health. Use supports and props, includes meditative relaxation exercises.

JAPA - mindful recitation, or repetitive prayer. Mantras are repeated internally, in a whisper, or verbally. Can be practiced in meditative poses or while performing other activities.


*There are several more forms of yoga to be found and tried. These are just ones that I have read about or practiced.