Introduction

The Sanskrit noun yoga translates to (and is cognate with) English "yoke". It is derived from the root yuj "to attach, join, harness, yoke". The spiritual sense of the word yoga is associated withthe philosophical system presented in Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which says that the chief aim of yoga is "uniting" the human spirit with the Divine. Yoga also means "practical" aspects of the philosophy, i.e. the "union with the supreme" due to performance of duties in everyday life ( ''Karma'' in Indian perspective). The origins of yoga are a matter of debate. There is no consensus on its chronology

Types of Yoga

" Ashtanga yoga: based on ancient yoga teachings but popularized in the 1970s.Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a vigorous form of yoga in which a series of postures are performed in relatively quick succession while synchronizing the breath. It is physically more demanding than other types of yoga. This form of yoga has been promoted as, improving aerobic capacity as well as strength and flexibility.

" Bikram yoga: held in artificially heated rooms at temperatures of nearly 105 degrees and 40% humidity, Bikram is a series of 26 poses and sequence of two breathing exercises. Bikram yoga is done in a heated room with the goal of warming the muscles to increase their flexibility. This form is generally not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with medical conditions aggravated by heat. Although it can improve strength and balance in healthy adults, beginners should be careful due to its intense nature.

" Hatha yoga: a generic term for any type of yoga that teaches physical postures. When a class is labeled as "hatha," it is usually a gentle introduction to the basic yoga postures. Hatha yoga focuses on physical and mental strength building poses. Many westernized types of Hatha Yoga are used today to improve overall health and wellbeing.

" One variation of Hatha yoga is Iyengar, which focuses on the detail, precision, and alignment of the posture and breath control. It helps developing stability, strength, and stamina.

Iyengar yoga: focused on finding the proper alignment in each pose and using props such as blocks, blankets, straps, chairs and bolsters to do so. Iyengar yoga is a form of yoga that places particular emphasis on the precision and accuracy of the poses and how to use them to achieve balance, symmetry and calm. For this reason, Iyengar yoga has been suggested by some experts to be particularly well-suited to those with back pain and other musculoskeletal problems.

" Jivamukti yoga: meaning, "liberation while living," jivamukti yoga emerged in 1984, incorporating spiritual teachings and vinyasa style practice. Each class has a theme, which is explored through yoga scripture, chanting, meditation, asana, pranayama, and music, and can be physically intense.

" Kripalu yoga: teaches practitioners to get to know, accept and learn from the body. In a Kripalu class, each student learns to find their own level of practice on a given day by looking inward. The classes usually begin with breathing exercises and gentle stretches, followed by a series of individual poses and final relaxation.

" Kundalini yoga: the Sanskrit word kundalini means coiled, like a snake. Kundalini yoga is a system of meditation directed toward the release of kundalini energy. A class typically begins with chanting and ends with singing, and in between features asana, pranayama, and meditation designed to create a specific outcome. Kundalini Yoga includes many meditation techniques. It is mostly used as a tool to treat anxiety disorders or for meeting mental challenges.

" Power yoga: an active and athletic style of yoga adapted from the traditional ashtanga system in the late 1980s.

" Sivananda: a system based on a five-point philosophy that holds that proper breathing, relaxation, diet, exercise, and positive thinking work together to form a healthy yogic lifestyle. Typically uses the same 12 basic asanas, bookended by sun salutations and savasana poses.

" Viniyoga: is a less well-known form as it is often taught in private session rather than large classes. In viniyoga, the concentration is on the individual's quest for self-realization, which is attained through poses, meditation, ritual and prayer. Intended to be adaptable to any person, regardless of physical ability, viniyoga teachers are required to be highly trained and tend to be experts on anatomy and yoga therapy.

" Yin: a quiet, meditative yoga practice, also called taoist yoga. Yin yoga enables the release of tension in key joints: ankles, knees, hips, the whole back, neck, and shoulders. Yin poses are passive, meaning the muscles should be relaxed while gravity does the work.

" Prenatal yoga: yoga postures carefully adapted for people who are pregnant. Prenatal yoga is tailored to help people in all stages of pregnancy and can support people in getting back into shape after pregnancy.

" Restorative yoga: a relaxing method of yoga, spending a class in four or five simple poses using props like blankets and bolsters to sink into deep relaxation without exerting any effort in holding the pose.

Few other terms associated with the practice of yoga:
Sahaja yoga (spontaneous self-realisation)
Marma yoga (yoga of linking of biological rhythms).

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