{"slug":"yoga-101-what-is-yoga","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl2ut55697twd0bioqd4fjdpj","slug":"welcome-dr-loren-fishman","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"Accomplished physician and yogi joins advisory board at MyYogaTeacher ","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-05-06T19:05:44.811224+00:00","coverUrl":"h4y5hskgaakmztbldo8v.png","content":{"text":"I’d like to extend a warm welcome and introduce you to our newest advisory board member at MyYogaTeacher — Dr. Loren Fishman.\\nDr. Fishman is an accomplished physician and an experienced yogi with a background in philosophy and math. He’s Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University Medical School and has a graduate degree in Foundations of Mathematics from the University of Oxford, and a medical degree from Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical School. He is also Medical Director of \\nManhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation\\n in New York, NY.\\nDr. Fishman first learned about yoga while studying at Oxford through his discovery of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. He felt a kinship with Patanjali, who was also a physician and wrote the first known book on grammar — likely containing origins of math.\\nFrom there, his journey into yoga brought him to India where he sought out liberated, enlightened people. During his travels he became acquainted with another integral book, B.K.S. Iyengar’s Light on Yoga. Dr. Fishman was so inspired that he sought out Iyengar directly and learned yoga from the master himself. \\nAfter studying with Iyengar, Dr. Fishman attended medical school, where he taught yoga to his fellow students, nurses, and doctors while he worked toward his medical degree. Upon graduating, he completed the Tufts-Harvard Residency program and then was Chief Resident in Rehabilitation at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. \\nHe wasn’t practicing medicine for very long when he made a very important discovery. Dr. Fishman quickly noticed that yoga served as a powerful tool for therapeutic healing. Since then, he has furthered his knowledge about yoga through extensive scientific research and clinical trials.\\nTo date, Dr. Fishman has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, including 12 books. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the therapeutic value of yoga to treat osteoporosis, \\nscoliosis\\n, rotator cuff syndrome, arthritis, insomnia, anxiety, and many other issues. His work has been reviewed by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Spine, Muscle and Nerve, and a number of international periodicals. He has been listed in Castle and Connolly’s “Best Doctors” more than 10 times, and was past President of the New York Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. \\nHe is currently the Associate Editor of Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, and Treasurer of the National Zoster Foundation. He has been a keynote speaker at the International Association of Yoga Practitioners’ meetings, and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. Dr. Fishman also has a private medical practice in New York City.\\nDr. Fishman is still expanding his research, conducting clinical trials that show how yoga can effectively heal various physical conditions. We’re excited to announce that you can participate in these trials, and we’ve provided more details on how you can get involved below.\\nOn behalf of everyone at MyYogaTeacher, we are delighted to have Dr. Fishman serving as an advisory board member, and grateful for his enormous contributions to the study of yoga and scientific research. \\nHow you can take part in Dr. Fishman’s research\\nDr. Fishman is currently conducting a free, randomized control study to straighten scoliotic curves of the spine with the help of yoga. This study is for teens only, and involves a daily, two-minute yoga pose and small botulinum injections. He is inviting 14 to 18-year-olds to participate. If you know a teen who’d like to be a part of this study, \\nfollow this link for contact information\\n.\\nDr. Fishman is also conducting another free study on osteoporosis and yoga, and encouraging people with osteoporosis and osteopenia, and people with healthy, strong bones, to participate. For the purposes of this study, there will be a \\nfree online yoga class\\n from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., EST. If you are not participating in the study but wish to take the class, you may do so for a modest fee. \\nIf you or someone you know would like to sign up to participate in Dr. Fishman’s osteoporosis study, \\nyou can do so here\\n."},"category":[]},{"id":"cl2qpzoahcp8j0dkaj8r9q540","slug":"international-yoga-day-2022","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Celebrate International Yoga Day 2022 With MyYogaTeacher - FREE Sessions for All!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-05-03T22:26:26.102263+00:00","coverUrl":"bm9mwiipzdhlfxubz7ug.jpg","content":{"text":"The MyYogaTeacher team is so excited to announce that we’re celebrating International Yoga Day by offering some very special FREE sessions!\\n(Keep reading to learn more about them and sign up!)\\nThe first International Yoga Day was celebrated around the world on June 21, 2015. After the idea was presented by Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, International Yoga Day was made into a formal proposal and adopted by the UN.\\nIt was an exciting day! Over 35,000 people celebrated the first International Yoga Day!\\nMyYogaTeacher strives to continue positively impact the lives of as many people as humanly possible. We do that through yoga and meditation classes, workshops, and teacher training programs. \\nThat is why we invite you to celebrate International Yoga Day 2022 with MyYogaTeacher for FREE!\\nWe’ve put together a series of interesting sessions for International Yoga Day that will allow you to explore different forms of yoga. Our sessions will allow you to connect with practitioners and experts. \\nInternational Yoga Day Event Schedule!\\nMembers and nonmembers can join expert yoga teachers and special guests as they guide you through these special International Yoga Day sessions! \\nJust click the link for each session to sign up!\\n\\nTuesday, June 21\\nWednesday, June 22\\nThursday, June 23\\nFriday, June 24\\n\\n108 Sun Salutations with Bharath Ram\\n\\n6- 8 AM, PST\n9- 11 AM, EST\\n\\nA Yin Experience for the Whole Body with Mrinali\\n\\n6- 7:30 AM, PST\n9- 10:30 AM, EST\\n\\nYoga Therapy Makes the Grade \\n-\\n and the Grade is A+ with Dr. Fishman\\n\\n6 AM, PST\n9 AM, EST\\n\\nIyengar Yoga Session and Q&A with Sri H.S. Arun\\n\\n5- 6:30 AM, PST\n8 -9:30 AM, EST\\n\\nDivine Delight with Yogashree\\n\\n5- 5:30 PM, PST\n8- 8:30  PM, EST\\n\\n\\n\\nYoga, the Key to Resilient Selfcare in COVID Times with Dr. Ananda\\n\\n6 PM, PST\n9 PM, EST\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n108 Sun Salutations with Bharath Ram\\n, Tuesday, June 21\\nFeel invigorated and uplifted after you start your day with this powerful yoga practice! Suitable for all fitness levels, Bharath’s International Yoga Day session will promote detoxification of your body and end with some yogic breathwork (pranayama).\\n\\nDivine Delight with Yogashree\\n, Tuesday, June 21\\nScientific studies have proven that chanting reduces stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and increases focus and positive mood. Join this session to experience the rhythmic, healing power of chanting! This practice will end with a beautiful classical song rendition. \\n\\nA Yin Experience for the Whole Body\\n, Wednesday, June 22\\nJoin Mrinali for this wonderful, gentle yin yoga practice designed to help you reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit so you can lead a more harmonious and peaceful day! You’ll use the stillness to rediscover sensations and feelings that get masked by the busy-ness of your days.\\n\\nYoga Therapy Makes the Grade – and the Grade is A+\\n , Thursday, June 23\\nJoin MyYogaTeacher’s newest board member and Medical Director of Manhattan Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Dr. Loren Fishman,\\n in this informative session on how to review a yogi’s progress in treating scoliosis, rotator cuff issues, osteoporosis, and weight management! This session is for yoga practitioners and yoga teachers and will end with a live Q&A with Dr. Fishman.\\n\\nYoga: The Key to Resilient Selfcare in COVID Times\\n, Thursday, June 23\\nDiscover how to break free from negative conditioned responses and inherent tendencies in this incredible session with Dr. Ananda, all about how to refocus on your health and wellness. \\n\\nIyengar Yoga Session and Q&A With Sri H.S. Arun\\n, Friday, June 24\\nGo through a series of yoga poses (asanas) in this Iyengar yoga session that will create different positive sensations in various parts of your body. At the end of this invigorating session, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about Iyengar yoga and the different aspects of the practice.\\n\\n\\n\\n“Yoga embodies the unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.” - Prime Minister Narendra Modi\\n\n\\nThese virtual events are free and offer you a wide range of sessions to pick from.\\n \\nOne day you could be experiencing a meditation session and another day you could be listening to a yoga guru share their experience and knowledge of yoga with you. Most of these sessions will also allow you to ask questions at the end of the session, which can be a great way for you to enhance your understanding of your practice and also connect with the subject matter expert.\\n\nJoin us for this incredible event!\n\\n"},"category":["yoga"]},{"id":"cl2l1jvj0kqgu0ck2vheoglrz","slug":"what-is-therapeutic-yoga","author":{"name":"Anuj","teacherMytSlug":"","pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga for Better Health: What is Therapeutic Yoga?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":"Ever wonder what therapeutic yoga is and how it's different from yoga therapy? Get all the details here and then try a Therapeutic Yoga class with us!","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-04-29T23:03:27.320332+00:00","coverUrl":"lehln3ywumjv20tnra6v.jpg","content":{"text":"We talk a lot about the different types of yoga on the MyYogaTeacher blog, but what makes yoga therapeutic? Besides relieving stress, addressing pain, and helping prevent or cure various medical conditions, therapeutic yoga does even more!\\nAll forms of yoga promote better health. Yoga as therapy benefits the body, mind, and soul.\\nBut \\ntherapeutic yoga\\n is a series of gentle yogic techniques designed to address \\nspecific\\n issues a person may have. It’s an adaptation of a yoga practice to the needs of a person based on persistent health issues that aren’t addressed in a group class.\\nThat’s a pretty general definition so we wanted to dive a bit deeper into what therapeutic yoga is and how it can help you obtain better health.\\nI believe so much in using yoga for therapeutic purposes that I started a class on MyYogaTeacher called Therapeutic Yoga for Wellness! I even have a Bachelors of Science in Yoga Therapy!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\nSo, what does therapeutic yoga \\nactually\\n mean?\\n\\n\\nTherapeutic yoga has specific goals\\nI mentioned above that therapeutic yoga addresses specific, consistent medical problems a person may have. But it does this through a whole body, holistic approach! \\nGoals of therapeutic yoga may include:\\nTo manage symptoms of illness and disease including pain, digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety, and/or depression\\nTo improve a person’s functions at every level - physiologically and psychologically\\nTo create a healthy outlook in the face of life’s challenges\\nThe important thing to remember is that these are general goals. Each person is unique and, with the right yoga instructor, will tailor the goals to the individual. You wouldn’t go to a physical therapist with a shoulder injury and receive physical therapy exercises for your knees, hips, \\nand\\n shoulder, would you?\\nNo.\\nBut the general goal of physical therapy is to heal your body and build your confidence so you can start using the once injured part of your body again and live a full life.\\nThis is very similar to how the goals of therapeutic yoga work!\\n\\nYoga as therapy includes multiple components\\nIf you’re trying to lose weight, you may change your eating patterns, what you eat, and start (or increase) an exercise routine, right? All of those components work together to help you have better health.\\nIn a therapeutic yoga practice, the specific tools for healing include yoga poses (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation. Sometimes, yoga as therapy might even include hand gestures (mudra) and vocal tones (mantra). All of these tools are tailored to your specific goals and therapeutic needs.\\nIn a general group yoga class, you won’t get the personalized attention and specific instruction you’d need to heal your body mentally, physically, and spiritually. \\nYou especially won’t get that in a pre-recorded class you find on the internet! But at MyYogaTeacher you \\nwill\\n. \\n\\n\\nWhat therapeutic yoga is \\nnot\\nWith this in depth information about therapeutic yoga, you may be wondering what to look for in a therapeutic yoga class! It’s important to understand what therapeutic yoga is, but it’s also important to know what it’s not.\\nHere are some tips to help you seek out a therapeutic yoga class that’s right for you and will help you heal your body, mind, and spirit.\\nTherapeutic yoga is not about talk therapy or physiotherapy.\\nA therapeutic yoga class should be relaxing and nourishing, not vigorous.\\nYour therapeutic yoga instructor should not push or force you into anything in class. Everything is optional.\\nA therapeutic yoga instructor should encourage self-awareness and compassion.\\nTherapeutic yoga should include multiple facets of yoga.\\nTherapeutic yoga is not restorative yoga but may have some restorative forms.\\nIn this day and age of stress, anxiety, burnout, and other mental and physical illnesses, therapeutic yoga naturally heals and provides a respite for those who desperately need it. It is inclusive of all people, shapes, sizes, fitness levels, genders, and ages. \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, our yoga instructors are committed to helping their students achieve their goals, no matter what they may be. They are truly compassionate, caring, and believe in holistic whole body health and wellbeing. If you’re looking for a yoga community that’s tight knit, MyYogaTeacher is the place to be!\n\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n"},"category":["therapy"]},{"id":"cl2i21amk0paq0cka9xc22m6u","slug":"lose-weight-with-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yes, You Can Lose Weight Doing Yoga: Yoga for Weight Loss","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":"Did you know yoga is great for weight loss? It really is! Learn about losing weight with yoga here.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-04-27T20:53:41.493423+00:00","coverUrl":"faic3rluaob2u37qw2ye.jpg","content":{"text":"A consistent yoga practice provides many benefits - better sleep, stress reduction, more flexibility, and pain relief. But weight loss? Yes, doing yoga helps you lose weight!\\nDespite the fact that yoga is low impact, easy on joints, and doable by anyone at any fitness level, practicing yoga strengthens, tones, and will even make you sweat! If you’re doing the right kind of yoga, that is.\\nYoga helps people lose weight in many different ways. Depending on how quickly you want to improve your fitness, you may lose weight more quickly than you think!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, our yoga instructors are committed to helping their students achieve their goals, no matter what they may be. They are truly compassionate, caring, and believe in holistic whole body health and wellbeing. If you’re looking for a yoga community that’s tight knit, MyYogaTeacher is the place to be!\n\nMyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\n\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nSo let’s talk about yoga for weight loss.\\n\\n\nThe best types of yoga for weight loss\\nIf you’re accustomed to yoga being restorative, calm, and focused almost solely on stretching and lengthening, then you’re probably participating in a yoga practice that won’t help you lose weight.\\nThere are plenty of others that will though!\\nVinyasa yoga\\nA vinyasa is a smooth and seamless transition between poses. Vinyasa yoga includes stringing a series of yoga poses together smoothly with your breath. Your breath is connected to the movements. It is generally fast-paced, and you’ll stay in a constant state of movement.\\nWith less time spent in stationary poses, you’ll quickly build up some heat and even sweat. As the yoga practice progresses, you may find it increasingly difficult to match your breath to your movement. Keep trying though! This is why yoga is called a “practice.”\\nDepending on your size, weight, and the effort you put in, a one hour vinyasa yoga session can help you burn anywhere from 500-700 calories!\\n\\n\n\\nAshtanga yoga\\nThis modern form of traditional yoga is a dynamic, athletic type of yoga practice. Unlike vinyasa yoga, ashtanga yoga is much more structured and is even more physically demanding. This form of yoga is great for weight loss for that reason! \\nOne important note about ashtanga yoga is that it consists of a series of levels. Beginners start with the Primary Series and progress after they’ve mastered and memorized it. \\nYep, we said “memorized.” \\nAshtanga yoga is made up of a set of postures that remain the same each time you practice. Vinyasa yoga poses may change from practice to practice. Once again, you can count on burning some major calories during an ashtanga yoga class, anywhere from 400-600.\\n\\n\\nPower yoga\\nPower yoga is usually a combination of several styles of yoga, including vinyasa and ashtanga yoga. If you’re looking for yoga for weight loss that changes from class to class and is challenging, power yoga is for you!\\nThis form of yoga also promotes better endurance, improves heart function, and builds strength in ways that other forms of yoga may not. This is because your body is not only always moving, but it’s moving in different ways and different directions each time you practice. So your body doesn’t have time to adjust and plateau like it might with other forms of yoga.\\nPower yoga is also great for athletes who are searching for the next challenge!\\n\\nOther ways yoga helps with weight loss\\nIf you have read any of our other articles, you’ll know that we believe yoga is so much more than a physical activity. Yoga is about mental, emotional, \\nand\\n physical health. It’s about bringing harmony to your inner and outer self.\\n\\n\\nYoga prevents emotional eating\\nFood, especially certain types of foods, causes your brain to release serotonin, a feel good chemical. That is why when we’re sad, stressed, anxious, moody, or generally having a bad day, we often turn to food for comfort.\\nThat doesn’t mean our body \\nneeds\\n food at that time though! \\nA regular yoga practice also causes your body to release feel-good chemicals. And not just serotonin. Endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin are also released. You are less likely to emotionally eat when you’re already feeling good (or better) after a yoga practice or from using yoga breathing techniques.\\nYoga creates self-awareness\\nMindless eating is also another reason people gain weight. Snacking during a movie, drinking a soda while you drive, eating when you’re tired or dehydrated. All of these are forms of mindless eating.\\nA regular yoga practice helps you lose weight because you become more conscious of your body’s needs, more aware of your mental and emotional state. And yoga gives you tools to to replace or eliminate mindless eating. \\nNot only that, but you will find that you practice \\nmindful eating\\n more often!\\nWhether you’re wanting to lose weight for your health, more confidence, just to feel better, or all three, yoga is great for weight loss! \\nMyYogaTeacher offers classes specifically for weight loss. And 1-on-1 classes will provide you with a yoga teacher who’s invested in you. Our yoga teachers create plans relating to nutrition, fitness, and whole body wellness for their students! Their goal is to help you reach yours!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already,\\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n"},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"cl283l1fmgb3i0cj0wdpae11m","slug":"yoga-nidra-science","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"The Science Behind How Yoga Nidra Affects Your Mental Health ","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":"Ever heard of yoga nidra? Discover what it is, how it works, and how yoga nidra can benefit your mental health!","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-04-20T21:39:20.573665+00:00","coverUrl":"jxarku7prcghfy5mtcey.jpg","content":{"text":"As the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders continue to rise, worldwide, it’s becoming more and more obvious that many (if not most) adults experience some form of mental health issue at some point during their adult life.\\nFor many adults, the occurrence of depression and anxiety is consistent with family, work, and life stressors.\\nYoga nidra is a specific form of meditation that addresses stress and anxiety, the key components of mental health disorders. While there are traditional medical interventions available to people who suffer with mental health issues, they are often not sought out or continued by patients. \\nPrescription medications, hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and similar interventions are costly, time consuming, and sometimes are only a temporary solution to the side effects of mental health disorders. \\nResearch shows that not only is yoga nidra safe and effective for treating anxiety and depression symptoms, it’s one of the few holistic complementary forms of therapy supported by conventional medical practitioners.\\nThis is why a good understanding of what yog nidra is and how a yoga nidra practice affects your mental health is important. So you can practice it knowing it’s backed by science!\\n\\nWhat is yoga nidra?\\nWe’ve covered this topic in other articles on the MyYogaTeacher blog as well, but in case you haven’t seen them, here’s a brief explanation!\\nYoga nidra is a form of meditation, usually guided. It’s also often known as “yogic sleep” and is, in fact, practiced lying down (great start, right?!). This ancient form of meditation is where the practitioner – that’s you – enters deep states of relaxation and transfers awareness from the outer world to their inner one.\\nYoga nidra is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia, burnout, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.\\nThis form of yoga is very different from other forms of meditation. It isn’t just about guided visualizations, affirmations, and yoga nidra is certainly not about daydreaming…or dreaming at all.\\nIn yoga nidra, the conscious mind remains active while the brain and body themselves reach a deep relaxation state. Most importantly, unlike in hypnosis, \\nyou\\n are always in control.\\n\\n\\nThe science behind benefits of yoga nidra\\nNow that you have a better understanding of what it is, we can discuss how yoga nidra works to improve your mental health!\\nYoga nidra and the autonomic nervous system\\nThe autonomic nervous system is the part of our body that regulates functions that don’t require conscious thought. Your heart beating, breathing, eyes blinking, digestion, and blood flow are a few examples.\\nThis system also includes our flight-or-fight response (sympathetic nervous system).\\nThe practice of yoga nidra meditation activates the \\npara\\nsympathetic nervous system – the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system. This is a part of your autonomic nervous system that controls our body’s ability to relax. When we relax deeply (such as when we’re in a dreamless sleep), our body is able to heal.\\nThis is why people who suffer from anxiety and depression often want to use sleep as a coping mechanism. Besides the fact that negative mental health states make you tired, sleeping is recovery.\\nHow does yoga nidra affect mental health?\\nA yoga nidra meditation practice allows your body to enter a sleep-like state while also maintaining control of your consciousness. This allows you to not only deeply relax but also rewire your mind (with the help of a yoga nidra instructor) to think and even behave differently.\\nSo your body gets to heal while you’re addressing the root cause of your mental health issues. No drugs. No pills. No nasty side effects from those types of medications. No costly visits to therapists unless you want to.\\nJust a reduction or elimination of anxiety, depression, and stress responses, which contribute to better mental \\nand\\n physical health.\\n\\nPhysiological side effects of better mental health\\nYour physiological body responds to your mental health. When you’re stressed, it releases cortisol, a hormone that causes inflammation. When you’re anxious, your blood pressure rises. When you’re experiencing post traumatic stress responses, your digestive system may almost completely stop working (temporarily anyway).\\nProlonged exposure to mental health issues is responsible for numerous health problems!\\nHeart attacks, strokes, hypertension, eating disorders, addiction to medications, chronic pain, headaches and migraines. So many things that lead to a shorter life span and impact your current quality of life.\\nYoga nidra meditation benefits include:\\n\\nBetter immune function\\nDecreased blood pressure\\nDecreased cortisol levels\\nImproved sleep\\nEnhanced memory and cognitive performance\\nReduction of chronic pain\\nDiminished symptoms of anxiety and depression\\nMore positive thought patterns\\nReduced or elimination of headaches\\nImproved digestion\\nPlus a whole host of others! \\nWho wouldn’t want to live a happier, healthier life with less stress, more mental clarity, and more optimism?\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we’re passionate about whole body health. That includes mental and emotional health. And we feel very strongly that yoga is for everyone. Our expert and experienced yoga teachers are well-versed in many forms of meditation, and group classes dedicated to them are available to all of our members!\\nWe have 70+ expert yoga instructors, many who specialize in yoga therapy, meditation, or even have masters degrees in those same areas. They are experienced, kind, and truly care about your well being!\\nWe’d love to have you join our community and discover how meditation and mindfulness positively impacts your life!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your child’s faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about your chIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\n\n\n\n\n\\n"},"category":["anxiety"]}],"randomPosts":[],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckoa1aav4qv5a0b63w9h2eb4j","slug":"yoga-101-what-is-yoga","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga 101: What Is Yoga? Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Started","createdAt":"2021-05-04T12:54:40.207865+00:00","coverUrl":"ozfwdauigdcdmkiwkeqs.png","seoDescription":"Not sure about yoga? Here's Yoga 101—everything you need to know about what yoga is, the benefits of yoga, and the types of yoga available.","content":{"text":"What Is Yoga?\\nYoga is an approach to physical and mental health and wellbeing that has been around for thousands of years. According to Sadhguru, the word \"yoga\" means \"that which brings you to reality.\" Taken literally, the word means \"union.\" Many take this to mean a \"union of the body and mind.\" Some might add \"spirit\" to the mix.\\n\\nThe word comes from the Sanskrit root word \"yuj,\" which means \"union,\" \"integration,\" or \"wholeness.\"\\n\\nThere are more than 300 million people in the world who practice yoga, according to the Yogi Times and the Economic Times. And roughly half of that number is yoga practitioners from India, but more and more people around the world are coming to yoga for various reasons, including 36 million people in the United States who make yoga a nearly $12 billion industry in the country (Statista). In this Yoga 101 article, you'll learn more about the practice of yoga, different yoga paths and styles, and the benefits of yoga.\\n\\nTo get the best possible understanding of yoga, we encourage you to \\nsign up for a free two-week of myYogaTeacher\\n. Once inside, you'll have two weeks to try more than 35 live online yoga classes every single day from Indian teachers who have a comprehensive understanding of the entire yoga practice. We even offer a \\nYoga 101 class\\n that you'll probably enjoy if you're here reading this article!\\n\\nPaths of Yoga\\n\\n\\nYoga philosophy\\n tells us that the cause of our suffering is a disconnection from our true self. That's why Vedanta offers four yoga paths to help us reconnect with our true selves. Let's take a look at these four paths of yoga: Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, and Raja.\\n\\nBhakti Yoga (Devotion)\\nBhakti yoga is the path of yoga built on self-realization through devotion. It's typically practiced through kirtans or bhajans (devotional chants) and helps practitioners work through intense emotions by focusing on the divine being.\\nBhakti yoga is all about prayer, worship, and ritual that gets the practitioners closer to the spirit, letting the ego and desire go.\\n\\nJnana Yoga (Knowledge and Wisdom)\\nJnana comes from the Sanskrit for \"knowledge.\" This is the path of intellect and wisdom and involves the study of sacred texts as well as contemplation and self-analysis. Those practicing Jnana are seeking to break through illusion to find the true meaning of life.\\n\\nJnana yoga is called the \"science of the self,\" by Swami Sivananda and the philosophy of Vedanta teaches self-inquiry to discover your true nature.\\n\\nKarma Yoga (Selfless Service)\\nKarma means \"action.\" Through Karma yoga, we learn to be kind and compassionate without expecting anything—even kindness and compassion—in return. Karma yoga is practiced through any acts of service when you put others’ needs before your own and feel grounded during these acts.\\n\\nThis practice is \"work as worship,\" cosmic love and tolerance when we act without expectation of personal gain. It is seen as liberating, through selfless service we free ourselves from karmic bonds and find peace.\\n\\nRaja Yoga (Meditation)\\nThe fourth path of yoga we're going to talk about is Raja yoga. Raja means \"royalty\" or \"kind\" in Sanskrit and balances the three other paths (Bhakti, Jnana, and Karma) to help you find inner peace and self-awareness. While asanas and pranayamas are integral to Raja, the main practice is silent \\nmeditation\\n.\\n\\nThis type of yoga is also known as Ashtanga because the practice can be divided into \\neight limbs\\n:\\nYamas, or ethical standards: Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Satya (truthfulness)\\nNiyamas, or self-discipline: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrender)\\nAsana: the postures practiced in yoga\\nPranayama: breath control\\nPratyahara: internal awareness\\nDharana: concentration\\nDhyana: meditation\\nSamadhi: fulfillment, joy, ecstasy\\nStyles of Yoga\\n\\nNow that you have a better understanding of the paths of yoga, let's turn our attention to the styles of yoga that you might find in any yoga studio. Styles of yoga range quite a bit, from power yoga and other demanding classes, to gentle yoga, and more meditative classes.\\n\\nSome of the styles of yoga have a yoga lineage (like Kriya, Hatha, Ashtanga, and others), but yoga lineage has become less important to practitioners as yoga becomes more readily available to different cultures and people around the world.\\n\\nThis is by no means a complete list of the different styles of yoga. Inside \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n, you'll also find offerings like gentle yoga, chair yoga, and therapeutic yoga for things like thyroid, \\ndiabetes\\n, and more.\\n\\nKriya Yoga\\nKriya yoga is an ancient practice that includes pranayama and meditation. Swami Paramahansa Yogananda is the guru known for bringing Kriya yoga to the Western world. This style of yoga uses meditation to lead practitioners to spirituality.\\n\\nHatha Yoga\\nHatha yoga is a broad term that encompasses yoga styles using asanas (poses). \\nHatha classes\\n tend to be slower-paced and train practitioners to regulate their breath and meditate while in poses. It's truly a \"moving meditation.\"\\n\\nVinyasa Yoga\\nVinyasa yoga uses movement and breath, similar to Hatha. However, \\nVinyasa\\n tends to be a faster pace and flows through asanas rather than holding them. It's a physically demanding practice without a set structure.\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga\\nAshtanga yoga is another physically demanding style of yoga that helps increase flexibility, as well as build strength and stamina. With Ashtanga, practitioners work through the same series of poses every time.\\n\\nIyengar Yoga\\nIyengar yoga was created by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1960s. This style of yoga focuses on precise movements and alignment. Poses are generally held for a long time and props are used to help practitioners perfect their form or get deeper into poses.\\n\\nKundalini Yoga\\n\\nKundalini yoga\\n is a spiritual and physical yoga practice designed to release the energy trapped in the lower spine. This style of yoga uses fast-paced postures and breathing, chanting, mantra, and meditation. It was introduced in the West during the 1970s by Yogi Bhajan.\\n\\nBikram Yoga\\nBikram yoga is often called \"hot yoga\" since it is practiced in a humid, heated room (105º and 40% humidity). It's named after Bikram Choudhury and includes a series of 26 postures, performed twice, in a fast flow. It's a challenging practice that improves endurance and flexibility. As more and more practitioners try to distance themselves from the style's founder, you'll find a deviation from the series of postures as well as room temperatures and humidity.\\n\\nYin Yoga\\nYin yoga focuses on seated postures held for long periods of time. It's a slower-paced style of yoga and can be quite meditative. Poses are generally held from 45 seconds to two minutes.\\n\\nPower Yoga\\nThere are several different forms of \\npower yoga\\n but it's always intense and fast-paced. It combines flexibility, strength, concentration, and breathwork into a flowing style and was originally created for athletes.\\n\\nRestorative Yoga\\nOn the opposite end of the yoga spectrum from power yoga is restorative yoga. This style of yoga focuses on body relaxation and freeing your mind. It borrows pieces from several other yoga styles. Like Iyengar, \\nrestorative yoga\\n practice encourages the use of props to encourage complete relaxation through body support. Like Yin, the poses in restorative yoga are held for a long time (though much longer than in Yin).\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga\\nSo far, we've covered the paths of yoga as well as several different styles of yoga. But you may be wondering why you'd practice yoga in the first place.\\n\\nThere have been so many scientific studies about the practice of yoga and its benefits. Those benefits range from physical to mental to emotional. Here are some of the benefits you can expect.\\nBetter posture. Yoga postures can help strengthen shoulder and back muscles. That strength then leads to better posture.\\nImproved flexibility and mobility through a combination of active movement and held stretches.\\nIncreased strength. Yoga isn't easy. Many of the poses \\nchallenge muscles\\n in the legs, shoulders, and core.\\nCardiovascular strength and endurance. Several yoga styles can improve your cardio through movement and flowing poses that increase the heart rate.\\nBetter brain function and stress management. Many styles of yoga include meditation that has been shown to calm the mind, relieve stress and tension, improve concentration, and stabilize mood. The addition of Mudras (hand positions) and Pranayama, or controlled breathing, only heightens those positive effects.\\nWrapping Up\\nBy now, you should have a much better understanding of what yoga is, the paths and styles of yoga, as well as which forms of yoga you might want to check out. To gain access to different styles of yoga, we invite you to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n where you'll find 35+ live online yoga classes of various styles every single day to choose from.","html":"<h1>What Is Yoga?</h1><p>Yoga is an approach to physical and mental health and wellbeing that has been around for thousands of years. According to Sadhguru, the word &quot;yoga&quot; means &quot;that which brings you to reality.&quot; Taken literally, the word means &quot;union.&quot; Many take this to mean a &quot;union of the body and mind.&quot; Some might add &quot;spirit&quot; to the mix.</p><p></p><p>The word comes from the Sanskrit root word &quot;yuj,&quot; which means &quot;union,&quot; &quot;integration,&quot; or &quot;wholeness.&quot;</p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/7cI89J27QoSvqtRV4lEb\" alt=\"group yoga class.png\" title=\"group yoga class.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>There are more than 300 million people in the world who practice yoga, according to the Yogi Times and the Economic Times. And roughly half of that number is yoga practitioners from India, but more and more people around the world are coming to yoga for various reasons, including 36 million people in the United States who make yoga a nearly $12 billion industry in the country (Statista). In this Yoga 101 article, you&#39;ll learn more about the practice of yoga, different yoga paths and styles, and the benefits of yoga.</p><p></p><p>To get the best possible understanding of yoga, we encourage you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">sign up for a free two-week of myYogaTeacher</a>. Once inside, you&#39;ll have two weeks to try more than 35 live online yoga classes every single day from Indian teachers who have a comprehensive understanding of the entire yoga practice. We even offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-101-for-beginner-level-by-prakash\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-101-for-beginner-level-by-prakash\">Yoga 101 class</a> that you&#39;ll probably enjoy if you&#39;re here reading this article!</p><p></p><h2>Paths of Yoga</h2><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/ks2oKJmT220LnUbG3HKG\" alt=\"paths of yoga.png\" title=\"paths of yoga.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-philosophy-by-sandeep\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-philosophy-by-sandeep\">Yoga philosophy</a> tells us that the cause of our suffering is a disconnection from our true self. That&#39;s why Vedanta offers four yoga paths to help us reconnect with our true selves. Let&#39;s take a look at these four paths of yoga: Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, and Raja.</p><p></p><h3>Bhakti Yoga (Devotion)</h3><p>Bhakti yoga is the path of yoga built on self-realization through devotion. It&#39;s typically practiced through kirtans or bhajans (devotional chants) and helps practitioners work through intense emotions by focusing on the divine being.</p><p>Bhakti yoga is all about prayer, worship, and ritual that gets the practitioners closer to the spirit, letting the ego and desire go.</p><p></p><h3>Jnana Yoga (Knowledge and Wisdom)</h3><p>Jnana comes from the Sanskrit for &quot;knowledge.&quot; This is the path of intellect and wisdom and involves the study of sacred texts as well as contemplation and self-analysis. Those practicing Jnana are seeking to break through illusion to find the true meaning of life.</p><p></p><p>Jnana yoga is called the &quot;science of the self,&quot; by Swami Sivananda and the philosophy of Vedanta teaches self-inquiry to discover your true nature.</p><p></p><h3>Karma Yoga (Selfless Service)</h3><p>Karma means &quot;action.&quot; Through Karma yoga, we learn to be kind and compassionate without expecting anything—even kindness and compassion—in return. Karma yoga is practiced through any acts of service when you put others’ needs before your own and feel grounded during these acts.</p><p></p><p>This practice is &quot;work as worship,&quot; cosmic love and tolerance when we act without expectation of personal gain. It is seen as liberating, through selfless service we free ourselves from karmic bonds and find peace.</p><p></p><h3>Raja Yoga (Meditation)</h3><p>The fourth path of yoga we&#39;re going to talk about is Raja yoga. Raja means &quot;royalty&quot; or &quot;kind&quot; in Sanskrit and balances the three other paths (Bhakti, Jnana, and Karma) to help you find inner peace and self-awareness. While asanas and pranayamas are integral to Raja, the main practice is silent <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\">meditation</a>.</p><p></p><p>This type of yoga is also known as Ashtanga because the practice can be divided into <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\">eight limbs</a>:</p><ol><li><div>Yamas, or ethical standards: Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Satya (truthfulness)</div></li><li><div>Niyamas, or self-discipline: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrender)</div></li><li><div>Asana: the postures practiced in yoga</div></li><li><div>Pranayama: breath control</div></li><li><div>Pratyahara: internal awareness</div></li><li><div>Dharana: concentration</div></li><li><div>Dhyana: meditation</div></li><li><div>Samadhi: fulfillment, joy, ecstasy</div></li></ol><h2>Styles of Yoga</h2><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/Xzahn3NSQYGgqtjBXXuQ\" alt=\"styles of yoga.png\" title=\"styles of yoga.png\" width=\"1801\" height=\"1202\" /><p>Now that you have a better understanding of the paths of yoga, let&#39;s turn our attention to the styles of yoga that you might find in any yoga studio. Styles of yoga range quite a bit, from power yoga and other demanding classes, to gentle yoga, and more meditative classes.</p><p></p><p>Some of the styles of yoga have a yoga lineage (like Kriya, Hatha, Ashtanga, and others), but yoga lineage has become less important to practitioners as yoga becomes more readily available to different cultures and people around the world.</p><p></p><p>This is by no means a complete list of the different styles of yoga. Inside <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">myYogaTeacher</a>, you&#39;ll also find offerings like gentle yoga, chair yoga, and therapeutic yoga for things like thyroid, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\">diabetes</a>, and more.</p><p></p><h3>Kriya Yoga</h3><p>Kriya yoga is an ancient practice that includes pranayama and meditation. Swami Paramahansa Yogananda is the guru known for bringing Kriya yoga to the Western world. This style of yoga uses meditation to lead practitioners to spirituality.</p><p></p><h3>Hatha Yoga</h3><p>Hatha yoga is a broad term that encompasses yoga styles using asanas (poses). <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/hatha-yoga-for-beginner-level-by-manjula\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/hatha-yoga-for-beginner-level-by-manjula\">Hatha classes</a> tend to be slower-paced and train practitioners to regulate their breath and meditate while in poses. It&#39;s truly a &quot;moving meditation.&quot;</p><p></p><h3>Vinyasa Yoga</h3><p>Vinyasa yoga uses movement and breath, similar to Hatha. However, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\">Vinyasa</a> tends to be a faster pace and flows through asanas rather than holding them. It&#39;s a physically demanding practice without a set structure.</p><p></p><h3>Ashtanga Yoga</h3><p>Ashtanga yoga is another physically demanding style of yoga that helps increase flexibility, as well as build strength and stamina. With Ashtanga, practitioners work through the same series of poses every time.</p><p></p><h3>Iyengar Yoga</h3><p>Iyengar yoga was created by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1960s. This style of yoga focuses on precise movements and alignment. Poses are generally held for a long time and props are used to help practitioners perfect their form or get deeper into poses.</p><p></p><h3>Kundalini Yoga</h3><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/kundalini-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/kundalini-yoga\">Kundalini yoga</a> is a spiritual and physical yoga practice designed to release the energy trapped in the lower spine. This style of yoga uses fast-paced postures and breathing, chanting, mantra, and meditation. It was introduced in the West during the 1970s by Yogi Bhajan.</p><p></p><h3>Bikram Yoga</h3><p>Bikram yoga is often called &quot;hot yoga&quot; since it is practiced in a humid, heated room (105º and 40% humidity). It&#39;s named after Bikram Choudhury and includes a series of 26 postures, performed twice, in a fast flow. It&#39;s a challenging practice that improves endurance and flexibility. As more and more practitioners try to distance themselves from the style&#39;s founder, you&#39;ll find a deviation from the series of postures as well as room temperatures and humidity.</p><p></p><h3>Yin Yoga</h3><p>Yin yoga focuses on seated postures held for long periods of time. It&#39;s a slower-paced style of yoga and can be quite meditative. Poses are generally held from 45 seconds to two minutes.</p><p></p><h3>Power Yoga</h3><p>There are several different forms of <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\">power yoga</a> but it&#39;s always intense and fast-paced. It combines flexibility, strength, concentration, and breathwork into a flowing style and was originally created for athletes.</p><p></p><h3>Restorative Yoga</h3><p>On the opposite end of the yoga spectrum from power yoga is restorative yoga. This style of yoga focuses on body relaxation and freeing your mind. It borrows pieces from several other yoga styles. Like Iyengar, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/restorative-yoga-for-deep-relaxation-for-beginner-level-by-apoorva\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/restorative-yoga-for-deep-relaxation-for-beginner-level-by-apoorva\">restorative yoga</a> practice encourages the use of props to encourage complete relaxation through body support. Like Yin, the poses in restorative yoga are held for a long time (though much longer than in Yin).</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Yoga</h2><p>So far, we&#39;ve covered the paths of yoga as well as several different styles of yoga. But you may be wondering why you&#39;d practice yoga in the first place.</p><p></p><p>There have been so many scientific studies about the practice of yoga and its benefits. Those benefits range from physical to mental to emotional. Here are some of the benefits you can expect.</p><ul><li><div>Better posture. Yoga postures can help strengthen shoulder and back muscles. That strength then leads to better posture.</div></li><li><div>Improved flexibility and mobility through a combination of active movement and held stretches.</div></li><li><div>Increased strength. Yoga isn&#39;t easy. Many of the poses <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">challenge muscles</a> in the legs, shoulders, and core.</div></li><li><div>Cardiovascular strength and endurance. Several yoga styles can improve your cardio through movement and flowing poses that increase the heart rate.</div></li><li><div>Better brain function and stress management. Many styles of yoga include meditation that has been shown to calm the mind, relieve stress and tension, improve concentration, and stabilize mood. The addition of Mudras (hand positions) and Pranayama, or controlled breathing, only heightens those positive effects.</div></li></ul><h3>Wrapping Up</h3><p>By now, you should have a much better understanding of what yoga is, the paths and styles of yoga, as well as which forms of yoga you might want to check out. To gain access to different styles of yoga, we invite you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">sign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</a> where you&#39;ll find 35+ live online yoga classes of various styles every single day to choose from.</p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<h1>What Is Yoga?</h1><p>Yoga is an approach to physical and mental health and wellbeing that has been around for thousands of years. According to Sadhguru, the word &quot;yoga&quot; means &quot;that which brings you to reality.&quot; Taken literally, the word means &quot;union.&quot; Many take this to mean a &quot;union of the body and mind.&quot; Some might add &quot;spirit&quot; to the mix.</p><p></p><p>The word comes from the Sanskrit root word &quot;yuj,&quot; which means &quot;union,&quot; &quot;integration,&quot; or &quot;wholeness.&quot;</p>\n          <picture>\n            <source \n              type=\"image/webp\"\n              data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:960,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/7cI89J27QoSvqtRV4lEb\" \n              alt=\"group yoga class.png\"\n              title=\"group yoga class.png\"\n              \n              \n              class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n            />\n            <source \n              type=\"image/jpg\"\n              data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:960,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/7cI89J27QoSvqtRV4lEb\"\n              alt=\"group yoga class.png\"\n              title=\"group yoga class.png\"\n              \n              \n              class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n            />\n            <img \n              data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:960,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/7cI89J27QoSvqtRV4lEb\"\n              alt=\"group yoga class.png\"\n              title=\"group yoga class.png\"\n              \n              \n              class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n            />\n          </picture>\n        <p>There are more than 300 million people in the world who practice yoga, according to the Yogi Times and the Economic Times. And roughly half of that number is yoga practitioners from India, but more and more people around the world are coming to yoga for various reasons, including 36 million people in the United States who make yoga a nearly $12 billion industry in the country (Statista). In this Yoga 101 article, you&#39;ll learn more about the practice of yoga, different yoga paths and styles, and the benefits of yoga.</p><p></p><p>To get the best possible understanding of yoga, we encourage you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">sign up for a free two-week of myYogaTeacher</a>. Once inside, you&#39;ll have two weeks to try more than 35 live online yoga classes every single day from Indian teachers who have a comprehensive understanding of the entire yoga practice. We even offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-101-for-beginner-level-by-prakash\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-101-for-beginner-level-by-prakash\">Yoga 101 class</a> that you&#39;ll probably enjoy if you&#39;re here reading this article!</p><p></p><h2>Paths of Yoga</h2>\n          <picture>\n            <source \n              type=\"image/webp\"\n              data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:960,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/ks2oKJmT220LnUbG3HKG\" \n              alt=\"paths of yoga.png\"\n              title=\"paths of yoga.png\"\n              \n              \n              class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n            />\n            <source \n              type=\"image/jpg\"\n              data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:960,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/ks2oKJmT220LnUbG3HKG\"\n              alt=\"paths of yoga.png\"\n              title=\"paths of yoga.png\"\n              \n              \n              class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n            />\n            <img \n              data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:960,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/ks2oKJmT220LnUbG3HKG\"\n              alt=\"paths of yoga.png\"\n              title=\"paths of yoga.png\"\n              \n              \n              class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n            />\n          </picture>\n        <p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-philosophy-by-sandeep\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-philosophy-by-sandeep\">Yoga philosophy</a> tells us that the cause of our suffering is a disconnection from our true self. That&#39;s why Vedanta offers four yoga paths to help us reconnect with our true selves. Let&#39;s take a look at these four paths of yoga: Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, and Raja.</p><p></p><h3>Bhakti Yoga (Devotion)</h3><p>Bhakti yoga is the path of yoga built on self-realization through devotion. It&#39;s typically practiced through kirtans or bhajans (devotional chants) and helps practitioners work through intense emotions by focusing on the divine being.</p><p>Bhakti yoga is all about prayer, worship, and ritual that gets the practitioners closer to the spirit, letting the ego and desire go.</p><p></p><h3>Jnana Yoga (Knowledge and Wisdom)</h3><p>Jnana comes from the Sanskrit for &quot;knowledge.&quot; This is the path of intellect and wisdom and involves the study of sacred texts as well as contemplation and self-analysis. Those practicing Jnana are seeking to break through illusion to find the true meaning of life.</p><p></p><p>Jnana yoga is called the &quot;science of the self,&quot; by Swami Sivananda and the philosophy of Vedanta teaches self-inquiry to discover your true nature.</p><p></p><h3>Karma Yoga (Selfless Service)</h3><p>Karma means &quot;action.&quot; Through Karma yoga, we learn to be kind and compassionate without expecting anything—even kindness and compassion—in return. Karma yoga is practiced through any acts of service when you put others’ needs before your own and feel grounded during these acts.</p><p></p><p>This practice is &quot;work as worship,&quot; cosmic love and tolerance when we act without expectation of personal gain. It is seen as liberating, through selfless service we free ourselves from karmic bonds and find peace.</p><p></p><h3>Raja Yoga (Meditation)</h3><p>The fourth path of yoga we&#39;re going to talk about is Raja yoga. Raja means &quot;royalty&quot; or &quot;kind&quot; in Sanskrit and balances the three other paths (Bhakti, Jnana, and Karma) to help you find inner peace and self-awareness. While asanas and pranayamas are integral to Raja, the main practice is silent <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\">meditation</a>.</p><p></p><p>This type of yoga is also known as Ashtanga because the practice can be divided into <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\">eight limbs</a>:</p><ol><li><div>Yamas, or ethical standards: Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Satya (truthfulness)</div></li><li><div>Niyamas, or self-discipline: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrender)</div></li><li><div>Asana: the postures practiced in yoga</div></li><li><div>Pranayama: breath control</div></li><li><div>Pratyahara: internal awareness</div></li><li><div>Dharana: concentration</div></li><li><div>Dhyana: meditation</div></li><li><div>Samadhi: fulfillment, joy, ecstasy</div></li></ol><h2>Styles of Yoga</h2>\n          <picture>\n            <source \n              type=\"image/webp\"\n              data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:960,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/Xzahn3NSQYGgqtjBXXuQ\" \n              alt=\"styles of yoga.png\"\n              title=\"styles of yoga.png\"\n              \n              \n              class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n            />\n            <source \n              type=\"image/jpg\"\n              data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:960,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/Xzahn3NSQYGgqtjBXXuQ\"\n              alt=\"styles of yoga.png\"\n              title=\"styles of yoga.png\"\n              \n              \n              class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n            />\n            <img \n              data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:960,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/Xzahn3NSQYGgqtjBXXuQ\"\n              alt=\"styles of yoga.png\"\n              title=\"styles of yoga.png\"\n              \n              \n              class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n            />\n          </picture>\n        <p>Now that you have a better understanding of the paths of yoga, let&#39;s turn our attention to the styles of yoga that you might find in any yoga studio. Styles of yoga range quite a bit, from power yoga and other demanding classes, to gentle yoga, and more meditative classes.</p><p></p><p>Some of the styles of yoga have a yoga lineage (like Kriya, Hatha, Ashtanga, and others), but yoga lineage has become less important to practitioners as yoga becomes more readily available to different cultures and people around the world.</p><p></p><p>This is by no means a complete list of the different styles of yoga. Inside <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">myYogaTeacher</a>, you&#39;ll also find offerings like gentle yoga, chair yoga, and therapeutic yoga for things like thyroid, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\">diabetes</a>, and more.</p><p></p><h3>Kriya Yoga</h3><p>Kriya yoga is an ancient practice that includes pranayama and meditation. Swami Paramahansa Yogananda is the guru known for bringing Kriya yoga to the Western world. This style of yoga uses meditation to lead practitioners to spirituality.</p><p></p><h3>Hatha Yoga</h3><p>Hatha yoga is a broad term that encompasses yoga styles using asanas (poses). <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/hatha-yoga-for-beginner-level-by-manjula\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/hatha-yoga-for-beginner-level-by-manjula\">Hatha classes</a> tend to be slower-paced and train practitioners to regulate their breath and meditate while in poses. It&#39;s truly a &quot;moving meditation.&quot;</p><p></p><h3>Vinyasa Yoga</h3><p>Vinyasa yoga uses movement and breath, similar to Hatha. However, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\">Vinyasa</a> tends to be a faster pace and flows through asanas rather than holding them. It&#39;s a physically demanding practice without a set structure.</p><p></p><h3>Ashtanga Yoga</h3><p>Ashtanga yoga is another physically demanding style of yoga that helps increase flexibility, as well as build strength and stamina. With Ashtanga, practitioners work through the same series of poses every time.</p><p></p><h3>Iyengar Yoga</h3><p>Iyengar yoga was created by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1960s. This style of yoga focuses on precise movements and alignment. Poses are generally held for a long time and props are used to help practitioners perfect their form or get deeper into poses.</p><p></p><h3>Kundalini Yoga</h3><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/kundalini-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/kundalini-yoga\">Kundalini yoga</a> is a spiritual and physical yoga practice designed to release the energy trapped in the lower spine. This style of yoga uses fast-paced postures and breathing, chanting, mantra, and meditation. It was introduced in the West during the 1970s by Yogi Bhajan.</p><p></p><h3>Bikram Yoga</h3><p>Bikram yoga is often called &quot;hot yoga&quot; since it is practiced in a humid, heated room (105º and 40% humidity). It&#39;s named after Bikram Choudhury and includes a series of 26 postures, performed twice, in a fast flow. It&#39;s a challenging practice that improves endurance and flexibility. As more and more practitioners try to distance themselves from the style&#39;s founder, you&#39;ll find a deviation from the series of postures as well as room temperatures and humidity.</p><p></p><h3>Yin Yoga</h3><p>Yin yoga focuses on seated postures held for long periods of time. It&#39;s a slower-paced style of yoga and can be quite meditative. Poses are generally held from 45 seconds to two minutes.</p><p></p><h3>Power Yoga</h3><p>There are several different forms of <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\">power yoga</a> but it&#39;s always intense and fast-paced. It combines flexibility, strength, concentration, and breathwork into a flowing style and was originally created for athletes.</p><p></p><h3>Restorative Yoga</h3><p>On the opposite end of the yoga spectrum from power yoga is restorative yoga. This style of yoga focuses on body relaxation and freeing your mind. It borrows pieces from several other yoga styles. Like Iyengar, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/restorative-yoga-for-deep-relaxation-for-beginner-level-by-apoorva\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/restorative-yoga-for-deep-relaxation-for-beginner-level-by-apoorva\">restorative yoga</a> practice encourages the use of props to encourage complete relaxation through body support. Like Yin, the poses in restorative yoga are held for a long time (though much longer than in Yin).</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Yoga</h2><p>So far, we&#39;ve covered the paths of yoga as well as several different styles of yoga. But you may be wondering why you&#39;d practice yoga in the first place.</p><p></p><p>There have been so many scientific studies about the practice of yoga and its benefits. Those benefits range from physical to mental to emotional. Here are some of the benefits you can expect.</p><ul><li><div>Better posture. Yoga postures can help strengthen shoulder and back muscles. That strength then leads to better posture.</div></li><li><div>Improved flexibility and mobility through a combination of active movement and held stretches.</div></li><li><div>Increased strength. Yoga isn&#39;t easy. Many of the poses <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">challenge muscles</a> in the legs, shoulders, and core.</div></li><li><div>Cardiovascular strength and endurance. Several yoga styles can improve your cardio through movement and flowing poses that increase the heart rate.</div></li><li><div>Better brain function and stress management. Many styles of yoga include meditation that has been shown to calm the mind, relieve stress and tension, improve concentration, and stabilize mood. The addition of Mudras (hand positions) and Pranayama, or controlled breathing, only heightens those positive effects.</div></li></ul><h3>Wrapping Up</h3><p>By now, you should have a much better understanding of what yoga is, the paths and styles of yoga, as well as which forms of yoga you might want to check out. To gain access to different styles of yoga, we invite you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">sign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</a> where you&#39;ll find 35+ live online yoga classes of various styles every single day to choose from.</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students &amp; 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip &amp; Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely &amp; Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage &amp; immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions –  </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage &amp; Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckoa1aav4qv5a0b63w9h2eb4j","slug":"yoga-101-what-is-yoga","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Yoga 101: What Is Yoga? Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Started","createdAt":"2021-05-04T12:54:40.207865+00:00","coverUrl":"ozfwdauigdcdmkiwkeqs.png","seoDescription":"Not sure about yoga? Here's Yoga 101—everything you need to know about what yoga is, the benefits of yoga, and the types of yoga available.","content":{"text":"What Is Yoga?\\nYoga is an approach to physical and mental health and wellbeing that has been around for thousands of years. According to Sadhguru, the word \"yoga\" means \"that which brings you to reality.\" Taken literally, the word means \"union.\" Many take this to mean a \"union of the body and mind.\" Some might add \"spirit\" to the mix.\\n\\nThe word comes from the Sanskrit root word \"yuj,\" which means \"union,\" \"integration,\" or \"wholeness.\"\\n\\nThere are more than 300 million people in the world who practice yoga, according to the Yogi Times and the Economic Times. And roughly half of that number is yoga practitioners from India, but more and more people around the world are coming to yoga for various reasons, including 36 million people in the United States who make yoga a nearly $12 billion industry in the country (Statista). In this Yoga 101 article, you'll learn more about the practice of yoga, different yoga paths and styles, and the benefits of yoga.\\n\\nTo get the best possible understanding of yoga, we encourage you to \\nsign up for a free two-week of myYogaTeacher\\n. Once inside, you'll have two weeks to try more than 35 live online yoga classes every single day from Indian teachers who have a comprehensive understanding of the entire yoga practice. We even offer a \\nYoga 101 class\\n that you'll probably enjoy if you're here reading this article!\\n\\nPaths of Yoga\\n\\n\\nYoga philosophy\\n tells us that the cause of our suffering is a disconnection from our true self. That's why Vedanta offers four yoga paths to help us reconnect with our true selves. Let's take a look at these four paths of yoga: Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, and Raja.\\n\\nBhakti Yoga (Devotion)\\nBhakti yoga is the path of yoga built on self-realization through devotion. It's typically practiced through kirtans or bhajans (devotional chants) and helps practitioners work through intense emotions by focusing on the divine being.\\nBhakti yoga is all about prayer, worship, and ritual that gets the practitioners closer to the spirit, letting the ego and desire go.\\n\\nJnana Yoga (Knowledge and Wisdom)\\nJnana comes from the Sanskrit for \"knowledge.\" This is the path of intellect and wisdom and involves the study of sacred texts as well as contemplation and self-analysis. Those practicing Jnana are seeking to break through illusion to find the true meaning of life.\\n\\nJnana yoga is called the \"science of the self,\" by Swami Sivananda and the philosophy of Vedanta teaches self-inquiry to discover your true nature.\\n\\nKarma Yoga (Selfless Service)\\nKarma means \"action.\" Through Karma yoga, we learn to be kind and compassionate without expecting anything—even kindness and compassion—in return. Karma yoga is practiced through any acts of service when you put others’ needs before your own and feel grounded during these acts.\\n\\nThis practice is \"work as worship,\" cosmic love and tolerance when we act without expectation of personal gain. It is seen as liberating, through selfless service we free ourselves from karmic bonds and find peace.\\n\\nRaja Yoga (Meditation)\\nThe fourth path of yoga we're going to talk about is Raja yoga. Raja means \"royalty\" or \"kind\" in Sanskrit and balances the three other paths (Bhakti, Jnana, and Karma) to help you find inner peace and self-awareness. While asanas and pranayamas are integral to Raja, the main practice is silent \\nmeditation\\n.\\n\\nThis type of yoga is also known as Ashtanga because the practice can be divided into \\neight limbs\\n:\\nYamas, or ethical standards: Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Satya (truthfulness)\\nNiyamas, or self-discipline: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrender)\\nAsana: the postures practiced in yoga\\nPranayama: breath control\\nPratyahara: internal awareness\\nDharana: concentration\\nDhyana: meditation\\nSamadhi: fulfillment, joy, ecstasy\\nStyles of Yoga\\n\\nNow that you have a better understanding of the paths of yoga, let's turn our attention to the styles of yoga that you might find in any yoga studio. Styles of yoga range quite a bit, from power yoga and other demanding classes, to gentle yoga, and more meditative classes.\\n\\nSome of the styles of yoga have a yoga lineage (like Kriya, Hatha, Ashtanga, and others), but yoga lineage has become less important to practitioners as yoga becomes more readily available to different cultures and people around the world.\\n\\nThis is by no means a complete list of the different styles of yoga. Inside \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n, you'll also find offerings like gentle yoga, chair yoga, and therapeutic yoga for things like thyroid, \\ndiabetes\\n, and more.\\n\\nKriya Yoga\\nKriya yoga is an ancient practice that includes pranayama and meditation. Swami Paramahansa Yogananda is the guru known for bringing Kriya yoga to the Western world. This style of yoga uses meditation to lead practitioners to spirituality.\\n\\nHatha Yoga\\nHatha yoga is a broad term that encompasses yoga styles using asanas (poses). \\nHatha classes\\n tend to be slower-paced and train practitioners to regulate their breath and meditate while in poses. It's truly a \"moving meditation.\"\\n\\nVinyasa Yoga\\nVinyasa yoga uses movement and breath, similar to Hatha. However, \\nVinyasa\\n tends to be a faster pace and flows through asanas rather than holding them. It's a physically demanding practice without a set structure.\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga\\nAshtanga yoga is another physically demanding style of yoga that helps increase flexibility, as well as build strength and stamina. With Ashtanga, practitioners work through the same series of poses every time.\\n\\nIyengar Yoga\\nIyengar yoga was created by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1960s. This style of yoga focuses on precise movements and alignment. Poses are generally held for a long time and props are used to help practitioners perfect their form or get deeper into poses.\\n\\nKundalini Yoga\\n\\nKundalini yoga\\n is a spiritual and physical yoga practice designed to release the energy trapped in the lower spine. This style of yoga uses fast-paced postures and breathing, chanting, mantra, and meditation. It was introduced in the West during the 1970s by Yogi Bhajan.\\n\\nBikram Yoga\\nBikram yoga is often called \"hot yoga\" since it is practiced in a humid, heated room (105º and 40% humidity). It's named after Bikram Choudhury and includes a series of 26 postures, performed twice, in a fast flow. It's a challenging practice that improves endurance and flexibility. As more and more practitioners try to distance themselves from the style's founder, you'll find a deviation from the series of postures as well as room temperatures and humidity.\\n\\nYin Yoga\\nYin yoga focuses on seated postures held for long periods of time. It's a slower-paced style of yoga and can be quite meditative. Poses are generally held from 45 seconds to two minutes.\\n\\nPower Yoga\\nThere are several different forms of \\npower yoga\\n but it's always intense and fast-paced. It combines flexibility, strength, concentration, and breathwork into a flowing style and was originally created for athletes.\\n\\nRestorative Yoga\\nOn the opposite end of the yoga spectrum from power yoga is restorative yoga. This style of yoga focuses on body relaxation and freeing your mind. It borrows pieces from several other yoga styles. Like Iyengar, \\nrestorative yoga\\n practice encourages the use of props to encourage complete relaxation through body support. Like Yin, the poses in restorative yoga are held for a long time (though much longer than in Yin).\\n\\nBenefits of Yoga\\nSo far, we've covered the paths of yoga as well as several different styles of yoga. But you may be wondering why you'd practice yoga in the first place.\\n\\nThere have been so many scientific studies about the practice of yoga and its benefits. Those benefits range from physical to mental to emotional. Here are some of the benefits you can expect.\\nBetter posture. Yoga postures can help strengthen shoulder and back muscles. That strength then leads to better posture.\\nImproved flexibility and mobility through a combination of active movement and held stretches.\\nIncreased strength. Yoga isn't easy. Many of the poses \\nchallenge muscles\\n in the legs, shoulders, and core.\\nCardiovascular strength and endurance. Several yoga styles can improve your cardio through movement and flowing poses that increase the heart rate.\\nBetter brain function and stress management. Many styles of yoga include meditation that has been shown to calm the mind, relieve stress and tension, improve concentration, and stabilize mood. The addition of Mudras (hand positions) and Pranayama, or controlled breathing, only heightens those positive effects.\\nWrapping Up\\nBy now, you should have a much better understanding of what yoga is, the paths and styles of yoga, as well as which forms of yoga you might want to check out. To gain access to different styles of yoga, we invite you to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n where you'll find 35+ live online yoga classes of various styles every single day to choose from.","html":"<h1>What Is Yoga?</h1><p>Yoga is an approach to physical and mental health and wellbeing that has been around for thousands of years. According to Sadhguru, the word &quot;yoga&quot; means &quot;that which brings you to reality.&quot; Taken literally, the word means &quot;union.&quot; Many take this to mean a &quot;union of the body and mind.&quot; Some might add &quot;spirit&quot; to the mix.</p><p></p><p>The word comes from the Sanskrit root word &quot;yuj,&quot; which means &quot;union,&quot; &quot;integration,&quot; or &quot;wholeness.&quot;</p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/7cI89J27QoSvqtRV4lEb\" alt=\"group yoga class.png\" title=\"group yoga class.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>There are more than 300 million people in the world who practice yoga, according to the Yogi Times and the Economic Times. And roughly half of that number is yoga practitioners from India, but more and more people around the world are coming to yoga for various reasons, including 36 million people in the United States who make yoga a nearly $12 billion industry in the country (Statista). In this Yoga 101 article, you&#39;ll learn more about the practice of yoga, different yoga paths and styles, and the benefits of yoga.</p><p></p><p>To get the best possible understanding of yoga, we encourage you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">sign up for a free two-week of myYogaTeacher</a>. Once inside, you&#39;ll have two weeks to try more than 35 live online yoga classes every single day from Indian teachers who have a comprehensive understanding of the entire yoga practice. We even offer a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-101-for-beginner-level-by-prakash\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-101-for-beginner-level-by-prakash\">Yoga 101 class</a> that you&#39;ll probably enjoy if you&#39;re here reading this article!</p><p></p><h2>Paths of Yoga</h2><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/output=format:png/resize=,width:600,height:400/ks2oKJmT220LnUbG3HKG\" alt=\"paths of yoga.png\" title=\"paths of yoga.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-philosophy-by-sandeep\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-philosophy-by-sandeep\">Yoga philosophy</a> tells us that the cause of our suffering is a disconnection from our true self. That&#39;s why Vedanta offers four yoga paths to help us reconnect with our true selves. Let&#39;s take a look at these four paths of yoga: Bhakti, Jnana, Karma, and Raja.</p><p></p><h3>Bhakti Yoga (Devotion)</h3><p>Bhakti yoga is the path of yoga built on self-realization through devotion. It&#39;s typically practiced through kirtans or bhajans (devotional chants) and helps practitioners work through intense emotions by focusing on the divine being.</p><p>Bhakti yoga is all about prayer, worship, and ritual that gets the practitioners closer to the spirit, letting the ego and desire go.</p><p></p><h3>Jnana Yoga (Knowledge and Wisdom)</h3><p>Jnana comes from the Sanskrit for &quot;knowledge.&quot; This is the path of intellect and wisdom and involves the study of sacred texts as well as contemplation and self-analysis. Those practicing Jnana are seeking to break through illusion to find the true meaning of life.</p><p></p><p>Jnana yoga is called the &quot;science of the self,&quot; by Swami Sivananda and the philosophy of Vedanta teaches self-inquiry to discover your true nature.</p><p></p><h3>Karma Yoga (Selfless Service)</h3><p>Karma means &quot;action.&quot; Through Karma yoga, we learn to be kind and compassionate without expecting anything—even kindness and compassion—in return. Karma yoga is practiced through any acts of service when you put others’ needs before your own and feel grounded during these acts.</p><p></p><p>This practice is &quot;work as worship,&quot; cosmic love and tolerance when we act without expectation of personal gain. It is seen as liberating, through selfless service we free ourselves from karmic bonds and find peace.</p><p></p><h3>Raja Yoga (Meditation)</h3><p>The fourth path of yoga we&#39;re going to talk about is Raja yoga. Raja means &quot;royalty&quot; or &quot;kind&quot; in Sanskrit and balances the three other paths (Bhakti, Jnana, and Karma) to help you find inner peace and self-awareness. While asanas and pranayamas are integral to Raja, the main practice is silent <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\">meditation</a>.</p><p></p><p>This type of yoga is also known as Ashtanga because the practice can be divided into <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\">eight limbs</a>:</p><ol><li><div>Yamas, or ethical standards: Ahimsa (non-violence), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Satya (truthfulness)</div></li><li><div>Niyamas, or self-discipline: Saucha (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (austerity), Svadhyaya (study), Isvara Pranidhana (surrender)</div></li><li><div>Asana: the postures practiced in yoga</div></li><li><div>Pranayama: breath control</div></li><li><div>Pratyahara: internal awareness</div></li><li><div>Dharana: concentration</div></li><li><div>Dhyana: meditation</div></li><li><div>Samadhi: fulfillment, joy, ecstasy</div></li></ol><h2>Styles of Yoga</h2><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/Xzahn3NSQYGgqtjBXXuQ\" alt=\"styles of yoga.png\" title=\"styles of yoga.png\" width=\"1801\" height=\"1202\" /><p>Now that you have a better understanding of the paths of yoga, let&#39;s turn our attention to the styles of yoga that you might find in any yoga studio. Styles of yoga range quite a bit, from power yoga and other demanding classes, to gentle yoga, and more meditative classes.</p><p></p><p>Some of the styles of yoga have a yoga lineage (like Kriya, Hatha, Ashtanga, and others), but yoga lineage has become less important to practitioners as yoga becomes more readily available to different cultures and people around the world.</p><p></p><p>This is by no means a complete list of the different styles of yoga. Inside <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">myYogaTeacher</a>, you&#39;ll also find offerings like gentle yoga, chair yoga, and therapeutic yoga for things like thyroid, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/therapeutic-yoga-for-diabetes-by-neelmani\">diabetes</a>, and more.</p><p></p><h3>Kriya Yoga</h3><p>Kriya yoga is an ancient practice that includes pranayama and meditation. Swami Paramahansa Yogananda is the guru known for bringing Kriya yoga to the Western world. This style of yoga uses meditation to lead practitioners to spirituality.</p><p></p><h3>Hatha Yoga</h3><p>Hatha yoga is a broad term that encompasses yoga styles using asanas (poses). <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/hatha-yoga-for-beginner-level-by-manjula\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/hatha-yoga-for-beginner-level-by-manjula\">Hatha classes</a> tend to be slower-paced and train practitioners to regulate their breath and meditate while in poses. It&#39;s truly a &quot;moving meditation.&quot;</p><p></p><h3>Vinyasa Yoga</h3><p>Vinyasa yoga uses movement and breath, similar to Hatha. However, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\">Vinyasa</a> tends to be a faster pace and flows through asanas rather than holding them. It&#39;s a physically demanding practice without a set structure.</p><p></p><h3>Ashtanga Yoga</h3><p>Ashtanga yoga is another physically demanding style of yoga that helps increase flexibility, as well as build strength and stamina. With Ashtanga, practitioners work through the same series of poses every time.</p><p></p><h3>Iyengar Yoga</h3><p>Iyengar yoga was created by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1960s. This style of yoga focuses on precise movements and alignment. Poses are generally held for a long time and props are used to help practitioners perfect their form or get deeper into poses.</p><p></p><h3>Kundalini Yoga</h3><p><a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/kundalini-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/kundalini-yoga\">Kundalini yoga</a> is a spiritual and physical yoga practice designed to release the energy trapped in the lower spine. This style of yoga uses fast-paced postures and breathing, chanting, mantra, and meditation. It was introduced in the West during the 1970s by Yogi Bhajan.</p><p></p><h3>Bikram Yoga</h3><p>Bikram yoga is often called &quot;hot yoga&quot; since it is practiced in a humid, heated room (105º and 40% humidity). It&#39;s named after Bikram Choudhury and includes a series of 26 postures, performed twice, in a fast flow. It&#39;s a challenging practice that improves endurance and flexibility. As more and more practitioners try to distance themselves from the style&#39;s founder, you&#39;ll find a deviation from the series of postures as well as room temperatures and humidity.</p><p></p><h3>Yin Yoga</h3><p>Yin yoga focuses on seated postures held for long periods of time. It&#39;s a slower-paced style of yoga and can be quite meditative. Poses are generally held from 45 seconds to two minutes.</p><p></p><h3>Power Yoga</h3><p>There are several different forms of <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\">power yoga</a> but it&#39;s always intense and fast-paced. It combines flexibility, strength, concentration, and breathwork into a flowing style and was originally created for athletes.</p><p></p><h3>Restorative Yoga</h3><p>On the opposite end of the yoga spectrum from power yoga is restorative yoga. This style of yoga focuses on body relaxation and freeing your mind. It borrows pieces from several other yoga styles. Like Iyengar, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/restorative-yoga-for-deep-relaxation-for-beginner-level-by-apoorva\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/restorative-yoga-for-deep-relaxation-for-beginner-level-by-apoorva\">restorative yoga</a> practice encourages the use of props to encourage complete relaxation through body support. Like Yin, the poses in restorative yoga are held for a long time (though much longer than in Yin).</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Yoga</h2><p>So far, we&#39;ve covered the paths of yoga as well as several different styles of yoga. But you may be wondering why you&#39;d practice yoga in the first place.</p><p></p><p>There have been so many scientific studies about the practice of yoga and its benefits. Those benefits range from physical to mental to emotional. Here are some of the benefits you can expect.</p><ul><li><div>Better posture. Yoga postures can help strengthen shoulder and back muscles. That strength then leads to better posture.</div></li><li><div>Improved flexibility and mobility through a combination of active movement and held stretches.</div></li><li><div>Increased strength. Yoga isn&#39;t easy. Many of the poses <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/yoga-for-core-and-muscle-strengthening-by-namrata\">challenge muscles</a> in the legs, shoulders, and core.</div></li><li><div>Cardiovascular strength and endurance. Several yoga styles can improve your cardio through movement and flowing poses that increase the heart rate.</div></li><li><div>Better brain function and stress management. Many styles of yoga include meditation that has been shown to calm the mind, relieve stress and tension, improve concentration, and stabilize mood. The addition of Mudras (hand positions) and Pranayama, or controlled breathing, only heightens those positive effects.</div></li></ul><h3>Wrapping Up</h3><p>By now, you should have a much better understanding of what yoga is, the paths and styles of yoga, as well as which forms of yoga you might want to check out. To gain access to different styles of yoga, we invite you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">sign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</a> where you&#39;ll find 35+ live online yoga classes of various styles every single day to choose from.</p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null}}