Benefits of Yoga

There are over 40 different styles of yoga taught in the United States. All of the types of yoga overlap and have a common goal – the union of mind, body and spirit. Each style is distinguished by particular practices.

Some types of yoga are quite physical, building strength and flexibility, while others are restorative and meditative. Below is a short list of a few styles of yoga. Which one is right for you?

Different Styles:

• Ashtanga– Developed in 1937 by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This style of yoga focuses upon building strength and heat in the body. It provides a fast-paced, and sometimes intense, workout through a series of challenging poses that are taught in a sequential order.
• Bikram– Be prepared to sweat. Bikram is performed in a room heated to about 100 degrees. This form consists of 26 poses that are repeated twice in the same order. The intense workout warms the body and muscles and increases flexibility. Bring plenty of water, a towel and possibly a change of clothes.
• Iyengar – B.K.S. Iyengar developed this style of yoga in 1937. It is focused upon the correct alignment of the body in all poses which may be held for up to five minutes or more, in order to correct alignment and posture. Iyengar will build, strength, endurance and flexibility. The classes may also use props, such as, straps, blocks and blankets to get the body into the perfect pose.
• Kundalini – This ancient style has been practiced in India for centuries. It came to the United States in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. Kundalini yoga incorporates breathing exercises, chanting, meditation and certain poses designed to stimulate the nervous system and meridian organ systems in order to free up blocked energy.
• Acu yoga – Acu-Yoga is a practical yoga method that can release blocked Qi energy by applying acupressure to specific points upon the body. Acu-Yoga increases the circulation of Qi flowing throughout the body in order to balance and strengthen overall health. This style incorporates poses, breathing techniques, meditation and acupressure.

If you suffer from chronic pain and just not getting relief from standard therapies. Give our office a call today at (425) 686-4498 to learn how we can help you live your best life pain-free.

Dr. Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in Bothell, WA at her practice Starting Point Acupuncture. She specializes in chronic and complex cases and commonly treats neuropathy, fibromyalgia, migraines, autoimmune, and infertility cases. Dr. Ellie Heintze is also the author of the book, A Starting Point Guide to Going Gluten-Free  and Keep Calm and Zen Out available on Amazon.

References:

https://www.ashtanga.com/html/background.html

https://www.bikramyoga.com/BikramYoga/about_bikram_yoga.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini_yoga

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