Schools of Yoga
HATHA YOGA
All styles of yoga have essentially emerged from the umbrella of Hatha Yoga. The most traditional of all practices, this method focuses on balancing the internal rhythm of our bodies. Traditionally, Hatha yoga offers a life philosophy, incorporating how we relate to external and internal experiences as a path to inner peace. One of the most prominent ancient texts on Hatha yoga is Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, a series of 196 aphorisms written in Sanskrit around 400 AD.
Patanjali describes Hatha yoga as an eightfold path, consisting of eight mind-body disciplines to be mastered. All other physical practices of yoga such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Iyengar stemmed from the Hatha yoga tradition.
The word “ha” means sun, “tha” means moon. “Hatha” means Yoga to bring balance between the sun and the moon or the Pingala & Ida energies in you.
It is a slow, sustained practice teaching one to come into a state of ease. Alignment of the breath & body is emphasized, training one’s mind to relax in postures irrespective of whether the pose is easy or challenging. All postures are held for a long period of time enabling one to have a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the body. Simple pranayama and meditation techniques are also taught in this class with the intention to bring the mind and body to equilibrium. This class will leave you feeling calm and with a sense of fulfilment.
ASHTANGA YOGA
Ashtanga yoga, sometimes referred to as Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, is a style of yoga that was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and T. Krishnamacharya in the 20th century. Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic, flowing style that connects the movement of the body with the breath. The method stresses the importance of daily practice of a set series of movements. There are six series of Ashtanga yoga sequences through which the student progresses at their own pace.
Ashtanga yoga, as taught at the Ashtanga Yoga Institute of Mysore is practiced on the priciples of-
- Breath: It is recommended that postures are held for five to eight breaths or more.
- Drishti: For every posture in the series, there is a set of drishti, or gaze points.
- Vinyasa: This is the breathing system that connects every movement in the series with the breath.
- Bandhas: The practice should be carried out with the bandhas, or “body locks,” engaged in order to ensure that the breath is also correct.
In this class, the teacher will provide mainly verbal and some hands-on guidance regarding proper form but will be mostly focused on moving through the class through the entire series at a steady pace. This class is most suitable for those already familiar with the Primary Series interested in practicing on a strict count and at a more continuous pace. One can expect intensity & dynamism & this may not be a suitable class if you are a complete beginner (first few yoga classes).
MYSORE STYLE
Ashtanga yoga classes are also often taught in the “Mysore style.” In this style, practitioners are encouraged to memorize the sequence they are working on, then individually work through the sequence during the class. The teacher then comes around to adjust and support, rather than guiding the individual’s practice. Thus, the students set their own pace consistent with their ability, but practice in the company of other students and with the encouragement of their teacher. They should master each pose in the sequence before they move on to the next.
Ashtanga yoga is considered a vigorous, orderly practice and, as such, is more suited to students who want a dynamic and rigorous yoga practice.
HATHA VINYASA
Hatha vinyasa yoga is a style of yoga that combines the physical practice of Hatha yoga with the flowing movement and synchronized breath of vinyasa yoga. Hatha yoga focuses on building strength, flexibility, and balance through the performance of postures (asanas), while vinyasa yoga emphasizes fluid, continuous movement and breath. In Hatha vinyasa yoga, these two styles are combined to create a dynamic practice that can build both physical and mental strength, increase flexibility, and promote relaxation. The pace is relatively slower than Ashtanga Vinyasa, creating an opportunity to stop and focus on alignment and flexibility. This practice assists in developing endurance, flexibility, strength and concentration.
IYENGAR YOGA
The Iyengar yoga practice was devised by Mr. B.K.S Iyengar emphasizing the precise physical alignment of the body within postures using various props such as blocks, ropes, chairs and bolsters.
Iyengar yoga is a disciplined system with carefully planned and timed sequences. Props, such as blocks and belts, are used to ensure students can practice the postures with correct alignment and safely develop their yoga practice over time.
This practice is precise and disciplined and known to help people who have suffered injury or physical discomfort.
The teacher focuses on alignment tools & techniques to access difficult postures in a method that is suitable to all levels and considerate to individual limitations. Students will feel challenged and start to develop a consistent, self-directed practice. This class will leave you feeling energized, strong and with a sense of clarity.
VINYASA FLOW
Vinyasa yoga is a style of yoga that emphasizes fluid, continuous movements synchronized with breath. The pace is slightly faster than a Hatha/ Hatha Vinyasa class however still maintains certain alignment principles. It typically involves a sequence of postures, including sun salutations from different traditions, that are performed in a smooth, flowing manner. Students can expect to build heat, endurance, flexibility, strength and concentration. This practice is designed to find a sense freedom in the body leaving you feeling energized and refreshed.
YIN YOGA
Yin yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga that focuses on stretching the connective tissues, such as the fascia and ligaments, to increase flexibility and promote relaxation.
Meridian points in yin yoga refer to specific areas on the body that are believed to correspond to energy pathways, or “meridians,” in traditional Chinese medicine. In yin yoga, postures are chosen and held for several minutes to target these meridian points, with the aim of balancing the flow of energy (or qi) through the body and promoting physical and emotional well-being. By stretching and stimulating these points, practitioners aim to improve circulation, relieve stress and tension, and enhance overall health.
It involves holding passive postures for several minutes each, using props for support as needed. The aim is to access deeper layers of the body and release physical and mental tension. It is a complementary practice to dynamic styles of yoga, like vinyasa, and is often used for stress relief and improving overall health.
Other Variations
PRENATAL YOGA
Our prenatal yoga classes are similar to Iyengar Yoga classes as props are used to bring the student into a version of every posture suitable for them. This class is designed for your changing body and your growing baby throughout all the stages of pregnancy. A safe, open community allows you to freely discuss any issues, from discomforts and concerns, to the wonderful new changes your body and baby are experiencing. This class will help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, increase energy, and enhance overall well-being during pregnancy. It will also prepare the body and mind for childbirth, promoting a more positive birth experience.
RESTORATIVE FLOW WITH AROMATHERAPY
The idea behind this class is to use the essence of yoga through gentle asana, pranayama and meditation to bring you to a state of ease and joy. Aided with essential oils and music, this class is a perfect break from your day. The aim is to create a supportive and relaxing environment, allowing the body to release physical and mental tension. In yoga it is believed that our natural state is one that is relaxed. This class is for the overstimulated urban seeker that needs down time, a community to come into deeper practices with or feel more grounded and more energized !
Traditional practices combined with certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils to bring you home to yourself and leave you refreshed for the week!
Aromatherapy involves the inhalation of essential oils, which are believed to have therapeutic properties that can improve physical and emotional well-being. In this class essential oils are diffused into the room or applied directly to the skin to enhance the yoga practice. The combination of flowing yoga movements with the use of essential oils is designed to create a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, promoting stress relief, improving sleep, and boosting overall health and wellness.
