Bikram Yoga: A Hot Item

If you are looking for a challenging style of Yoga, look no further. Bikram Yoga offers a uniquely stimulating experience unlike other styles. Bikram Yoga is practiced in a heated studio with a focus on improving overall wellbeing. If you love a challenge, don't pass this up.

A Brief History of Yoga
Yoga originated in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. Yoga is a philosophy with metaphysical and physical points of view focused on connecting the body and mind with infinite spirit, seeking universal truth through breathing techniques and body poses. Although Yoga is commonly considered to be a form of exercise, there is much more to Yoga than meets the eye.

Dating back to the Second Century B.C., the Indian sage Patanjali, wrote The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali which is the foundational text of Yoga. Sutras are short, textual statements forming a collection of principles on yoga practice. According to the text, there is an eight limbed path of Yoga. Each limb focuses holistically on our individuality as we discover our connection to divine spirit. Each limb is built upon the principles of the previous limb.

The eight limbs of Yoga are as follows:

1.      Yama: Universal morality
2.      Niyama: Personal observances
3.      Asana: Discipline of the body: rules and postures
4.      Pranayama: Control of breath
5.      Pratyahara: Control of the senses
6.      Dharana: Development of inner perceptual awareness
7.      Dhyana: Meditation on the Divine
8.      Samadhi: Union with the Divine

Asana, the practice of physical postures and Pranayama, breathing technique are the two limbs of Yoga most commonly practiced. In terms of purification of mind and body, the practices of Asana and Pranayama are considered to be of the highest form.

The eight limbs of Yoga provide a sensible direction toward the achievement of overall health in terms of our emotional, physical, ethical and spiritual dimensions. The philosophy of Yoga teaches us to understand that the state of overall health is within us naturally and we only need to allow it to become reality.

What is Bikram Yoga?
Bikram Yoga, named after Yoga master Bikram Choudhury, is also known as Hot Yoga. Bikram Yoga features 26 Yoga poses or Asana, and two breathing exercises or Pranayama performed in a heated room at a temperature of 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit. Each pose is performed twice during a 90 minute class.

The challenging aspect of Bikram Yoga is performing the rigorous Yoga session in 95-105 degree heat. Beginners usually experience some fatigue, dizziness or nausea during the first few sessions likely due to dehydration. The goal of the Bikram Yoga method is to promote overall wellness with regard to relief of tension and stress, injury prevention, deep muscle stretching in an effort to restore health to every part of the body.

The principles behind the heat and postures (Asana) are centered on two processes: extension and compression. These processes bring oxygen to all parts of the body. Performing a certain Asana (pose) will temporarily cut off circulation to that certain part of the body by compressing the arteries. In response to the reduction of blood, the heart pumps an oversupply of fresh oxygenated blood called extension. After completing the pose, the new oxygenated blood renews the previously compressed arteries. The overflow of fresh blood enables the body to release bacteria, infection and toxins.

The principles behind the breathing practice (Pranayama) center on stretching the lungs to increase lung capacity. Many people only use approximately half of their lung capacity. Practicing pranayama will enable the lungs to hold more oxygen over time. Consequently, oxygen absorption and blood circulation will improve.

Bikram Yoga was copyrighted by Bikram Choudhury who also founded the worldwide Yoga College of India. Bikram Yoga is taught and practiced on a worldwide scale by certified Bikram Yoga instructors. Additional information can be found with Google search using keywords 'Bikram Yoga'.

Benefits of Bikram Yoga
Scientific evidence based on observation and experience suggests that each Bikram Yoga posture combined with heat provide benefits leading to improvement in many acute and chronic conditions. The best approach is to practice the Bikram Yoga series at least 3 or more times a week. Consistency is the key. Here are just some of the benefits:

• Every Bikram Yoga session exercises every organ, ligament, muscle and nerve in your body.
• Expands the capacity of your lungs to hold more oxygen.
• Improves your posture.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Prevents injury.
• Strengthens your cardiovascular system.
• Improves the ability of your body to heal itself.
• Improves flexibility of your spine.
• Teaches you how to keep your mind focused.
• Develops your sense of well being for allowing an overall state of health.

Tips

• Choose a Yoga studio that has been certified to teach Bikram Yoga.
• If you have any medical conditions, get approval from your doctor before practicing.
• You may experience some fatigue, dizziness or nausea during your first sessions. This is most likely due to dehydration due to the increased heat and sweating. Always   drink water before, during and after practicing.
• Do not eat for 2 hours before practicing.
• Stop and rest if you feel dizzy or nauseous during practice.
• Never overextend a pose. Always move slowly to avoid injury.
• Provide your own Yoga mat and towel and wear very light clothing since you will be sweating heavily.
• Do not practice Bikram Yoga if you are pregnant since the method raises the core body temperature.

Although there are many different styles of Yoga taught and practiced, Bikram's style offers an innovative way to experience the potential benefits of Yoga. There are many anecdotal claims about what Bikram Yoga can do. The only way to be sure is to visit a Bikram Yoga studio and speak to the students and instructor. Many studios offer free introductory classes making it easy to try it yourself.