Yoga Vocabulary & Styles
Yoga is simple, yet so vast.
There is no knowledge required to benefit from your yoga practice, but if you’re curious, keep reading.
Prana
This is our life force. Every living being has it. A healthy person with a lot of flowing Prana has a lot of vitality. Stagnant or a lack of Prana can represent an imbalance or illness.
Asana
They are physical postures or poses that we put our bodies in. They can be held for any amount of time. It refers to the practice of poses in a sequence, but can also refer to a specific pose such as Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Shvanasana).
Pranayama
The practice of controlled breathing. It is the most efficient way to focus on the present.
Sivasana
Also known as “Corpse Pose”. It’s that part of class where you just lay on your back for 10 minutes (preferably) after your Asana practice. It allows you to absorbe the benefits of your practice.
Vinyasa Yoga
This style of yoga links fluid movements as the breath’s rhythm is used as a guide. It typically has a faster pace and may be perceived as more challenging because of this.
Yin Yoga
Deep passive stretches are held for 1 – 3 minutes. No muscle engagement. Just letting go. It is extremely beneficial for connective tissues and the nervous system.
Hatha Yoga
This simply refers to the physical aspect of yoga. This can include any of the following practices: Asana, Pranayama, Mudras (Hand gestures), or Mantra (Chanting or reciting)
When we refer to Hatha as a yoga style, poses are kept for a few breathes as the practitioner finds stillness and opposition.
Want to learn more?
Consider a Yoga Lifestyle Consultation or a Private Yoga Session