Types of Yoga Postures

Some claim that there are over 84,000 different yoga postures! However, for simplicity the various yoga postures can be broken down is in the following basic types.

Standing Postures

• Build strength, endurance, will-power.
• Develop a strong foundation for the body.

Sitting Postures

• Develop flexibility in specific areas of the body like hips
• Open the chest and shoulders.
• Elongate the spine.
• Stretching the legs and opening the hips.

Twisting Postures

• Cleanse all the body's systems.
• Releasing tension in the muscles and joints.
• Relieving mental stress and anxiety and 'wringing out' emotions such as anger and frustration.

Forward Bending Postures

• Help keep the spine flexible. Frequently we spend a lot of time in an upright position, particularly standing. Standing causes the spine to compress. Forward bends counteract this impact by relieving the tension in the spine.

Backward Bending Postures

• Refresh the mind.
• Stimulate the nervous system.
• Promote good posture and counterbalance the forward bends.
• Prevent the spine from shrinking and hunching with age.

Inverted Postures

• A boon of health with the upside down effect promoting circulation and cleansing the whole body. The brain is stimulated as its supply of oxygen is increased relieving lethargy and depression.

Balancing Postures

• Develop co-ordination.
• Focus and mental clarity.
• Being balanced physically we are also balanced mentally and emotionally.

Relaxation Postures

• Vital for good health and are especially effective for stressed out, anxious and overworked people, relaxing the body and mind preventing the onset of illness and disease.