Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is a type of yoga invented by Bikram choudhury. It comprises of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercise and is generally practiced in a room with its temperature raised to 40.5 degrees Celsius and with a humidity of 40%. The heat warms up the tissues in body and thus makes it easier to stretch.

Each pose is done twice and held for a certain period of time. These poses include bends and twists. While in a hot room, the body finds it more able to flex and thus can perform more difficult poses. Training in a hot room reduces the risk of injuries, accelerates sweating and increases the rate that toxins are flushed from the body. Bikram Yoga focuses both on the muscles and internal organs. It strengthens muscles, joints, ligaments, spine as well as massagin the internal organs like glands and helping the nervous system.

Some of the BENEFITS:

- Helps reduce stress.
- prevents injury, promotes better sleep.
- Increases blood circulation.
- Helps lose weight.
- Heals severe joint injuries.
- Improves heart and lung function.
- Improves flexibility of spine in all directions.

Heat during pranayama plays an important role. As you take in hot air the minute bacteria in the wind pipe etc are killed and thus protect you from many diseases. It prepares you mentally and physically for meditation. It increases concentration level. Thus the concept of heat works effectively in yoga and pranayama.

A specially designed Bikram yoga mat is often used because Bikram yoga

Yoga Mat

involves usage of heat. This kind of yoga releases a lot of sweat and can make a normal mat slippery. Thus a Bikram yoga mat is designed to provide friction even when it becomes damp with sweat.

If you are looking to reduce stress or get your mind and body fit and healthy then consider taking a Bikram Yoga Course.