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Bikram yoga

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Description
Bikram yoga is a style of yoga with roots in Hatha yoga. The distinguishing factors of Bikram is that it is practiced in a heated room and it uses the same sequence of postures every time.

Bikram is a relatively new form of yoga- developed in the last few decades. It is named after its founder - Bikram Choudhury. It is a series of 26 poses performed in a room heated to 105 degrees Farenheit with a humidity of 40%. Each Yoga Pose is usually performed twice and held for a certain period of time.

Similar to other forms of yoga, Bikram incorporates standing, balancing, and sitting postures. However, there are no vinyasas or sun salutations that are practiced in most flow classes and all Ashtanga classes.

It is believed that the heat in the room allows you to go deeper into a Yoga Pose with less liklihood of injury. The heat is also physically and psychologically demanding. The profuse sweating can increase the release of toxins from the body.

Other forms of yoga rely on the movement of the body and breath to create heat; thus, heat is generated internally rather than externally.

Similar to all forms of yoga, the poses not only work on your muscles but also your internal organs. There is a detoxifying component to this yoga and others. Bikram can also reduce stress and increase Blood circulation. The practice of Bikram Yoga can also help you lose weight and develop toned and strong muscles.

Anyone can practice Bikram Yoga. Even people with chronic diseases such as Arthritis, Diabetes, and thyroid disorders may benefit in doing the Yoga Poses by reducing symptoms and is also one of the best ways to prevent any ailments by keeping the body healthy. However, those with blood pressure and certain health ailments should check with their professional doctor before practicing Bikram. The heat can cause additional stress to the body that may trigger certain health conditions.

From 2000-2005, Bikram exploded in popularity. The practice has done amazing things for the overall awareness of yoga. Bikram has brought yoga into the mainstream. Many find this preferable to other forms of yoga for its more challenging and aerobic properties. Opponents question if Bikram gets at the root of yoga- balancing body, mind and spirit through a more meditative and spirital approach.

In 2005, there was much controversy over the founder of Bikram's attempt to patent this form of yoga. In his viewpoint, he had created a series of poses (called a sequence), in which he hoped to own the rights to. As a result, he wanted anyone who taught the poses in this certain sequence order to take their training through him.