Introduction
Bikram Yoga has its origins in the spiritual and philosophical practices of ancient India. Developed by yogi Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s, it is a combination of yoga postures with roots in hatha yoga emphasizing physical and mental control. Breath control is critical for each pose, referred to as a ‘pranayama’. This combination of static postures, deep breathing and intense concentration brings about improved circulation, clarity of mind, improved flexibility and an overall feeling of wellness from within.
Bikram Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to create tangible results quickly – often as soon as a few sessions – improving general health and well-being while providing participants with greater stability and muscle strength. It also includes elements beyond just physical exercise which are essential for complete body health including meditation and positive affirmations that focus on internal healing.
Origins of Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga was created by its namesake, Bikram Choudhury, an Indian yoga teacher in the early 1970s. The technique fuses Hatha and Raja teachings from both India and Nepal and is a set series of 26 postures performed in a heated (105-degree) studio. In addition to the physical yoga postures – which are designed to systematically stretch, strengthen, and massage all muscles, organs, ligaments, gases, and tendons – his method includes two breathing exercises and meditation.
The roots of Bikram Yoga can be traced back to ancient Indian asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing techniques). Pranayama is believed to balance energy within the body while also developing stronger concentration. The asanas are believed to relax the mind and body while providing strength, flexibility and endurance. In addition, one’s overall mental awareness increases with proper practice of this style of yoga. Many of the postures performed within Bikram Yoga were initially inspired by Indian hatha yoga practices that were taught centuries ago. Today, these classic positions remain part of the practice for modern fans of Bikram Yoga.
Growth of Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is a system of yoga popularized in the early 1970s by Bikram Choudhury, an Indian-born yogi and former bodybuilder. Also known as ‘hot yoga’, it consists of 26 postures performed in a heated room over the course of 90 minutes and is often credited with numerous therapeutic benefits.
Choudhury claims that he developed the rigorous series after an injury healing regimen given to him by his guru, Bishnu Ghosh. In addition to the traditional postures taught in hatha yoga, Choudhury incorporates breathing exercises adapted from Pranayama with mantra chanting and deep stretching for a more complete and intense workout.
The popularity of Bikram Yoga has since spread around the world, with studios opening up throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Over the years, many spin-off variations and adaptations have grown out of its framework; from hot Vinyasa flows to sweaty Sivananda versions designed for beginners. While still not easy, these classes often offer modifications which can help make them more approachable for all levels.
Health Benefits
Bikram Yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhury in the early 1970s. He was inspired to create an organized system of poses that could be practiced in a heated room after suffering from knee and yoga injuries he’d sustained during his career as a competitive yogi. Today, Bikram Yoga classes typically include 26 postures performed over 90 minutes in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40 percent humidity. The heat helps practitioners sweat out toxins, increase flexibility, and deepen their practice.
In addition to the physical benefits of increased stretching and endurance, Bikram Yoga can also be beneficial for the internal energy systems such as the chakras. When performing each breathing exercise and posture with mindful attention, practitioners open up these energy centers allowing positive energy to flow freely throughout the body. This increases energy levels, reduces stress, and helps boost self-esteem while increasing concentration and memory power. Practitioners often report feeling physically energized but deeply relaxed after class, having worked on both strength and flexibility while working to clear their mind as well.
Components of a Bikram Class
Bikram Yoga was founded by Bikram Choudhury in the early 1970s. He was trained in Hatha yoga, which is an ancient system of physical postures and breathing techniques used to train the mind, body and spirit. He combined these traditional postures with a series of fixed sequences designed to give practitioners a strong base upon which they can expand their practice. Each sequence is comprised of twenty-six basic poses done in two sets each, accompanied by two breathing exercises. Each class is 90 minutes long and starts with deep breathing exercises meant to focus the practitioner’s attention for meditation. A Bikram class focuses on connecting body, mind and breath through drishti (gazing), bandhas (energy locks) and pranayama (breath control). In addition to the physical poses, practitioners benefit from Shavasana (Corpse Pose) at the end of class where they can close their eyes and be still while focusing on their breath. As well as providing physical benefits, Bikram Yoga helps practitioners discover a greater sense of wellbeing through its meditative and mindful aspects. This can help decrease stress and cultivate positive attitudes that last beyond the boundaries of the yoga studio.
Closing Thoughts
Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, discovered by Bikram Choudhury. It was developed in the 1970s and has since become a popular type of yoga practiced all over the world. Its foundation is based on traditional yoga, Hatha yoga specifically, allowing practitioners to receive the same benefits they would expect from other forms of yoga while reaping additional benefits due to its oppressive heat and humidity conditions. The extreme temperatures allow practitioners to warm their muscles quickly and deeply, allowing for an easier range of motion; it also stimulates detoxification within the body.
The practice of Bikram Yoga has been known to offer many physical, mental, and spiritual advantages. This type of athletic yoga can help strengthen the body by toning various muscles with each pose, increasing flexibility and balance while building strength. In addition, it supports mental clarity with its intense concentration on breath work throughout each pose. Breathing techniques promote deeper relaxation while stimulating bloodflow throughout the body. These exercises also coincide with meditative mantra-like posturing that aids in calming the mind in order to be fully present while providing a sense of inner peace and tranquility afterwards; which goes beyond physical wellness and may support psychological wellbeing as well.
Finally, practicing Bikram Yoga provides overall health benefits such as helping reduce stress levels, improving one’s mood, providing cardiovascular improvement (by increasing circulation), releasing tension out of different muscle groups around the body, boosting self confidence due to attaining accomplishment by mastering difficult poses (with consistent practice), among many others that may be experienced first-hand through direct participation in classes or online tutorials.
I am passionate about yoga and this is my blog. I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years and teaching for 5. Yoga has transformed my life in so many ways and I love being able to share that with others. My hope is that through this blog, I can help people learn more about yoga, connect with other yogis, and find inspiration to live a healthier, happier life.
