Types of Yoga

In a previous blog, we discussed the 8 limbs of yoga. These limbs characterize the path of Hatha yoga, the yoga dedicated to physical well-being. Most of the current research on yoga in people living with cancer is Hatha yoga. There are other yoga practices, too, with each one being suited for people of varying types and temperaments. Here are the other principal yoga practices; all lead to union of one’s Self with the Universal energy:

Karma yoga: work and action to benefit others

Jhana yoga: study and knowledge to learn about one’s Self

Bhakti yoga: selfless love and boundless devotion to the Universal energy

Mantra yoga: use of vibrations and sound to achieve union

Raja yoga: consciousness, the highest form of yoga. Hatha yoga is the process that people undertake to get to Raja yoga.

There are many books, teachers, and trainings that help us learn about and practice each type of yoga. Take time to search the Internet to learn more about these yoga practices that may be right for you.