Styles of Yoga | Yoga for Harmony

There are many interpretations and styles of Yoga available in the modern world: Read about some of them here

Scaravelli Inspired

Inspired by the teachings of Vanda Scaravelli (1908-1999) this deeply reflective style of Hatha Yoga is both accessible and challenging. Classes highlight the profound connection between the breath, gravity, and spinal elongation. The core premise of the practice is that because we are always breathing, and gravity is always acting on the body, we can harness and utilize these powerful tools in order to mobilize and enliven the spine. In this way yoga can be practised safely and in a manner that is constantly unraveling tension, and allowing the body to experience freedom, dynamic ease and comfort. This style of yoga is all about freedom: freeing the body, and particularly the spine, to be light and flexible. Yoga works through your body-mind connections, so you’ll probably free your mind as well, developing more self-reliance, patience and compassion in your practice. Vanda Scaravelli’s example gives us all permission to follow our own yoga path, wearing traditions lightly and becoming our own best teachers. She puts it this way: “Do not look at your body like a stranger, but adopt a friendly approach towards it. Watch it, listen to it, observe its needs, its requests, and even have fun. To be sensitive is to be alive.” Read more

Vanda Scaravelli spoke often of the importance of surrendering to gravity and dropping the bones towards the earth, and it can take real time (sometimes several years!) and persistence to experience this sense of softening and releasing with real clarity.

As Vanda realised, the body needs patience:

Vanda Scaravelli was born into an artistic, musical and intellectual family. Her father, Alberto Passigli was involved in creating the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino as well as the Orchestra Stabile. Her mother, Clara Corsi, was one of the first women graduates from an Italian university. Her early life was very much a musical one and many world class musicians such as Arturo Toscanini were frequent visitors to the family villa, Il Leccio. Vanda Scaravelli was a concert standard pianist herself, and maintained her involvement in music throughout her life.

She married Luigi Scaravelli, a Professor of Philosophy, with whom she had two children. Tragically, Luigi died suddenly, shortly after World War II. It was around this time that she was introduced to BKS Iyengar by the violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Iyengar taught daily classes to Jiddu Krishnamurti, whom Scaravelli had known earlier in life through her father. Thus she took up yoga in her late 40s.

Some years later, Krishnamurti invited Desikachar to the Scaravelli’s Chalet Tannegg in Gstaad, where he taught them about the importance of the breath (pranayama), which became one of the principle themes in Vanda Scaravelli’s teaching. After this, Vanda Scaravelli continued to study with Iyengar and Desikachar for some years as she developed her approach towards the breath, gravity and the spine.

Hatha Yoga

‘Hatha’ Yoga is the system of yoga most commonly practised in the West and it arguably forms the basis of most of the modern yogas that are practised today. Hatha Yoga is the branch of yoga that deals with the physical body, its care, its wellbeing, its health, its strength and all that keeps it in normal state of health. Hatha yoga is sometimes described as ‘posture’ yoga because of its emphasis in the use of ‘asana’ or posture work as the core practise. However, most classes include some attention to breathing (pranayama), relaxation and meditation techniques. Some classes also include ‘kriyas’ which are cleansing practises, ‘mudras’ and ‘bandhas’ which are gestures, seals and locks which increase the effects of the asana practises. The Sanskritt word ‘Hatha’ means ‘the will’, ‘the force’, ‘power’, or ‘energy. It also means ‘sun/moon’ the implication being that hatha yoga is also the union of complementary, but opposite tendencies with the mind and body. Read more

‘Hatha’ yoga particularly focuses on spinal health, which houses the central nervous system, the essential link between body and mind. The spine is fundamental to good posture. Too often we spend our daily life sitting hunched over a desk or driving in an uncomfortable position. Stress can create tension throughout the whole body and result in poor spinal health. Most of us are, therefore, susceptible to varying degrees of back discomfort, or pain. A collapsed or hunched spine also compresses the lungs, reducing our intake of oxygen, which in turn can manifest in other health problems later in life. A regular yoga practise enhances our spinal health, respiratory health, the cardiovascular system, the endocrine system, the digestive system the nervous system and the immune system. In addition, we find that students gain both in flexibility and mobility as well as strength and often general toning of the body.

At the studio we offer a range of Hatha Yoga classes to suit all ages, abilities and experience, and at a selection of times during the week. During a class you can expect to experience some breathing practise, some posture work and some relaxation.

Tutors at Yoga for Harmony:

• Julie – Owner

• Caroline Brindle

Ali

Amanda

Ashtanga Vinyasa

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a style of yoga as exercise created by K. Pattabhi Jois during the 20th century, often promoted as a modern-day form of classical Indian yoga. He claimed to have learnt the system from his teacher, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. The style is energetic, synchronising breath with movements. The individual poses (asanas) are linked by flowing movements (vinyasas). Jois established his Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in 1948. The current style of teaching is called Mysore style after the city in India where the practice was originally taught. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga has given rise to various spinoff styles of Power Yoga. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga students are expected to memorize a sequence and to practice in the same room as others without being led by the teacher. The role of the teacher is to guide as well as provide adjustments or assist in postures. Read more

Ashtanga is an incredibly powerful and therapeutic practice that has the potential to create a vibrantly healthy body and ultimately calm the mind. Ashtanga literally means “eight limbs” in Sanskrit.

At the heart of this practice is breath synchronised with movement to create a dynamic flow, so be prepared to work hard and expect to get a little sweaty as the focus on one of the tools ‘ujjayi breath’ will generate an intense internal heat as you move around the mat.

Usually, an Ashtanga Vinyasa practice of asanas begin with five repetitions of Surya Namaskara A and five repetitions of B, followed by a standing sequence. Following this the practitioner progresses through one of six series, followed by a standard closing sequence.

The six series are:

1. The Primary series: Yoga Chikitsa, Yoga for Health or Yoga Therapy

2. The Intermediate series: Nadi Shodhana, The Nerve Purifier (also called the Second series)

3. The Advanced series: Sthira Bhaga, Centering of Strength

i. Advanced A, or Third series

ii. Advanced B, or Fourth series

iii. Advanced C, or Fifth series

iv. Advanced D, or Sixth series

It would probably be fair to say most people stay with the Primary series in general weekly classes as the practise is notoriously vigorous.

Tutors at Yoga for Harmony:

• Justine

Flow Yoga

Flow yoga is the general term given to any style of yoga asana in which the practitioner moves dynamically from one posture immediately into another, following the breath. This continuous flow of movement and breath generates a meditative state, encouraging practitioners to let go of thought and focus on experience of the present moment. In flow yoga, each movement into or out of a posture is timed with an inhalation or an exhalation in a choreographed sequence. Although most commonly known as Vinyasa Flow, there are many different styles of flow yoga. Most comprise an energizing sequence with focus on stamina, strength and breath, often with a theme incorporated. The flowing movements may sometimes be combined with some longer holds of certain postures. The student generally experiences a sense of fluid motion, from which flow yoga gets its name. Read more

Flow yoga classes tend to be a mixture of meditation, breath-work and energizing movement. They usually begin with gentler movements to warm up the body, then move into progressively more challenging flowing sequences. These may include standing poses, balances, inversions and peak poses. The classes tend to end with slower, deeper stretches, and often floor-based asana practice.

Unlike some other styles of yoga, flow yoga typically has no set sequence of poses, as it is not confined to any particular tradition or lineage. As such, yoga teachers tend to get creative with sequencing, either targeting certain areas of the body, focusing on different themes, or helping to build certain abilities, such as strength, flexibility or balance. This diversity gives flow yoga a universal appeal, and flow classes are some of the most popular in the world.

Depending on the teacher, flow yoga classes can either be a strong physical challenge, or a slow, gentle and relaxing. Names such as ‘Power Flow,’ or ‘Gentle Flow’ will generally indicate what to expect from a class. Regardless of the practitioner’s level, most flow yoga sequences can be modified to accommodate those with injuries or disabilities. The most common style of flow yoga is Vinyasa Flow, with more recent adaptations, such as Inside Flow, rapidly gaining popularity.

The breath synchronization found in flow yoga is said to maximize the positive benefits of the practice, turning it into a moving meditation. The breath primarily helps to maintain the pace of the sequence, preventing practitioners from rushing through poses. It can also be used to assist in deepening the expression of a pose, whilst providing greater mental focus and freedom from distraction. In this way, meditation and breathwork are woven throughout all flow yoga practices.

Tutors at Yoga for Harmony:

• Deborah (Align and Flow)

• Caroline (Slow Flow)

• Sarah

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga is known as the yoga of awareness. Of the recognised forms of yoga it is said to be the original complete form, and the most comprehensive. It encompasses asana (physical postures), chanting mantra (repetition of primal sounds), meditation, and breath. For this reason, it is known to be one of the fastest and most potent systems of personal transformation and spiritual growth. It balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system, expands the lung capacity, and purifies the bloodstream. It trains the mind to think positively and be in control of thoughts and attitudes. It builds inner strength and self- awareness to its maximum, assisting us in reaching our highest potential. The word Kundalini is derived from the word “kundal”, which means “the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved”. It is a metaphor, a poetic way of describing the flow of energy and consciousness that already exists within each one of us. Kundalini yoga explores our dimensions, depth, nature, and potential as human beings, and enables us to experience our infinite selves, our true nature, our spiritual essence. Read more

Kundalini yoga is practiced in the form of kriya. Each kriya is a set of postures, breath and meditations designed to allow the manifestation of a particular state. Many of the postures involve movement, and the emphasis is on the overall energy and dynamics of the posture rather than on precision.

A typical Kundalini yoga class will include chanting a mantra to “tune in”, breathing and warm-up exercises, the main kriya, a meditation (with or without mantra) and deep relaxation. A class always closes with a beautiful song of blessing, known as “The Sunshine Song”, sung or recited in English.

Tutors at Yoga for Harmony:

• Jo

Iyengar Yoga

KIyengar Yoga, named after and developed by B. K. S. Iyengar, and described in his bestselling 1966 book Light on Yoga, is a form of yoga as exercise that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of yoga postures (asanas). It differs from other styles of yoga in three ways: precision, sequence and use of: • Precision is sought in body alignment in every asana. • The sequences in which asanas are practiced is considered important in achieving the desired result. • Iyengar Yoga led the use of props, designing suitable means to assist practitioners.depth, nature, and potential as human beings, and enables us to experience our infinite selves, our true nature, our spiritual essence. Read more

According to the Iyengar Yoga Institute, unlike more experiential approaches where students are encouraged to independently “find their way” to the asanas by imitating the teacher, an Iyengar Yoga class is precise, with misalignments and errors actively explained and corrected.

It states that the style “emphasises precision and alignment, and prioritises correct movement over quantity, i.e., moving a small amount in the right direction is preferred to moving more but in other directions.

Postures are held for a relatively long period of time compared to other schools of yoga; this allows the muscles to relax and lengthen and encourages awareness in the pose.

Props including belts, blocks and blankets are freely used to assist students in correct working in the asanas, enable beginning students, the elderly, or those with physical limitations to perform the asanas correctly, with the view to minimising the risk of injury or strain.

Currently we do not offer Iyengar classes at YFH

Gong Bath Meditation

Gongs have been used as shamanic healing tools, celebratory instruments and a method of communication for thousands of years. A gong bath is a form of sound healing meditation It is referred to as a bath due to participants being immersed in the vibrations of the instrument during the session. The nurturing sound vibrations created by the Gong and singing bowls will transport you to a place of deep relaxation. It is in this state that the vibrations can work their magic through your mind, body and soul, releasing physical and emotional blockages. This experience is a beautiful way to begin to let go of that which is no longer serving you. The tones created are often a useful distraction from the activities of the mind. If you are new to meditation, or find that you are easily distracted, then these sessions could be the perfect fit for you. Read more

Participants lay down comfortably under a blanket and the gong session is often preceded by breathing exercises or mantra chanting to relax and prepare you for the experience. The gongs are then gradually introduced, and the vibrations of the gongs are absorbed throughout the entire body. Highly rejuvenating for the body and bringing about an overall sense of relaxation, which can reduce stress, another process that takes place is entrainment – the synchronisation of our fluctuating brainwaves with the stable frequency of the gong, which our brains acclimate to and unify with. This can also help create overall harmony within our bodies. The sound of a gong helps the brain reach deep relaxation – specifically the delta and theta brain wave states, which are the slowest brain waves in humans. We tend to reach these states during daydreaming or deep sleep, and are known to aid relaxation, creativity and natural healing.

As gong baths are a mode of meditation through which the mind can become quiet, you may find that inspiration, new ideas, or breakthroughs come to you. You might like to have a journal with you to write down these thoughts afterwards.

Singing bowls are believed to appear first in the Himalayan, shamanic tradition of Bon Po, thousands of years ago. They are originally made from 7 metals representing the celestial bodies.

Tutors at Yoga for Harmony:

• Jane

Yin Yoga

KYin yoga (sometimes call Tao yoga) offers a lovely counterbalance to the movement and core strength (the yang) provided by your regular Hatha or Vinyasa practices to help you stay well balanced and flexible. Yin yoga involves longer held postures (asanas) that target the connective tissue, joints, fascia and ligaments to improve joint mobility and restore a wider range of motion. Using poses such as ‘butterfly’, ‘dragonfly’ or ‘cat pulling tail’ to work with our hips, pelvis, shoulders and spine through forward bends, hip openers, back bends and twists. This slow, soothing and often meditative practice helps to create more space in the body, as well as space in the mind. It can teach the body how to relax and let go; using the extra time spent in each asana to focus on the breath (our pranayama), helping calm the nervous system and slow the heart rate. Many people find that their Yin practice releases tension or emotions held in the body – perhaps just the tension of that day, but in a deeper practice it might also help unravel and release the tensions and memories that we can hold in our bodies for many years. Read more

Yin yoga has evolved to combine the Indian wisdoms of yoga with the Chinese philosophies of the meridians used in acupuncture and acupressure. For example, working with asanas that support specific meridian channels (yin/yang pairs) such as the spleen and stomach to stimulate and nourish the organs and rebalance the mind-body-spirit. It also builds on more modern science that increasingly suggests that our connective tissue provides key pathways for physiological energy flow. As well as creating openness and restoring flexibility, the different Yin postures are believed to help unblock these pathways so that the prana or qi (chi) can flow freely. Helping to keep the body in general good health.

Tutors at Yoga for Harmony:

• Justine

• Ruth

Pregnancy Yoga

If you’re pregnant and looking for ways to relax or stay fit, you might be considering ante-natal yoga. Before you start ante-natal yoga, understanding the range of possible benefits, as well as what a typical class entails are important safety tips. Much like other types of childbirth-preparation classes, ante-natal yoga is a multifaceted approach to exercise that encourages stretching, mental centering and focused breathing. Ante-natal yoga can: • Improve sleep • Reduce stress and anxiety • Increase the strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth • Decrease lower back pain, nausea, headaches and shortness of breath Read more

It can also help you meet and bond with other pregnant women and prepare for the stress of being a new parent.

A typical ante-natal yoga class might involve:

• Breathing. You’ll be encouraged to focus on breathing in and out slowly and deeply through the nose. Ante-natal yoga breathing techniques might help you reduce or manage shortness of breath during pregnancy and work through contractions during labour.

• Gentle stretching. You’ll be encouraged to gently move different areas of your body, through their full range of motion.

• Postures. While standing, sitting or lying on the ground, you’ll gently move your body into different positions aimed at developing your strength, flexibility and balance. Props — such as blankets, cushions and belts — might be used to provide support and comfort.

• Cool down and relaxation. At the end of each class, you’ll relax your muscles and restore your resting heart rate and breathing rhythm. You might be encouraged to listen to your own breathing, pay close attention to sensations, thoughts and emotions, or repeat a mantra or word to bring about a state of self-awareness and inner calm.

There are many different styles of yoga — some more strenuous than others. Pregnancy yoga, hatha yoga and restorative yoga are the best choices for pregnant women. Talk to the instructor about your pregnancy before starting any other yoga class. It is recommended to wait until after the 12 week scan has shown no complications.

Be careful to avoid hot yoga, and over strenuous styles of yoga.

Talk to your health care provider before you begin a ante-natal yoga program, make sure you have your health care provider’s OK. You might not be able to do ante-natal yoga if you are at increased risk of preterm labour or have certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or back problems.

Don’t overdo it. Pay attention to your body and how you feel. Start slow and avoid positions that are beyond your level of experience or comfort. Stretch only as far as you would have before pregnancy.

Look for a program taught by an instructor who has training in ante-natal yoga.

Tutors at Yoga for Harmony:

• Caroline

Hot Yoga

Hot yoga can refer to any yoga class done in a heated room. Though there are a few styles of hot yoga classes, Bikram yoga is the original hot yoga and among the best known. Even though some people may use "hot" and "Bikram" interchangeably, the truth is that all Bikram yoga is hot, but not all hot yoga is Bikram. Hot yoga often tends to be a flowing vinyasa style of practice in which the teacher instructs students in a series of linked poses. During class, the room is usually maintained at a temperature of 40 to 45 degrees. As you can imagine, a vigorous yoga session at high temperatures makes the body very warm and induces profuse sweating. The intent is that the heat loosens your muscles and the sweat cleanses the body. Read more

Bikram Choudhury is a hot yoga innovator and founder of the Bikram Yoga system. His method is the original style to be set in a hot room. It is a unique, set series of 26 postures, including two pranayama practises each of which is performed twice in a single 90-minute class.

Some hot yoga classes may follow a Bikram format, but others may not. Classes that specifically indicate that they are Bikram classes will generally follow the proprietary 26-pose format. But a non-Bikram hot yoga class can be any series of yoga poses in a heated room.

We do not offer Hot Yoga at Yoga for Harmony

Restorative yoga

Gentle, supportive, and therapeutic are just a few words that describe restorative yoga. At its core, restorative yoga is a practice of passive healing. This yoga style is known for its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the “rest and digest” part of your nervous system that helps keep basic functions working as they should. As the name suggests, this style of yoga “restores” the body to its parasympathetic nervous system function, which, in turn, helps the body rest, heal, and restore balance. By allowing time for longer asanas (postures or poses) and deeper breathing, restorative yoga helps elicit the relaxation response. This response can help slow breathing, reduce blood pressure, and produce a feeling of calm and increased well-being. Read more

A key feature in restorative yoga is the use of props such as blocks, bolsters, or blankets. The props help you hold passive poses for longer without exerting or tiring out your muscles. It also allows you to feel comfortable and supported, regardless of your experience with yoga.

And, since you’re encouraged to relax fully in the pose while focusing on your breath, restorative yoga allows you to release tension in your muscles for longer periods without discomfort.

Not offered in its traditional form at Yoga for Harmony.

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