The word Yoga originated from the Sanskrit term, "union", which refers to the coming together of mind and body disciplines. Such a broad definition can give way to many variations of Yoga style and philosophy, and newer forms, such as Bikram Yoga, are continually being created.

The man behind Bikram Yoga is Bikram Choudhury, himself a disciple of Bishnu Ghosh*. The aim of the Bishnu Ghosh guru lineage is to bring a more Western-friendly approach to Yoga, as opposed to the traditional Indian teachings.

Choudhury was born in Calcutta, India, in 1946, and won the National Yoga Championship four years consecutively as a teenager. He later opened Yoga schools in India and Japan as well, and in 1972 opened his first Yoga school in the U.S. in San Francisco, which is still operating today.

In the 1990s Choudhury started offering a nine-week Yoga teacher's course for certification - those instructors currently number in the thousands and operate "Yoga College of India" studios all over the world.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A BIKRAM YOGA CLASS

Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class** consists of a series of 26 Hatha asanas and two Pranayama (breathing) exercises taught in a room heated to 90 to 105F. This series is a set method that does not allow for deviation based on studio or instructor.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BIKRAM YOGA

Designed to systematically move newly oxygenated blood to the entire body, the Bikram Yoga sequences are known to restore and energize the body's organs and tissues, and bring improved efficiency to all bodily functions.

Additionally, the elevated temperatures in the Yoga studios can improve stretching practices and help your body to release toxins, thus strengthening the immune system.

THE BIKRAM YOGA SEQUENCE - 26 ASANAS

Standing Deep Breathing
Half Moon Pose
Awkward Pose
Eagle Pose
Standing Head To Knee
Standing Bow Pulling Pose
Balancing Stick
Standing Separate Leg Stretching
Triangle Pose
Standing Leg/Head To Knee
Tree Pose
Toe Stand
Corpse Pose
Wind Removing Pose
Sit-Up
Cobra Pose
Locus Post
Full Locust
Bow Pose
Fixed Firm Pose
Half Tortoise Pose
Camel Pose
Rabbit Pose
Separate Leg Stretching Head To Knee
Spine Twisting
Blowing in Firm
Final Dead Body (Corpse) Pose


CAUTIONS AND SAFEGUARDS

Most of us do not normally exercise in a heated environment, and this can be uncomfortable for some. The concept of Bikram Yoga may look good on paper, but the actual experience of it may be somewhat different. For those of you who have no experience with this Yoga style - it may simply not be to your liking.

Persons who have any medical conditions that could be aggravated by exerting oneself in a hot, sauna-like environment, should obtain doctor's approval before going to that first class. Pregnant women, and those on medications that can cause hypersensitivity to heat should also consult with a medical practitioner.

Parents should also be cautioned about sending their child to a Bikram Yoga class. Be sure you know your child's level of heat tolerance first. I would not suggest that Bikram Yoga be a child's initial introduction to Yoga.

Sweating in a hot room can aid the body in releasing toxins that cause illnesses along with lack of energy and a poor complexion. However, taking a Bikram Yoga class on occasion will not do enough of this to make a difference. This practice must be undertaken at least three times per week to achieve maximum benefits that may only be visible after months of dedication.


In closing, the positive aspects of Bikram Yoga are many and worth giving this style a try, providing a person thinks about it first and knows that there are no (health) reasons why this should not be undertaken.

Remember, going into a heated room and working up a lather may sound like the most efficient way to burn calories and get into great shape, but you should cool down afterward and be sure to do some slow, steady stretching before retiring that night and again upon rising. That will keep your muscles from tightening up as they release the heat.

There are some links at the bottom of the page for more in-depth information about Bikram Yoga.

Pax et bonum!

*Bishnu Ghosh is the brother of Paramahanssa Yogananda, author of "Autiobiography of a Yogi"
**Book of the same title is available