Bikram Yoga is a specific form of yoga that was developed by the yoga master, Bikram Choudhury. It consists of a series of 26 poses that include two breathing exercises, which are done twice within a 90-minute class. Bikram yoga is practiced in a heated room that is set to 105 degrees while maintaining a humidity level of 40 percent. It is considered a form of hot yoga, which is always done in a room that is heated to 95 to 100 degrees.
By performing the 26 postures included in the program, every area of the body benefits. This includes muscles, ligaments, veins and all the internal organs as these postures help to provide maximum function while maintaining optimum health. As the postures are being performed, they work together as well as separately to benefit every part of the body while benefiting each other at the same time. Hot yoga helps to heat the body up, which softens it, making the body more flexible. When it becomes this flexible, it can be reshaped according to the individual’s desire. Yoga also works to cleanse the body of toxins and waste from organs and glands. While practicing yoga the body is naturally cleansed through the respiratory and circulatory systems. It also nourishes every cell of the body, offering maximum function and health. By using the Bikram yoga techniques, additional benefits of yoga are obtained as the body is cleansed in a deeper fashion by releasing toxins and waste through the skin. With the addition of the breathing exercises that are implemented in the Bikram yoga practice, the lungs receive more oxygen, which improves circulation and cardiovascular health.
Bikram Choudhury created this specific yoga practice as a way to help individuals find and maintain general wellness. By implementing the use of heated facilities, injuries are prevented, stretches are deeper and tension and stress are reduced. All systems in the body become stimulated, which can restore health to organs, joints and muscles. Moreover, by applying the breathing techniques, the lungs become more capable of increasing oxygen intake, which provides improved blood circulation and oxygen to every cell in the body. Another important factor in Bikram yoga is the specific postures that are done to temporarily cut off blood supply. This makes the heart pump faster to provide fresh blood to the body. When the posture has been completed, this fresh blood rejuvenates arteries that have been blocked of blood supply. This action releases toxins, bacteria and infections from the body.