Everybody knows that the main techniques that are used in yoga are the postures and breathing exercises. But what you might not know is that there are hundreds of techniques that are used in those two main categories and each technique is used for something special, such as relaxing, relieving stress, etc. Another thing that you might not be aware of is the fact that they postures are usually combined with the breathing techniques to achieve the desired results. But as you are probably already aware of the various techniques that are used in yoga is the main practice of yoga, which means without the techniques there would be no yoga.

Here is a look at some of the various techniques used in yoga.

Asanas (positions):
This technique is referred to the various poses or postures that you will be studying when doing yoga. This technique while quite general will vary depending on the style of yoga that you are practicing. There are actually four kinds of asanas, which are: extension, compression, torsion, and neutral and all of these asanas are described by how they act on the vertebral column. Another thing that you need to know about the asanas is that there is actually an in order, or rules, that you need to follow when you are choosing the order and succession of various postures. The rules are as follows: Extension must be followed by compression and vice versa, torsion has to do with the twist of the vertebral column both to the left and right sides, and a neutral can be inserted between the above complementary pairs.

Pranayama (breathing):
This technique is also known as the breathing technique and it is the next step in yoga techniques following the asanas practice. One thing that you need to know about the pranayama is that there are various techniques inside the main category and the techniques are used to produce certain mind and body effects. One technique is called Sahita Pranayama and it is used to produce heat in the body. Shitali actually cools the body, and there are numerous others that have different purposes. But the main thing that you need to remember is that practicing your pranayama will allow the equilibrium to the body and mind biological systems so that you become full of vigor all the time.

Meditation:
This technique is used to help calm your mind and body and one of the most common techniques used in meditation besides deep breathing is mantras. Mantras are basically chanting, usually using Sanskrit words, so that you can focus your thoughts. One of the most common chants that you will hear in yoga schools is the word "om". But the actual mantras are given to you by a yoga instructor and are based upon the specific tradition that they are following. The purpose of mantras is to make the mind come closer and closer to the source of the sound which is according to Yoga the source of everything. All of the various meditation practices are used to imply awareness of the mind when the person practicing is somehow conscious of what is happening and the best sign is when the awareness is able to be maintained longer and longer.

Just keep in mind that while the general yoga techniques are the same the way that they are used and what styles are used are going to differ depending on what style of yoga you are going to be taking. And you can actually use the same techniques in various styles of yoga but you might be using them in a different order.