The 26 Bikram Yoga Poses  Bikram yoga classes always consist of
the exact same 26 Bikram yoga poses, called asanas, each of
which is held for 10-60 seconds apiece during the twice-through
routine of the class. Every class is exactly the same, as the
same 26 poses are performed in the same order, held for the same
amount of time.  This is done for a reason. Bikram Chowdhury
created the program with the help of the University of Toyko's
hospital staff, designing the program so that each asana would
lead purposefully into the following asana. This is done so that
some poses act as tourniquets, constricting and then releasing
the blood in specific body parts, forcing the blood to flush
through the system. The order and exact positioning of these
poses is also designed to stimulate pressure points so that the
body will realign energy (chi), flush toxins from the body,
release constricted muscles and release tension.  Each class
starts with pranayama breathing, accompanied by specific
stretches that enhance the con