The Basics of Ashtanga Yoga
The practice of ashtanga yoga originated in India.
Unlike some forms of yoga, which have been developed in recent years, ashtanga is actually quite old.
According to its history, ashtanga started when Pattabhi Jois and Krishnamacharya discovered
an ancient manuscript that contains different yoga poses.
Ashtanga, a word that means “eight-limbed,” is made up of eight different paths to enlightenment.
It aims to work on the mind through the use of body movements and postures.
The eight-fold paths of Ashtanga Yoga include
- Yama, which means abstinences;
- Asana, which is the yoga term for the different yoga postures;
- Pratyahara, which means the withdrawal of senses;
- Samadhi, meaning contemplation;
- Pranayama, referring to breath control;
- Niyama, which means the observances that practitioners must do;
- the Dharana which refers to a state of utmost concentration;
- and the Dhyana, which means meditation.
Very rigorous in terms of the work-outs and the postures,
ashtanga yoga requires complete dedication and discipline.
Ashtanga yoga involves the accomplishing of several different postures known as the yoga Chikitsa.
These are postures that are done to cleanse and bring internal balance to the body.
The comprehensive asana starts off with a Surya Namaskara,
which is also known as the sun salute;
followed by the A & B, standing postures.
Practitioners will also perform sitting postures as well as inversions.
What differentiates ashtanga yoga from other forms of yoga
is the fact that it has incorporated a large number of different postures into one flowing program.
With other forms of yoga, you will have to change from one posture to another.
In ashtanga, each posture is continuously done through structured breathing called ujjayi pranayama.
Practitioners no longer stop and then move on to another posture.
Movements, which are called vinsayas, are synchronized and practiced to make a single whole.
The term vinsayas literally means synchronized breath movement.
Breathing is very important in yoga, not only in ashtanga but in all forms of yoga
because it is through breathing that yoga masters can united the body, mind and the soul.
In addition, breathing also regulates circulator system of the body,
thereby helping in the blood circulation and transfer of vitamins and minerals.
Ashtanga yoga also makes use of drishtis (gazing points) and bandhas,
which are locks that generate internal and external heat.
This heat helps in the purification of the body by flushing out the toxins through sweat and perspiration.
It also helps in the release of hormones and the transfer of minerals that the body needs for optimum function.
The ashtanga system is divided into three major sets of movements.
The primary series or the Yoga Chikitsa is done to detoxify the body while the
Intremediate series or what is called the Nadi Shodhana,
act on the purification of the nervous system by clearing out the way to the body’s energy channels.
The advanced series, called the Sthira Bhaga, on the other hand,
integrates all that has been accomplished in the first two sets into a performance that calls for strength and grace.
This last set requires greater flexibility and concentration.
Ashtanga Yoga teaches a continuous routine.
These three sets, although divided and with different purposes, are interwoven into one routine,
where each pose is both the continuation of the previous and also the preparation for the next.
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