whattherapy.org

Popularised by Hollywood actors like David Duchovny, Ashtanga Yoga is generally one of the more dynamic styles of yoga.  Ashtanga doubtless offers a great work out for the body with poses (asanas) carried out in swift flowing succession with co-ordinated breathing. With frequent practice you will develop toned lean muscles and increased strength.

The Moves

The practice of Vinsaya is what makes Ashtanga and its principles distinct from other yoga styles. "Vinsaya" refers to the movement and breathing used for the internal cleansing process. Each movement is accompanied by only one inhaling or exhaling breath. Sweat is the most important product of Vinsaya, as this means that the body is detoxifying. The more sweat you create, the more toxins your body releases. This is part of the purification process.

The series of poses performed in Ashtanga yoga are designed to help the practitioner reach his or her body's strength and health potential. There are three postures used in Ashtaga Yoga, each suitable for different levels of difficulty.

The first is the Primary Series, which aims to align and detoxify the body.  The second focuses on opening and cleaning the energy channels, aiding the process of purifying the nervous system. The final series is designed to enhance grace and strength.

A Great Workout ...?

Ashtanga certainly offers you a wonderful way to raise your heart rate and tone your physique. And yet, Ashtanga offers so much more than just a good work out. Originally developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, "Ashtanga Yoga" literally means "Eight Limb Yoga". This forms the basis for "Pattanjali's idea" that purification is a process involving eight spiritual practices:

Yama – Self-restraint or ethical conduct
Niyama – Personal and religious observance of purity, devotion and study
Asana – Physical activity
Pranayama – Breath control
Pratyahara – Abstraction of the senses
Dharana – Concentration
Dhyana – Meditation that leads to Samadhi
Samadhi – Absorption in the sublime and blissful awareness

The first four "limbs" are considered cleansing practices which are externally correctable. The other four limbs "pratyahara", "dhyana", "dharana" focus on internal practice.


© What Therapy 2010

www.whattherapy.org