Ashtanga Yoga
Breath Sychronised Movement
Ashtanga yoga uses ordered postures, or asanas, linked together by the breath. This breath-synchronised movement is also called vinyasa, and helps to develop strength, stamina, and flexibility.
Postures
The postures used in Ashtanga Yoga are divided into six series: the primary series, the intermediate series, and four advanced series. The postures are presented in a certain order, and unlike some other yoga styles, the order of the postures is very important. The primary series starts off with a Salute to the Sun, and continues through standing, sitting, and inverted postures, ending with relaxation. The postures are carried out ryhthmically in an athletic manner with the emphasis being on flow.
Breathing
Ujjayi breathing is used during practise, where each movement is carried out as the practitioner inhales or exhales through the nose, while contracting the muscles at the base of the throat. Breathing the ujjayi way has the effect of deepening the breathing, and produces intense heat within the body. This massages the internal organs, promotes mental stillness, and generates flexibility in the body.
Gaze
Ashtanga yoga also uses focal points or drishti - the nose, thumb, navel, and third eye. These points are observed during each posture, and also help to still the mind.
Locks
Locks are used during the practise of Ashtanga yoga. These are contractions of specific muscle groups. Maintaining the locks concentrates the mind, as well as massaging the internal organs, and helping to relieve stress. Normally the locks are taught only when a beginner is comfortable with the basic postures.
Power Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is sometimes known as power yoga. The term originates from the title of a book written by an American Ashtanga yoga teacher, Beryl Bender Birch.
Summary
Ashtanga Yoga is an energetic style of yoga which incorporates traditional yoga postures designed to stretch, strenghen and detoxify the body, along with techniques to calm the mind. It is suited to those who would like to work on their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing while getting a good workout at the same time!
Further Reading
About the author
Catherine Doyle is the founder of Natural Bloom. Catherine uses complementary therapies regularly, and has been interested in an holistic approach to health for many years.
She is a qualified meditation facilitator and Bowen therapist working in the Southern Highlands of NSW Australia. Upcoming meditation classes are posted on her website:
Send an email to Catherine Doyle
www.soothed.com.au
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