“Yoga is not just a workout, it is about working on yourself.”- Mary Glover
Rightly said, yoga is a wider concept than just exercising. It is about rejuvenating and transforming the Self, both internally and externally. Any type or style of yoga helps to achieve the same, with their own set of concepts and practice methods. You just need to choose according to your personality and need, and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is one popular form of yoga style that fits everyone’s needs.
The style was popularised by K.Pattabhi Jois during the 20th century and is widely known as a modern-day form of classical yoga. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a way of purifying oneself internally to divulge the universal Self. It is a dynamic flowing practice that focuses on the physical training by synchronizing the breath with the movements and work for the overall well being.
Ashtanga is a Sanskrit word that means ‘eight-limbed branches’. The practice series is based on the principles of eight limbs.
Ashtanga Yoga Eight Spiritual Practices
- Yama (Moral Codes)
- Niyama (Discipline)
- Asana (Postures)
- Pranayama (Breathing Control Techniques)
- Pratyahara (Control of Sense)
- Dharana (Concentration or Focus)
- Dhyana (Meditation)
- Samadhi (Salvation)
Ashtanga Yoga Asanas- Yoga poses or Asanas are an integral part of the Ashtanga Yoga. The practice follows the series of Hatha Yoga Asana starting from standing poses, followed by sitting and finishing poses. With a strict commitment to the practice and routine, make Ashtanga more unique. The practice starts with Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar which is then followed by Six Standing Poses. The poses are easy to perform and are the foundation for the other Yoga poses. The Standing Series is then followed by Four Series and then the practice ends with the finishing poses.
All the asanas are important and come with their own set of benefits. The whole practice is a great opportunity to keep the body and mind fit, stable, and healthy.
Benefits of Practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
- Practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga increases the body endurance, makes you flexible and reduces the risk of injury.
- The yoga style includes hardcore physical training which is a great way to build body strength, mental and physical stamina and it also helps in reducing weight.
- The practice benefits mental health and reduces the risk of mental conditions like depression, calms and stabilizes the mind, and reduces the risk of mental illness and disorders.
- The practice helps the body to produce endorphins, the feel-good or happy hormones and helps to elevate mood.
- Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga involves a lot of physical body movement that increases the production of chemicals that help us fight diseases. It regulates the healthy functioning of the organs and makes us feel happy.
- The style of yoga has a lot of physical health benefits including- correcting the body alignment, balance, and posture. It is also good for the heart and respiratory health, keeps digestive system on track, and tones the whole body.
- Also, builds confidence, improves concentration, stamina, and focus, rejuvenates the mind and body, balances emotions and feelings, helps to deal with trauma, etc.
- The practice changes our lifestyle for better, helps us form a connection with the inner-self, ignites awareness, takes towards spiritual awakening, and provides life-transforming experiences.
A yoga teacher training course is the best way to delve deep into the practice and to gain an in-depth knowledge of the yoga style. Being the world capital of yoga, India is the destination of a majority of yoga lovers across the globe. Ashtanga yoga teacher training in Rishikesh and Mysore are two most sought-after places to under Yoga TTC in Ashtanga style.
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a complete body and mind practice that begins to benefit you from day one. Keep practicing yoga and live the way your being is designed and meant for, with competence.
