Ashtanga Yoga Poses, Benefits, and More.
Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is one of the ancient time practicing
yoga, which is now a days promoted as a modern-day form of classical Indian
yoga. This style of yoga is created in the 20th century by k.pattabhi Jois,
which should not be confused by with the actual philosophy called
"Ashtanga yoga" by sage Patanjali who give the mantra of the yoga to
the whole world. Ashtanga yoga style is a very energetic, synchronizing breath
with various movements.
There are individual poses called "Asanas", which are linked by the following movements
"Vinyasa".
In 1948, K.Pattabhi Jois was established this yoga research institute, which is
the current style of teaching this yoga is called as Mysore style after the
city in India where it was originally taught. Various types of power yoga is
originated from the Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga.
In the Ashtanga
Vinyasa yoga there are 5 series of practice which begin with 5 repetitions of
Surya Namaskar A and 5 repetitions of Surya Namaskar B, later which is followed
by a Standing Sequence. There are originally 4 series in the Ashtanga Vinyasa
yoga syllabus which firstly start with the primary, intermediate, Advanced A
and Advanced B. There is also a fifth series called "Rishi series"
for which Pattabhi Jois said that one can practice this series after getting
mastered all the 4 series.
In the modern era of
the 21st century, a "New Generation" of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga
teachers have absorbed a new series of rules, which is taught in a linear style
without variations. This practice takes place in the strict environment of
Mysore under the guidance of a sharath approved teacher.
Ashtanga Yoga Principles:
There are certain
principles in the Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga which emphasizes certain important
components, which namely
Called
"Tristan" which means "three places of action or
attention" or "more physical aspects of poses" and the
"Vinyasa" which defines as a "system of breathing and
movement".
Tristan:
Tristan which means
the three places of attention or action i.e. breathing system called
"Pranayama", posture "Asana" and the looking place
"Drishti". These three are the core concepts in the practice, of
Ashtanga yoga. By encompassing the three levels of purification the body
nervous system and the mind are supposed to be "work in conjunction with
each other".
Vinyasa:
The main purpose of
Vinyasa is to purify the blood, which is contaminated or heated by the practice
of Asanas. Vinyasa is the link that connects every asana with the next. In the
modern era there is an addition in the Vinyasa yoga which coordinates the
breathe with the transition movements between Asanas.
Bandhas:
One of the most
important principles among all the 3 principles is Bandhas in the Ashtanga
Vinyasa yoga. The Bandhas have 3 basic principles that are considered the
internal body locks.
1) Mula Bandha: This
means a root lock at the pelvic floor.
2) Uddiyana Bandha:
which tells to draw back the abdomen, 2 inches below the navel.
3) Jalandhara Bandha:
This means throat lock, achieved by lowering the chin slightly while raising
the sternum.
Ashtanga Yoga Benefits:
- Ashtanga yoga improves your body flexibility.
- Ashtanga yoga increases your strength.
- Ashtanga yoga increases the muscle tone.
- Ashtanga yoga helps to improve cardiovascular fitness.
- Ashtanga yoga helps to reduce body fat.
- Ashtanga yoga helps to decrease stress and anxiety.
- Ashtanga yoga helps to increase your focus and creativity.
Ashtanga Yoga Poses and Sequence:
Conclusion: Ashtanga Yoga is one of the oldest forms of yoga as many forms are originated from this yoga only. Yoga helps us to maintain our health physically as well as mentally fit. It helps us to purify our soul and leave a very healthy and happy life.
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