Ashtanga is one of the more physical and athletic forms of yoga. Since the poses are always performed in a dynamic sequence, ashtanga is commonly referred to as "flow" yoga. Although it is physically demanding, the primary goal of ashtanga, as with all types of yoga, is to unify mind and body, resulting in improved well-being and balance.
General Information
Ashtanga yoga is an ancient form of yoga. It was only rediscovered in the early 1900s, however, when the ancient Sanskrit text that details ashtanga principles was found in India.The most common form of ashtanga practiced today is the one developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, who based his system on the original text. The word "ashtanga" means "eight-limbed," which is a somewhat poetic reference to the eight steps in ashtanga. The first two steps involve moral integrity, followed by the last six steps: posture, breath, withdrawal of the senses, concentration, meditation and the highest level of consciousness.
Muscular Strength
Some forms of yoga, such as hatha yoga, focus on meditation and mental well-being and are not as effective for developing muscle strength. While these elements are certainly present in ashtanga yoga, the vigor of the "flow" also has a significant impact on muscle strength. As noted by YogatoHealth.com, asthanga incorporates several yoga poses, also known as power poses, into the flow, such as the Sun Salute series. These poses encourage lean, strong muscle development throughout the entire body.
Purification and Bodily Cleansing
All of the poses in ashtanga yoga are paired with corresponding breathing techniques. The practice of combining physical movement with specific breathing methods is known as vinyasa in yoga. According to the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, vinyasa helps to rid the body of impurities. The physical poses generate heat in the body, causing sweat, which eliminates toxins from the bloodstream. Sweat is also believed to aid in the production of helpful hormones and minerals that benefit the body.
Mental Benefits
Like most other forms of yoga, ashtanga flow is an excellent way to relieve stress and anxiety. This benefit can be attributed to ashtanga's focus on continuous, deep breathing. Within a yoga series, deep breathing helps the student move from pose to pose, providing new energy with each breath. Ashtanga yoga also increases focus. During an ashtanga flow, you will use a technique known as dristi, which is Sanskrit for "sight." This technique uses specific gazing points during each pose in order to increase focus and concentration. For example, during a Downward Dog pose, the drishti point is the navel.
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