This article is about a yoga called Ashtanga Yoga which means the eight limbs of yoga, the eightfold yoga path which is described by Maharishi Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and is actually believed to be the original Asana done by Maharishi Patanjali. Taught by a man named Sri K Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. He brought Ashtanga Yoga to the West about 25 years ago and still teaches at the age of 91. Ashtanga yoga began with the rediscovery of the ancient manuscript Yoga Korunta. It describes a unique system of hatha yoga practiced and created by the ancient sage Vamana.
Yoga Korunta or Yoga Kuruntha is derived from a Tamil word meaning yoga text. Vinyasa refers to a style of yoga, or an emphasis on synchronized movement of the breath, thus one practices a pose with specific breathing patterns. This breathing technique is called ujayi pranayama or victorious breath, and is a process that produces intense internal heat and a profuse sweat that purifies and detoxifies muscles and organs. It also releases beneficial hormones and nutrients, and is usually massaged back into the body. Breathing ensures efficient circulation of blood. The result is better circulation, a lighter and stronger body and a calmer mind.
A proper sequence is used to follow the timings while practicing Ashtanga Yoga. To move on to the next step, one must be proficient in a sequence of Asanas that is, one must be proficient in that one step. "Primary Series - Yoga Therapy" detoxifies and aligns the body, purifies it so that toxins are not blocked.
"The Intermediate Series - Nadi Shodhana" purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing energy channels, allowing energy to pass through easily. The "Advanced Series A, B, C, and D - Stabilized Part" integrates the stamina and endurance of exercises that demand flexibility.
The most important and best thing is to find a trained and knowledgeable teacher to help you through this discipline. It is an intense exercise that is rigorous and if done 6 days a week then, you are guaranteed to find inner peace and fulfillment with every breath.
SOME GLIMPSES ON BASIC SITTING POSTURES WITH BENEFITS: JANU SIRSASANA (Head-To-Knee pose)
Sit up straight with legs evenly extended in front. Bend the right leg at the knee and place the foot so that the heel is in the right groin and the front of the foot touches the left thigh. Turn the foot so that the bottom of the foot is facing upward, and press the knee back to form an obtuse angle with the body. This position will be difficult at first; don't force it. Put a folded blanket under the knee and also under the hips. Gradually, the knee will move farther back. Just keep the foot correctly positioned.
Keeping the feet and knees in the correct position, with the feet firmly on the mat or the ground, extend the left leg out. So that you can set the heel of the left foot firmly and spread the toes upward. The heel should be pulled gently away from the ankle. Now inhale and bend over straight leg, if possible hold your feet with both hands. Beginners should only bend as far as they can without rounding the back. When this Asana is done correctly and completely, the body will roll forward on the extended leg, should be absolutely flat from the lower back to the head. Do it for as long as you can. Inhale, release the hand, and smoothly come up, straighten the bent leg and relax. Repeat on the other side.
This Asana generally follows the previous one. Sit with your legs extended in front. Bend the right leg so that the right foot is near the right hip. The toes should be pointing back. The right leg exerts pressure against the right thigh so that the body bends in this position. Keeping a small folded towel just under the left buttock keeping the hips level, stretch and extend forward. Grab the left leg with the hands, while inhaling, bend forward, keeping both the knees together, extend it forward on the straight leg. Many students will also find it difficult to hold the leg of the outstretched leg in this position. Don't be discouraged. Simply grab the knee, shin or ankle and sit, taking a deep breath, whichever position represents your best extension. If the back is tight and the spine is flexible, it will take time. Release the grip and straighten the bent leg. Repeat on the other side.
You must be logged in to post a comment.