The Practice

Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice, likely originating along the Ganges in Northern India. Ashtanga means eight limbs (‘astau’ meaning ‘eight’ and ‘anga’ meaning ‘limb’). The eight limbs were first written down in what is probably the most important text on yoga, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, approximately 1,600 years ago.

Ashtanga Yoga, as we practise it today, is based on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The practice has been passed down through a lineage of teachers from T. Krishnamacharya to his student, K. Pattabhi Jois and then to K. Pattabhi Jois’ grandson, R. Sharath Jois. R. Sharath Jois is the current lineage holder of Ashtanga Yoga. He teaches the traditional method of Ashtanga Yoga in his and his grandfather’s home town of Mysore, India. 

When practised correctly, Ashtanga Yoga is a deeply therapeutic and transformative method. It is a powerful antidote to our fast-paced modern lives and has the potential to alleviate many physical and psychological afflictions.

An essential aspect of this practice is the synchronisation of breath and movement, which is known as vinyasa. Vinyasa is what connects the postures (asanas) together into a flowing, moving meditation. This creates heat in the body, producing sweat. Sweating helps the body eliminate toxins. Each posture (asana) has a gazing point (drishti). The combination of posture, breathing and drishti heals the body, strengthens the nervous system and leads towards a calm and focused mind. 

The aim of asana practice is to make the body steady and comfortable enough to sit for breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation, ultimately culminating in Self-knowledge (samadhi), the eighth limb of Ashtanga Yoga.

Some outcomes you can expect from practising yoga consistently:

• Reduced stress

• Help managing anxiety and depression

• Improved concentration

• Increased positive sense of well-being

• Increased energy

• Reduced inflammation

• Reduction in chronic pain

• Improved posture

• Improved breathing

• Improvement in sleep quality

• Improved cardiovascular health

• Strengthened nervous system

• Improved strength and flexibilty

• Improved balance

• Lower blood pressure

• Improved digestion

• Weight loss

Ashtanga Yoga is accessible to everyone regardless of age or current health/fitness level. You don’t have to be a young, strong athlete to take up this practice. It can be modified to suit your own needs and practised at your own pace. All that’s required is an open mind, a willingness to learn, and commitment towards regular practise in order to experience the full benefits.