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Ashtanga Yoga


If you are considering Yoga, you should know that thee are many different types of yoga from which to choose. One which you might wish to consider is Ashtanga Yoga. This type of yoga was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois and is also known as Eight Limb Yoga due to the fact that is believed within this type of Yoga that the path of purification consists of eight spiritual practices.

The first four limbs within Ashtanga Yoga consist of yama, Niyama, Asana and Pranayama. These are cleansing practices. The remaining four limbs are internal practices; pratyahara, dhyana and dharana.
Ideally, in order to begin practicing this type of Yoga, your body should already be strong and healthy. The founder of Ashtanga Yoga believed that if the body was not strong or the individual was not healthy that this form of yoga would be quite pointless. For individuals who are already strong and healthy, the benefit of Ashtanga Yoga is that it will help you maintain your strength and health while providing overall improvement.

Both Vinsay and Tristhana are practiced within the Ashtanga style of Yoga. Within the Vinsaya style, the focus of movement and breathing is on internal cleansing. Only one breath is used for each movement. When performed correctly, the Vinsaya style will produce extreme amounts of sweat, which help to release toxins from the body.
The focus of the poses within Ashtanga Yoga is to further develop strength and health. Three postures, classified on different levels, are utilized in this style of Yoga. During the Primary Series, which is the first, the body is aligned with a focus on detoxification. The next phase, known as the Immediate Series, is used to open and clean the energy channels in order to purify the nervous system. Finally, the Advanced Series, works on the measurement of grace and strength.

The second principle of this style of Yoga, Tristhana, focuses on uniting the three places of action and attention. Posture, breathing and the Dristhi of the Looking Place work together for this purpose by synchronizing breathing techniques. While practicing this style, the individual works to hold their pose while simultaneously holding their breath. As you work to increase the amount of time that you can hold both, you will strengthen your nervous system and increase your internal fire. Other benefits of this style of Yoga include a purification and stabilization of the mind.

 
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