If you want to learn to practice Astanga yoga—also known as Ashtanga yoga—you should go to Mysore, India and meet the yoga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. He is the one who introduced Astanga yoga to the West 25 years ago. Today he, a 91-year-old, still teaches it.
Astanga yoga has been known since the rediscovery of Yoga Korunta. Believed to be the original asana practiced by Patanjali, it is in fact an ancient manuscript describing a unique system of Hatha yoga, which was created and practiced by Vamana Rishi.
Yoga Korunta focuses its journal on breath-synchronized moves, known as vinyasa, where one practices a posture with specific associated breathing patterns. Called uyajji pranayama, or the victorious breath, this breathing technique produces intense body heat and sweat that cleanse all muscles and body organs. It also releases beneficial hormones and nutrients, delivering a nice relaxing massage for the whole body. Thus, it improves the circulation of blood, resulting in a less-tense and stronger body and a peaceful mind.
Astanga yoga consists of several sequences; each has few moves/body poses. Those sequences are to be practiced in order. One must be able to do one sequence correctly before doing the next.
The Primary Sequences (Yoga Chikitsa) is meant to detoxify the body. It eliminates toxics that they do not inhibit the blood circulation. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) is meant to purify the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels, allowing the energy flows better. The Advanced A, B, C, and D Series (Sthira Bhaga) integrate both grace and stamina elements of the whole practice. To do these last series a good flexibility is essential.
If you want to practice Astanga yoga, it is best that you get assistance from a trained and experienced guru. It is indeed an intense, rigorous practice, and it should be done six days a week. However, it is worthy the prize. Practicing it will give you inner peace and energy recharge.
