A Guide to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

A Guide to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga : If you are looking for a yoga practice to help you build strength, flexibility, and stamina, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a great option. It is a powerful and demanding practice that can yield excellent results if done correctly. It is a system of yoga that links breath and movement together to form a flowing sequence of postures. This type of yoga can be very physically and mentally challenging, but it is also gratifying.

If you want to know the history, overview, and advantages of this yoga practice, here is the information.

History

Sri Krishnamacharya developed the Ashtanga Vinyasa system in the early 20th century and was later popularized by his student Pattabhi Jois. It is a derivative of the ancient Indian discipline of Hatha Yoga.

It is sometimes called “power yoga” because it is an intense and vigorous practice. However, it is usually modified to suit all fitness and experience levels. It is a physically demanding form of yoga that highlights asanas (yoga postures) linked together by vinyasas (breath-synchronized movements). The practice is designed to purify the body and mind, eventually directing the practitioner to self-realization.

Overview

The asanas (postures) in an Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga class are performed in a specific order as part of a set sequence. The breath is linked with the movement, and each asana is held for a certain number of breaths. The Ashtanga Primary Series, for example, consists of 75 asanas that are performed in the same order every time. This kind of predictability and routine can benefit beginners just learning the asanas. However, don’t forget it is not a static practice. As you become more proficient in the asanas, you can move through the sequence with more fluidity and grace.

Benefits

There are many advantages to practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa asana regularly. This type of yoga can help improve your cardiovascular health, build strength and stamina, boost flexibility, and release tension from the body. This yoga is also said to help enhance concentration and focus and diminish stress and anxiety. If you are new to yoga, finding a qualified instructor who can guide you through the asanas and offer modifications as needed is crucial.

Following are its benefits:

Cardiovascular Health

It can benefit cardiovascular health in the following ways. They are as follows:
- Yoga can lower the risk of stroke, chronic heart diseases, etc.
- It can help in strengthening the lungs and heart.
- This yoga practice can benefit you if you are suffering from chronically affecting conditions, such as high blood pressure.
- Power yoga can lower the cholesterol levels in your body.
- It can help in maintaining blood glucose levels.
Stress control

Power yoga can lower the stress levels in your body. If you are suffering from stress, anxiety, or tension, start practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa. According to a survey in 2017, it was found that power yoga can lower the cortisol levels in your body and lead to a decline in stress levels in the human body.
Overall health benefits

If you practice power yoga, you will gain the following benefits. They are as follows:
- Daily power yoga practice can help improve the body’s posture and balance.
- It can promote a robust immune system in the body.
- It will help in producing better sleep.

Conclusion

It can be challenging but enriching if you want to try this asana. Make sure to start slowly and listen to your body. If an asana feels too demanding, take a break or try a modification. With time, you will develop the skills and strength necessary to move quickly through the asanas.