Ashtanga yoga is one of the systems of Hatha yoga that synchronises breath and movement in a sequence of asanas (postures).
The practice contains 4 key elements, that help purify the body and the mind.
Vinyassa (linking movement with breath) Pranyama (breath control) Bhanda (engagement, lock of Prana) and Drishti (focal point)
Each asana has a unique choreographed number of movements and when practised regularly, it can help to develop strength, flexibility, stamina and help to cultivate an all-round feeling of well being and a still and focussed mind.
The breath, along with the movement and bandhas, helps to create internal heat in the body which improves circulation and detoxifies the system.
The Primary series is known as Yoga Chikitsa meaning yoga therapy. It aims to detoxify and realign the body. The Second or Intermediate series is known as Nadi Shodana (nerve cleansing) opening the energy channels in the nervous system and the spine, the four advanced series Sthira Bhaga (divine grace) continue to detoxify and refine the body while also developing greater mental focus and humility.
Poses (asana) are linked in a sequence with each held for a number of breaths, before transitioning through a specific series of movements to the next pose.
We repeat a set sequence of postures each time we practice, so that the sequence becomes familiar, and in doing so we develop a self practice. It becomes our own daily personal experience of movement and breath awareness, creating an independence in your practice that is empowering.
As and when your body feels ready to do more, I will share new postures with you that are added to the sequence. When practiced mindfully and in a way that supports each individual person this system of yoga can be very therapeutic and energising at the same time and has the potential to be transformational.
Anyone can benefit from this dynamic system of yoga. As with any yoga practice, it is important not to rush and to move in a way that feels comfortable in your own body.
We have lots of wobbles and giggles in our sessions.
Yoga is not about touching your toes or getting into a complicated asana. It is a journey of self discovery and a profound individual experience. It teaches us to surrender our ego and move beyond our limitations, into a whole new way of experiencing life.
What is Vinyasa Flow Yoga?
Vinyasa is a style of yoga where poses are formed together to make one fluid sequence of movement.
There is something very nurturing about moving with the breath and letting your body flow in new directions.
Classes can be fast-paced and rhythmical, with a focus on connecting the movements with the rhythm of the breath. They can also be soft and gentle, relaxing and energising.
Vinyasa means to move with the breath, which is essentially the core of a Vinyasa class. Often called flow yoga, Vinyasa Flow is a style of yoga with focus on transitions and movements, with less time spent in stationary poses.
Moving with the breath can also mean slowing down your transitions with deep inhales and slow exhalations.
No two classes are ever the same, and often the sequences are creative and playful.
Benefits of Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Range of motion:
The variety of movements in a Vinyasa class means you will often be working through the whole body throughout a class, and expand your range of motion by moving in ways you normally would not.
Cardiovascular health: A Vinyasa class is great cardiovascular exercise, because it is often fast-paced. Moving with your breath increases your heart rate and generates heat.
Building strength: A consistent Vinyasa practice can help you build muscle throughout the whole body. In Vinyasa, you often work all parts of your body, which means you will build a balanced and functional strength.
Stress relief: A Vinyasa class can be a moving meditation. The constant motion and rhythmical movement will help quiet the mind and allow you to focus inward. In this way, Vinyasa helps you connect the body and mind, calms the nervous system and can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Connecting with the breath: Our breath holds a lot of power over our wellbeing. If we are shocked or tense, we hold our breath and automatically signal to the brain that we are uncomfortable, which in turn results in the brain producing adrenaline and cortisol (the “stress hormone”) to help us push through. Practising to connect with the breath and breathing through pain and discomfort can be a very powerful tool in overcoming both physical and mental problems.