What is Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is a strong dynamic form of Yoga and which is ideal for increasing flexibility, toning and making the body more supply, while strengthening the muscles and massaging the internal organs producing optimal healthy functioning of the body.
If you have
never practiced yoga before, and wish to come on an ashtanga course it is advised that
- you are between 14 and 40 years of age (if not and you still want to come, phone Dave 091-637680)
- you have no injuries especially to your back, neck or knees
- you are prepared for a strong physical workout which will involve sweating due to strong exertion
- you look at the photos in the section near the end of this page
The primary teacher of Ashtanga Yoga is Pattabhi Jois who is based in Mysore, India. He in turn was taught this practice by Krishnamacharya who is widely accepted to be one of the advanced Yogis of the 20th century.
Ashtanga is a flowing sequence of dynamic postures
It is practiced as a series of flowing Yoga postures which begin with the Sun Salutations. These heat up the body and prepare the body for the stronger postures which one gradually introduces and builds into one's own daily practice of the sequence. These stronger stretching and strengthening postures are also practiced within the flowing sequence which follows the Sun Salutations.
Ujjay breathing
One's breath is controlled and regulated by a practice known as Ujjay breathing. This produces a slight hissing sound in the throat and has an effect of lowering the blood pressure. Thus although one is physically working the body quite strenuously, one feels quite calm and centred which is quite unlike any other aerobic exercises. This allows one maintain an inward focus and a meditative awareness while practicing the sequence.
Drishtis
One's eyes and attention are also directed towards drishtes (points on which to focus the eyes and attention).
Internal locks
There are also internal locks applied (uddiyana and moola bandha) and these regulate the flow of energy within the nadis (energy channels). They also increase the internal heat of the body.
The internal heat within the body allows one?s body to become more supple and to practice postures which one could not normally practice with a cold unprepared body.
How Ashtanga is taught
Ashtanga is introduced to beginners with the Sun Salutations first. One practices these sequences initially until one is familiar enough to complete these oneself.
If one has previous experience of other Yoga (either Satyananda or Iyengar or Hatha) then it can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours before one is comfortable enough to practice the sun salutation sequence by oneself.
Then the rest of the sequence is gradually introduced. Each posture is practiced to one's own ability and the instructor gives posture corrections and verbal directions to help one learn each posture and also how to flow from one posture to the next.
The rest of the sequence consists of the usual clasical postures ranging from trikonasana or triangle pose, reverse trikonasana, intense side stretch or parsvakonasana, standing forward bends, twists, head stands, hand stands and other postures.
There is always a closing sequence which consists of a number of back bends and forward bends and a slowing down of the postures and a final relaxation period while one lies in Shavasana.
Ashtanga yoga for ordinary reasonably fit people
Just because the photos above are mainly people who are very fit, all our courses are for ordinary people.
There is no competition, and everyone does what ever postures they are able for.
If you are not able for any of the postures, the teacher will give you an easier variation.
These courses are great fun ;-)
Self-Practice
On some of the more advanced courses, the classes are given in the style of self practice. It is assumed that each participant knows the sequence and is able to practice by themselves. Usually the instructor goes from each participant to the next and makes appropriate adjustments to one?s postures and encourages one to improve one?s practice beyond what one has attained so far.
Photos of Ashtanga yoga
Photos from Ashtanga weekend with Ciara February 2006Photos from Ashtanga week with Granville 2005Photos of Surya Namaskara A AshtangaPhotos of Surya Namaskara B AshtangaOther Ashtanga posturesAshtanga yoga retreats and holidays 2008
Ashtanga Meditation
with Ciara Cronin Apr18Ashtanga 7 day retreat with Richard SpahnAshtanga and Meditation Granville Cousins Aug15
For more upcoming Ashtanga courses, please view
Complete Calendar of yoga holidays including all Ashtanga retreats
