Benefits of Practicing Yoga

• Increased Strength
• Increased Flexibility
• Increased Stamina and Vitality
• Improved Balance
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Lowers Cholesterol Levels
• Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
• Changes Hormone Levels bringing them into balance.
• Increases Lung Capacity for fuller, deeper breathing. Slower, deeper breathing increases oxygenation in the body for greater tissue vitality and the elimination of metabolic waste.
• Calms down the body and quiets the mind by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
• Improves your relationships.
• Experience greater happiness.

Ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga yoga comes to us from Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009) in Mysore, India, as handed down from his teacher, Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya (1888–1989).

Ashtanga yoga isn't just exercise. It's a moving meditation. There are five characteristics that make the Ashtanga yoga practice unique. The first characteristic is the focus on the breath. The breath is regulated using the Ujjayi (victorious) breathing technique so that the inhalation and the exhalation have the same length and quality.

Next, we have the asanas, or yoga postures. In the Ashtanga practice, the poses are performed sequentially one after the other in a constantly flowing movement that is connected to the breath. This movement system is known as vinyasa, the third unique characteristic of Ashtanga yoga. For each movement, there is one breath. For example, in Surya Namskar there are nine vinyasas. The first vinyasa is inhaling while raising your arms over your head, and putting your hands together; the second is exhaling while bending forward, placing your hands next to your feet, etc. In this way all asanas are assigned a certain number of vinyasas.

The forth unique characteristic of the Ashtanga yoga practice is the engagement of the deep core muscles known as the bandhas, or locks. These locks operate more like valves that regulate the flow of prana (life force energy) through three main areas in the body. Like water spraying from a garden hose that is bent and then released, the body energy is regulated through mula bandha, uddiyana bandha, and jalandhara bandha.

Lastly, in the Ashtanga yoga practice we have the dristi, or "looking place." The eyes are always open and the gaze is constantly fixed upon set points in a focused but relaxed manner.

The asanas, vinyasa breathing system, and dristi together form what is known as tristhana, the foundation of Ashtanga yoga practice. Consistent practice will purify the body and mind, making the consciousness ready for the revelation of God.

Find the Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga DVDs here: