Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a branch of Hatha yoga and is a sequential system of postures linked together by breath and movement. Progressive techniques of breath, posture (asana), gaze (drishti) and movement, cleanse, stretch and strengthen the body as well as focus and calm the mind.
The breath is the heart of this discipline, and links asana to asana in a precise order. By synchronising movement with breathing and practising Mula and Uddiyana Bandhas (locks), an intense internal heat is produced. This heat purifies muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins as well as releasing beneficial hormones.
Awareness is essential to asana practice, which aims to influence, integrate and harmonise all levels of being: physical, energy, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual. Awareness in this context is noting sensations in the body, the physical movement, the posture, the breath, synchronisation of movement, concentrating on a particular area of the body and witnessing and accepting any thoughts or feelings that may arise during the practice.
A deeper experience of the self becomes possible through consistent practise as we gain control of the senses and acquire steadiness of body and mind.
