About Ashtanga Yoga~
Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009).
This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a
progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal
heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.
The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm
mind. (description from the ashtanga.com website.)
Ashtanga yoga is practiced 6 days a week with a rest day on Saturdays, and each new and full moon.
The
following are aspects that Pattabhi Jois emphasizes as the
main components of Ashtanga Yoga.
Vinyasa:
Vinyasa means breathing and movement system. For each movement there is
one breath. The purpose of vinyasa is for internal cleansing. Breath
and movement combined while performing asanas, or postures, creates
heat in the body which purifies the blood and removes toxins and
stiffness from the body.
Tristhana: This means the three places of attention
or action: posture, breathing system and looking place.
These three are very important for yoga practice, and
cover three levels of purification: the body, nervous
system and mind. They are always performed in conjunction
with each other.
Asanas purify, strengthen and give flexibility to the
body.Breathing
is rechaka and puraka, that means inhale and
exhale. Both
the inhale and exhale should be steady and even, the
length of the inhale should be the same length as the
exhale. Breathing in this manner purifies the
nervous system. Dristhi is the place where you look
while in the asana. There are nine dristhis:
the nose, between the eyebrows, navel, thumb, hands, feet,
up, right side and left side. Dristhi purifies and
stabilizes the functioning of the mind.
The six poisons: A vital aspect of internal
purification that Pattabhi Jois teaches relates to the six
poisons that surround the spiritual heart. In the yoga
shastra it is said that God dwells in our heart in
the form of light, but this light is covered by six
poisons; kama, krodha, moha, lobha,
matsarya, and mada. These are desire, anger,
delusion, greed, envy and sloth. When yoga practice is
sustained with great diligence and dedication over a long
period of time, the heat generated from it burns away
these poisons, and the light of our inner nature shines
forth.
This forms the practical and philosophic basis of Ashtanga
Yoga as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. (as taken from the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute website.)
About Yin Yoga~
Yin yoga is a contemplative body based practice. Each Yin yoga
sequence works to safely stretch the tendons and ligaments of the
body to open the joints. It is particularly helpful to increase range
of motion in stiff and sore bodies, to stimulate the movement of
fluids and energy through the body, and to calm and the relax the
body, mind, and emotions.
Yin yoga is
characterized by the long slow holding of the poses, all of which are
done on the floor. It can be practiced by anyone, although it is
deceptively more challenging than it appears. Each posture is held
for up to five minutes which allows the deeper tissues of the body to
be nourished and thus release long held tension. It is believed that
the energy meridians of the body flow through the connective tissues
which are targeted in the Yin practice, and thus each session is
similar energetically to receiving an acupuncture treatment.
Yin
yoga is
immensely beneficial to those who are very active or busy in their
daily lives as it gives them a chance to slow down and experience
deep relaxation. Yin yoga is an excellent compliment to Ashtanga yoga
as it helps to develop a compassionate approach towards oneself on the
mat.
Some of the
more subtle benefits of the Yin practice effect the mind and emotions
providing valuable insight into the thoughts and beliefs which
dominate our behaviour. Yin yoga is invaluable as a tool for learning
to establish healthy boundaries for our selves, and with others. Yin
yoga challenges us to remain present to our experience even when
strong sensations, interpreted by the mind as discomfort, are
present. This leads to greater mental focus, concentration and deep
integration.
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