A Brief Overview of Yoga Styles - Part Two: Ashtanga Yoga

If you are new to yoga for beginners, we began the last article, "A Brief Overview of Yoga Styles, Part One" with a discussion of the "family tree" of yoga. Hatha yoga, or the physical aspect of yoga, is only one part (or one branch of the yoga tree) of traditional yoga practice which originated in India. Hatha yoga itself can be broken down into several different subcatagories, or types of yoga classes that you may find when you are new to yoga practice.

In this article, we will take a look at Ashtanga yoga, one of the most (if not the most physically vigorous forms of hatha yoga. Ashtanga yoga has made national headlines recently, as it is the type of yoga that the talented songstress/actress Madonna practices. In recent months, tons of new Ashtanga yoga classes have begun nationwide, so it should not be too difficult to find a school of Astanga yoga near you if you feel up to the challenge (of course, as with any quality school of any yoga style, the instructors should be schooled in how to gently introduce newcomers to the practice to avoid overdoing it too early!)

Ashtanga yoga is based on the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. The ancient definition of "Ashtanga" means "eight limbed." A student of Ashtanga yoga progresses through the following eight schools of maturation: Yama (moral observance), Niyama (inner integrity), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (contemplation). Many of these eight stages in Ashtanga overlap with those of other yoga styles and practices.

However, the differentiating characteristic of Ashtanga yoga is its concentration on Vinyasa, or the combination of breathing techinique with motion. The postures, or asanas, are done in an ever progressive series combined at the same time wiht specific breathing techniques. The result is a production of high body heat and a strong, cleansing sweat. Indeed, a form of Ashtanga yoga is commonly called "hot yoga" where the demanding postures and breathing techniques are practiced in a studio in which the temperature has been raised above normal to facilite sweating. The process cleanses the body of toxins, and helps increase blood circulation. As the practitioner advances more difficult moves are added to purify the nervous system while increasing stregth, and great flexibility.

This vigorous form of yoga is great for those who seek the ultimate challenge for their body, mind and spirit. Ashtanga yoga takes a lot of discipline and determination to progress, but the rewards are incredible strength, stamina, respiratory power, and a sweat encountered in no other kind of physical workout. So if you are ready to test the limits of your whole being, Ashtanga yoga is for you.