Jennie Hillman - About Astanga Yoga

ABOUT ASTANGA YOGA

The Astanga system is an ancient form of yoga, passed down through the generations by gurus and teachers, most notably in the C20 Sri K Pattabhi Jois, who himself was a student of the great teacher Sri Krishnamacharya.

The Astanga Vinyasa practice is unique in connecting the breath with movement in a set sequence of postures (asanas). The practice generates heat within the body, which cleanses, purifies, stimulates and tones the internal and external bodily systems. The energising Ujjayi breath is fundamental to the practice, with the poses linked by the breath as beads on a thread. In addition, energy locks or bandhas are cultivated together with focus points, or drishtis.

This dynamic form of yoga is one of the most popular in the West today and with practice becomes a moving meditation.