- Vinyasa Yoga School
- 2 minute read
1. Vinyasa
Ashthanga yoga wakes up the internal fire. It ignites the dormant flame of vital life energy within all of us. The vinyasa system works with the synchronization of deep rhythmic breathing and movement. By linking the postures it creates a continuous flow of energy that heats up the body, bringing oxygen to the blood, nourishing the glands and internal organs, cleansing and purifying the nervous system, and releasing unwanted toxins through perspiration. As the heat goes up, toxins are burned up and out of the system, creating a lighter and stronger body and a clear mind. The heat is not only a physical experience, it is an internal spiritual fire that burns through the fog of illusion and ignorance.
2. Ujjayi Breath
In Ashthanga yoga, ujjayi breathing (victorious breath) is used to enrich prana. By breathing through the nose, with the mouth closed, the breath is felt from the throat, producing a hissing sound similar to the sound of a sleeping baby. This sound of the breath keeps the mind focused. As the mind begins to wander, the sound of the breath keeps bringing you back home and away from the mumbling, bumbling mind. The mind becomes focused and calm as each pose flows into the next in synchronization with the breath. The breath is the link between body and mind.
3. Bandhas
In ashtanga yoga there are three locks (bandhas) that are engaged throughout the practice to prevent the dissipation of, and direct the flow of prana in the body, and convert it into spiritual energy.
Jalandhara Bandha: this bandha prevents the prana from escaping the upper body.
Uddiyana Bandha: this bandha forces prana up the shushumna nadi (the connection between the crown chakra and the base chakra)
Moola Bandha: this bandha, when engaged, prevents apana from escaping the lower body, and draws it up to unite with prana.
4. Drishti
The gaze is a focusing technique. By directing the gaze at specific points (the space just beyond the tip of the nose, between the eyebrows, etc.) the focus is directed inward. This brings more concentration and awareness into the movement.