Ashtanga is a term meaning eight limbs. Ashtanga yoga is yoga with eight aspects and practices. They are Yama (moral codes), Niyama (self-purification and study), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense control), Dharana (intention), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (contemplation). These eight aspects have been categorized as the external and internal cleansing practices. External cleansing practices focus on the physical body of an individual. Whereas internal cleansing practices concentrates on the inner self and spiritual awakening. Out of the eight aspects the first four are categorized as external cleansing practices—Yama, Niyama, Asana and Pranayama.
And the rest four are the internal cleansing practices—Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. Ashtanga yoga has a range of different asanas and postures which vary widely in difficulty. Recommendation is that you practice Ashtanga yoga under proper guidance and support and is done from easy poses first and then moving on to harder and difficult ones as you keep on practicing. Among the many Asanas done under Ashtanga yoga to name a few are the Warrior poses, Surya Namaskar, Marichi’s pose, Utthita Parsavashita, Utkatasana or the chair pose, Ubhaya Padangusthasana or Both Big Toe Pose, Urdhava Dhanurasana otherwise known as the upward bow posture and Urdhava Dhanurasana also known as the upward bow posture are very effective and well known. Always take into consideration to keep your breathing under control whenever attempting any of the asanas. Always as a rule Ashtanga yoga is started and ended with recitation of some Sanskrit mantra. Always pace up gradually and stop the exercise immediately the moment you feel any uneasiness and ask your teacher for any considerations. Along with a sound body with physical strength, flexibility and good health, Ashtanga yoga helps its disciples to get a sound mind as well.