Ashtanga Yoga (8 limbs), a very dynamic form of Hatha, is made up of six series or levels, in which there is a fixed sequence of postures. It is a physical practice, which also promotes mental clarity and inner peace.
The word Ashtanga is made up of two Sanskrit words “Ashta” and “Anga”. “Ashta” refers to the number eight, while “Anga” means body or organ. Therefore, Ashtanga Yoga is a complete union of the eight limbs of yoga. These eight limbs of yoga represent different branches of the philosophy of the Yoga Sutras.
Ashtanga Yoga is different from other yogas. The reason is that it is not a physical yoga, but a kind of spiritual practice. It is believed that whoever completes this sadhana understands the real essence of life. This is the reason why Yoga Father Maharishi Patanjali had composed the Ashtanga Yoga Sutra around 200 BC to explain Yoga. The sutra is because, just as even the biggest questions can be solved on the basis of mathematical formulas, in the same way this Ashtanga Yog Sutra helps in understanding the entire essence of life. This formula itself has been divided into eight main parts i.e. stages.
Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayam, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi
Why should you do Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yog gives you mental clarity, it is perfect for breathing, and building physical strength, flexibility, and stamina. This yoga exercise is designed to help you rapidly improve your body and overall health.
Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga in
There are countless benefits of Ashtanga Yoga. This is an intense yoga exercise, so it’s great for athletes and people who are looking for a good workout. Like most styles of Hatha yoga, Ashtanga yog focuses on breathing, posture, and meditation. Regular practice of Ashtanga yog can improve your flexibility, breathing and balance.
It can increase your stamina, bone density and muscle strength. Can control your body weight, reduce your blood pressure and relieve stress. The benefits of Ashtanga Yog are not limited to physical factors only. It also helps you mentally and spiritually by increasing mental clarity, creating mental peace and developing better concentration in daily life.
Maintain physical health: Following all the steps of Ashtanga Yoga can help in maintaining physical health. In a research related to the topic, it was believed that the yoga exercises included in Ashtanga Yog can improve muscle strength, and body flexibility, improve respiratory function, boost heart efficiency and improve sleep problems. It can also help in improving the quality of life (1). On this basis, it can be believed that the benefits of Ashtanga Yog can prove helpful in maintaining physical health.
Helpful in controlling diabetes: Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga can be found even in the problem of diabetes. Research conducted by the Journal of Diabetes Research believed that blood glucose levels can be reduced by using various yoga asanas. This can help in reducing the risks of diabetes. At the same time, we have mentioned above that asanas are also included as a part of Ashtanga Yoga. On this basis, it can be said that along with other physical asanas, Ashtanga Yoga can also prove helpful in providing relief from the problem of diabetes.
cure mental disorders: The asanas and pranayama procedures involved in Ashtanga yog can help in keeping the mind calm. It can also help relieve anxiety, depression, and stress. These three states of mind are related to a person’s brain, hence it can be assumed that by controlling these three states, the benefits of Ashtanga Yog can be found in maintaining mental health.