The Ashtanga Yoga system is based on therapeutic and progressive sequences of yoga asana which are synchronised with the breath (ujjayi pranayama) bandhas (internal locks) and dristhi (gaze - or looking place). The concept of Trishthana refers to the union of three places of attention - posture, breath and gaze. Together they form this powerful practice which links mind and body in inner awareness. The practice also produces heat that purifies the body and it calms and focuses the mind.

The asana sequences are practiced daily and developed over several years. New poses are added gradually as you gain ability. There are six sequences in ashtanga.

1. Yoga Chikitsa - Primary Series grounds and restores health to the body
2. Nadi Shodana cleanses and purifies the nerves for meditation
3. The remaining three - Sthira Bhaga are advanced asana to refine and strengthen the body and bring grace and humility to the practitioner

Over time the practice leads to elimination of the six internal poisons around the heart. These are Kama (desire) Krodha (anger) Lobha (greed) Moha (delusion) Mada (sloth) and Matsarya (envy). The benefits are experienced over time with consistent balanced practice, for this reason students are encouraged to make a long term commitment to develop their daily practice.

Practice will bring a healing change of ones physical, emotional and mental levels.

Ashtanga Yoga ‘’The eight Limbs of Yoga’’
Based on The Ashtanga primary series. These are Flowing sequences of Yoga Postures (asana). Designed to detox, cleanse and clear the body and mind. Classes are invigorating and vitalising; building strength and flexibility to the system and calming the mind. Ashtanga Yoga is a flowing system of Yoga designed to strengthen and tone every muscle of the body. Its varied routine of yoga postures enhances muscle strength and flexibility as well as encouraging a personal moving meditation practice. Through regulation of practice the eight limbs are nourished. They are:

Yama (ethical disciplines)
Niyama (self observation)
Asana (posture)
Pranayama (breath control)
Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (meditation)
Samadhi (state of joy and peace)

Pranayama
Pranayama is breath awareness. Through the practice of Pranayama the body and mind can both be brought into a state of harmony. The body can be free from all disturbances. The effort is replaced by a calm mind. Pranayama is also cleansing and rebalancing the whole. There are many types of Pranayama and several exercises are practiced. Natural breath awareness is first and foremost. Then paying attention to; Rechaka (exhalation), Pooraka (inhalation) and Kumbhaka (retention). Using different timings and visual exercises can also be most beneficial. Pranayama is encouraged as a cleansing exercise as well as spiritual. Another exercise also encouraged is Bhastrika. This is known as ‘bellows breath’ a system where the breath is sucked in and pushed out with a little force. And Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing). This practice activates and harmonizes Ida and pingala nadis. It is nadi purification.

Meditation
When Prana (life force) in the body is moving it creates ripples or movements in the mind. It creates ripples like on the surface of a pool of water. If you remove these waves the awareness is reabsorbed into consciousness. During Meditation we are removing these ripples. The mind stops. It ceases to have any association with objects, time and space and ego. Then the breath may stop for a minute or two that is Kevala Kumbhaka. When the breath stops, light immediately dawns. The focus is on the eyebrow centre the whole frontal passage is illuminated as though it were day break.

Classes
Classes are available in groups or on a one to one basis. Nutrition and Yogic Lifestyle advice and Yoga Therapy are also available. Emma teaches Ashtanga Vinyasa classes courses and one to ones from her studio in Richmond Surrey U.K. Please contact her direct for times as course dates can change due to her own studies and travels.