Astanga Yoga

Rhythmic breathing and flowing movements (‘vinyasa’) are combined to create a dynamic, purifying yoga sequence, revitalising the body and leaving the mind focused and vibrant.

Helen has an adaptable, sensitive approach to Astanga Yoga.  'There are always variations and ways of making postures comfortable and effective. It just takes a bit of time, patience and experience. The practice can be as gentle or as challenging as your body allows and as dynamic as you want to make it. So many people are put off doing yoga because they think they are not bendy enough but developing flexibility is only a part of the practice.'

The practise focuses equally on developing strength, stamina, stability and flexibility, all led most importantly by the strong Ujayi breath and Bandas (internal core support achieved by engaging abdominal and pelvic floor muscles).

Classes are based on the primary series which helps to align the body and spine as well as improving concentration and building strength, flexibility and balance.  The classes are designed to suit absolute beginners as well as those already practising astanga yoga and allow each person to practise according to their own ability and advance at their own rate.

‘My aim is to offer the understanding and experience I have gained through my own yoga practice and to encourage a self practice.  I hope to pass on my enthusiasm and love of Astanga yoga and make it accessible to everyone’

More on Astanga…

The series comprises of about 60 postures (asana), which begin with sun salutations, and then continues through standing postures, sitting postures and then a closing sequence (followed in this order). The practitioner experiences asanas in a dynamic flowing sequence. Vinyasa (synchronised breath and movement) thread all the asanas together, which gives the whole practise its flow, grace and momentum. By moving through the vinyasas the body is realigned in preparation for the next posture and the body's heat is increased.

Origins

The astanga vinyasa yoga system was discovered and systemised by Sri Krishnamacharya and his student Sri Pattabhi Jois in the early 1930s. Sri Pattabhi Jois later became the principal proponent and master of the system. The practice may be as old as 5000 years, but it must be looked on as a growing, living knowledge and art.

What are the benefits?

The system is designed to therapeutically realign and detoxify the body.  Inner body heat is produced during the practice through special breathing (ujjayi).  This, combined with two important internal body locks (bandhas), induces sweating.  Toxins are eliminated and the nervous system is purified.  Heat and energy is also maintained in the body throughout the practise. A deep, directed focus (dristi) is maintained which focuses the concentration and brings about a meditative state while you flow through the asanas. There is a dramatic increase of energy and sense of well-being and calm.

The series

Within the astanga system there are six series or levels of practices:

Traditionally, astanga vinyasa yoga is practised 6 days a week, allowing one day of complete rest.  Days of rest also include full and dark moon days, as well as the first few days of a woman's cycle. Women should not do any inverted postures during their cycle. During these times, a restorative practice is most beneficial and allows us to expand further into our astanga vinyasas.