Yoga is a philosophy for life, with the potential to create a vibrant healthy body and mind. Practised in its correct sequential order, ashtanga yoga will gradually lead the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness: physical, psychological and spiritual. Through this method of correct breathing, postures, and gazing point, we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of ourselves. With discipline, regularity and devotion one acquires steadiness of body and mind.

The word ashtanga literally translates to ‘eight limbs’ and these are described by Patanjali as:

Yama (abstinences)

Niyama (observances)

Asana (postures)

Pranayama (breath control)

Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)

Dharana (concentration)

Dhyana (meditation)

Samadhi (contemplation)

These limbs support each other. Asana practice must be established for proper practice of pranayama, and is a key to the development of the yamas and niyamas. Once these four externally oriented limbs are firmly rooted, the last four more internally oriented limbs will spontaneously evolve over time.

‘Vinyasa’ means breath synchronised movement. The breath is the heart of this discipline, and links the asanas in a precise order. The breath regulates the vinyasa and by synchronising movement with breathing, an intense internal heat is produced. This heat purifies muscles and organs circulating the blood, releasing beneficial hormones and eliminating toxins. The result is a light, strong body.

Smooth, even breathing is probably the most important aspect in the ashtanga yoga system. When the breath generates the action, and the action generates the asana, each movement becomes gentle, precise, and perfectly steady. 


There are six series in the ashtanga system. 
Everyone begins learning The Primary Series or “Yoga Chikitsa” which translates as Yoga Therapy, which detoxifies and aligns the body. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the entire nervous system and The Advanced Series A, B, C and D (Sthira Bhaga) integrate the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.