Ashtanga Yoga is the style of yoga taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. The synchronization of flowing movement and rhythmic breath combined with a sequential series of postures is what sets Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga apart from other Hatha yoga styles.

Ashtanga Yoga is a beautiful dance between breath and body. It provides for a highly physical experience, and although challenging, every pose can be modified so that Ashtanga can be practiced by almost anyone. With consistent practice, Ashtanga Yoga purifies the body, strengthens the cardiovascular and nervous system and focuses the mind into the present moment.


A regular Ashtanga yoga practice has the capacity to free the body of stress, strengthen the immune system and deliver increased energy to one’s life. The dynamic breathing (Ujjayi) has been shown to decrease blood pressure and lower levels of stress hormones. Moving the body through various postures (asanas) promotes improved drainage of the lymphatic vessels, the body’s waste-removal system, eliminating toxins and purifying the body. Holding postures can build muscle tone, which enhances physical well being and protects delicate joints against injury.

Regular practice sustained over time is needed to achieve these goals, but the system is so potent that one can feel changes after only a single practice. The Series itself does not change and once mastered can be practiced anywhere. The body, however, does change so involvement in the Series becomes deeper as one's flexibility, strength and stamina increase.

The Grip painting by Jennifer H. Sullivan