Ashtanga yoga or 8 steps to spiritual union

- Ashtanga yoga
- Pranayama practice

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a system of yoga practice. The word was originated by connecting 2 words “ashta” that means eight and “anga”, which is translated as limbs. Eight profound limbs. These eight steps were placed in the Yoga Korunta (an ancient manuscript) by the great sage Vamana Rishi.
The eight limbs basically are:

• Yama
• Niyama
• Asana
• Pranayama
• Pratyahara
• Dharana
• Dhyana
• Samadhi

Personally I’ve tried Pranayama practice, which is so-called breath control. The exercise is not difficult and can be done by everyone. First of all, we know that breathing is life. That’s why it’s of a great importance to be able to control your breath. Pranayama practice of Ashtanga Yoga promotes proper breathing, fills your lungs with more oxygen which is gone to the blood as well. A strong air flow into your nostrils cleans your nostril sinuses and prevents development of some illnesses like antritis. People who suffer from asthma are very advised to do Pranayama exercise, since that practice is used in treating asthma and its symptoms.

The practice is mainly based on inhaling and exhaling. Try it right now just in front of your screen. You’re closing your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Make sure you take a deep breath. Then you close your left nostril and exhale with your right nostril. Inhale with your right nostril once again and close it. Continue to repeat these actions. Generally it can be described as “inhale – close – exhale - inhale- close” and keep doing the practice this way. Do you feel the energy flow now?

That is really a helpful practice. It can be done anywhere when you have some minutes free. As for me, Pranayama practice gives me more energy as I inhale air and lighten my brain. I’ve noticed that I have fewer problems with my nose now since I’ve started doing the wonderful practice of Ashtanga Yoga. A stuffy nose does not bother me anymore even when I come down with a cold. It’s really WORTH TRYING.

In fact, Ashtanga Yoga is a great profound and endless practice that needs time and certain effort.
Anyway, you will lose nothing if you spend some of your time doing Ashtanga yoga and its 8 essential aspects.