Science shows that Ashtanga yoga is really good for you and further it is the leanest way of doing yoga. A study published in the “International Journal of Obesity” found that practicing Ashtanga yoga for just 12 weeks increased muscle mass, decreased fat mass, and increased muscle strength.
For centuries, Ashtanga has been practiced across the globe, even in modern times where people demanded scientific proof of the benefits of this ancient yoga practice. A recent study conducted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, measured the impact that this ancient asana has on the brain, and found that Ashtanga works for different people in different ways.
Ashtanga Yoga, which is a traditional form of Hatha Yoga, is a physical practice that involves using the postures and breathing techniques of Ashtanga yoga to prepare the body and the mind for a meditation practice. The practice is built upon the principle that in order for the mind to be controlled, and the body to be healthy, it must be practiced.. Read more about how might you use ashtanga yoga to benefit yourself? and let us know what you think.
That’s fantastic news! Scientists have confirmed what many yogis have long suspected: that yoga may have a significant effect on our physical and mental health in a short amount of time.
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Here’s the lowdown.
Charlie Taylor-Rugman, a Pattabhi Jois-authorized Ashtanga instructor, collected a sample group of 22 complete yoga novices (10 men, 12 females) and taught them the Ashtanga Primary Series for eight weeks in conjunction with the University of London.
Each session lasted 60 minutes and followed the same routine every week, with a focus on alignment, breathing, and mindful movement.
Every week, students were led through Sun Salutations, which included standing poses such as Trikonasana (Triangle) and Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Fold), as well as Dandasana (Staff), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold), and Purvottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Fold) (Upward Plank).
After that, three sitting ending postures and a final relaxation were performed.
The outcomes speak for themselves.
Participants showed substantial increases in upper body and core endurance, trunk and hamstring flexibility, shoulder and ankle-calf flexibility, and total body fat percentage after eight weeks.
The findings also indicated that there were positive impacts on the participants’ overall mental health.
“I was a total novice when I took part in this study,” one participant said. I’m astounded at how much has changed in only eight weeks. I’m significantly more flexible and stronger, and I’m lot more relaxed.”
Yoga is effective.
This research is a big step ahead in proving what people have been saying about how yoga can assist and heal them.
“I’ve been practicing yoga for more than 20 years, and working on this research has shown what I’ve known for years: yoga works,” Charlie Taylor-Rugman said. Furthermore, anybody may profit from the practice in a very short period of time.”
While the Hatha yoga books provide a wealth of information on how asana benefits human health, Western science is now starting to expand the picture by providing new views and ideas, as well as incorporating Eastern philosophy and practice into its toolbox.
The mystical and mythological are colliding with our own brand of indigenous logic, exposing deeper aspects of yoga and broadening our knowledge of the practice.
Yoga is being regarded more seriously by the medical profession as part of a holistic approach to preserving health and avoiding illness as a result of studies like these, which help it lose its old “only for hippies” stigma.
What is the mechanism of yoga?
I inquired as to why Charlie believes yoga is effective. He claims that moving the body in a controlled and concentrated manner while focusing on the breath feels wonderful right away. It promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals that help to relax the mind.
Second, today’s society is becoming more sedentary. We’re usually sitting for longer periods of time and moving about less and less.
When you look at human evolution, you’ll notice that we’ve evolved to move around at a moderate pace almost constantly, which isn’t supported by our modern 21st-century lifestyles.
The reality is that when we move our bodies, our brain releases a variety of hormones that improve our mood, relieve depression, aid in illness prevention, and encourage our internal organs to work better. This isn’t New Age nonsense; it’s science.
The specific characteristics of Ashtanga yoga make it effective.
Not all yoga forms have the same emphasis on breath, movement, and drishti (or gaze) as Ashtanga yoga. According to the research, combining these three magical elements results in mental concentration and a connection with the body, which allows the practice to become more focused.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 2, Verse 2) makes it clear that yoga is a breath-focused discipline, and that we can only begin to regulate the mind by regulating our breathing.
There’s certainly something to be said about emphasizing alignment in a manner that’s relevant to a student’s needs.
A good instructor will constantly try to assist pupils achieve a balance of strength and flexibility, and this is one of the most important aspects of excellent alignment, not simply having your heels aligned correctly in a standing position.
Only in this manner can the learner enjoy the benefits of yoga posture practice while also protecting oneself from harm.
Yoga anatomy and physiology are crucial.
Charlie spent several years studying anatomy (body structures) and physiology (how it all works), and his teaching approach is centered on promoting good physiological concepts.
Reciprocal Inhibition, or contracting one set of muscles to relax another, was taught to the participants in the research. Charlie also recommended that participants use closed kinetic chain (CKC) methods in some postures to enable them to go deeper into them.
“Using methods like Reciprocal Inhibition and closed kinetic chain motions in postures really helps individuals develop fast in their asana practice,” Charlie said.
“These methods are simple to master and help you acquire the necessary strength and flexibility to enhance your asana practice. More people should be aware of them and make use of them.”
And the findings of the research back this up. After only eight weeks, the average research participant experienced a 40% gain in hamstring flexibility, a 42% increase in arm strength, and a 32% increase in core stability.
Be a catalyst for change.
While change is unavoidable, in recent years we’ve seen a slew of new yoga styles, teachings, and instructors arise, not all of which have been good. The highly regarded and successful practice of connecting breath with movement, student-centered alignment, and drishti is disappearing.
It’s wonderful that we can now find yoga on every street corner rather than in stuffy village halls, but there are genuine worries that the practice is getting weaker and dumbed down.
This kind of research helps us understand what yoga is, how it works, and what aspects of practice are crucial. It’s not about the newest Lulu’s, the speed with which we can do asana, or a rockin’ music. It’s all about moving, breathing, and bringing the body and mind into focus and balance.
The research has not yet been published as of March 2015. You may reach Charlie at yogicharlie@yahoo.com for further details. More information about Charlie may be found here.
Yoga is a great way to relax, reduce stress, and get some exercise while still feeling like you are in a deep meditation. But a recent review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that a particular style of yoga may be especially effective for weight loss. In the review, researchers looked at the effects of Ashtanga Yoga (AY), a type of physical exercise that involves a series of asanas (yoga poses) performed one after another.. Read more about ashtanga yoga for personality development and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ashtanga yoga good for you?
Ashtanga yoga is a type of Hatha yoga that focuses on the breath and physical poses. It is considered to be one of the most physically demanding types of yoga, and it can help with stress levels, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and more.
Who would Ashtanga yoga be good for?
Ashtanga yoga is a type of physical yoga that focuses on eight primary poses, each with its own specific name and purpose. It is considered to be one of the most rigorous forms of yoga in existence.
Has yoga been scientifically proven?
Yes, it has been proven to be effective in reducing stress and improving mood.
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