Author: Rishikesh Ashtanga Yoga School

Yoga's roots can be traced back thousands of years to ancient India. The practice of yoga initially developed as a spiritual and philosophical discipline, with various ancient texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita laying the foundation for yogic philosophy and practices. Over time, different classical yoga systems emerged, each with its unique focus and approach to yoga. Some of these classical yoga systems include Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, yoga started gaining attention in the West due to the efforts of pioneering yogis and teachers like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda. They introduced yoga to Western audiences, paving the way for its global popularity. It further started gaining global popularity with teachers like T…

Surya Namaskar, also known as Sun Salutation, is a dynamic sequence of yoga postures that combines movement, breath, and mindfulness. It is a fundamental and revered practice in the discipline of yoga. It is traditionally performed facing the rising or setting sun, as it is a symbolic gesture of gratitude and reverence to the sun, which is considered the source of light, energy, and life. The sun is also associated with various qualities like vitality, power, and spiritual illumination. The practice of Surya Namaskar encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. It offers a comprehensive workout for the body, engaging the major muscle groups, improving flexibility, strength, and stamina. The flowing nature of the practice also enhances cardiovascular health, promoting circulation and oxygenation of the body. It cultivates mental clarity, focus,…

Have you ever thought that with just a fast and forceful process of inhaling and exhaling breath, you get a plethora of benefits? Sounds delusive? But it's actually not. Bhastrika Pranayama involves the process of powerful inhalation and exhalation of breath and gives benefits to various parts of the body. What is it? How to perform it? These are some of the usual doubts you are getting in your mind but here in this blog/article, we are resolving every doubt of yours. What is Bhastrika Pranayama? The word "Bhastrika" in Sanskrit means "bellows," which describes the movements of the lungs during this practice. During Bhastrika Pranayama, the lungs are rapidly filled and emptied. Like bellows stoking the flames of a fire, bhastrika pranayama fans the flames of your inner vitality.…

A type of pranayama practice which is not just an exercise of letting your stomach in and out but actually a Panacea. It's Kapal Bhati Pranayama, which is also known as Skull (Kapal) and To Shine (Bhati), i.e the practice to shine the skull. If you keep practicing it daily then you could keep your body fit and fine. Let's move closer to knowing it. What is Kapalbhati Pranayama? It is a yogic breathing technique which is a combination of little but power packed exhales and mild inhales. As per Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Kapalbhati is one of the six cleansing techniques of the body, also known as the Shatkarma practice. As it involves breathing practice, that's why Kapalbhati is also in the Pranayama category. As per some research, about 80%…