Power Yoga

Power Yoga is what the West has learned to call Ashtanga Yoga and is a very energetic form of yoga practice. The new name and reformatting of Ashtanga Yoga class made the type of yoga more accessible and brought yoga into fitness centers and gyms across America. Power Yoga was coined by Beryl Bender Birch and Bryan Kest, both who had studied with Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Raja Yoga and Power Yoga share the same principles and ideology, called differently depending on location. Ashtanga Yoga, or 'eight-limbs', refers to Patanjali's defined points or paths to greater purpose through yoga. Power Yoga has been popularized throughout the West for its cardiovascular appeal and properties useful for weight-loss. Defining points of Power Yoga yoga practice include:

Vinyasa
Tristhana
Practice of the 8 Limbs of Yoga

This is a form of Raja yoga recorded by the sage Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta and based on the teachings of Pattabhi Jois. Jois was a student of Krishnamacharya. The method of thought is that sweat and heat produced by the fast-based flow combined with specific breath brings strength, endurance, flexibility, and health. The basis follows the philosophical eight limbs of purification.

Practice of Yama, Niyama, Asana and Pranayama brings an awareness and understanding of the six poisons that we all meet through living and reflect our psychological and emotional natures. They affect our heart and vital energies of the body and mind. These negatives are:

Kama (Desire)
Krodha (Anger)
Moha (Delusion)
Lobha (Greed)
Matsarya (Sloth)
Mada (Envy)

The cleansing process and effects of yoga open the heart and mind, eradicating the effects of negative impulses and factors.

A modern Power Yoga session does not necessary follow any doctrine of structure, but Asthanga is built upon six primary series, called chikitsa, or therapy. These series correct our posture, realign our body structure, detoxify the systems of the body, and build strength. They also purify the nervouse system and cleanse the energy channels of our chakra system. This is all in the purpose of being in control of our own mind.

Vinyasa

This is the balance and synchronization of movement with breath. We are able to cleanse our body, mind, and nervous system by carrying an equal inhalation or exhalation with each movement. Some movements may be held for an entire breath, or more than five - it is a balance. This is combined with Ujjayi breath, the mixture of puraka and rechaka, or equal inhalation and exhalation. This is a recipe for heat and sweat, cleansing ourselves through conscious movement and breath.

For instance, one vinyasa is the movement from mountain to a standing forward bend. Exhalation. Rechaka. Vinyasa generates heat through increasing circulation for a natural detox and lubrication to the joints. We build strength, yet become supple and light.

Tristhana

During and in-between vinyasa, there are three points of focus that build concentration, coordination, and defines our action. These three are always practiced together. This brings about purification three-fold: of body, nervous system, and mind. These points include:

Technique of Breath
Dristhi, or Looking Point
Posture or Asana

Technique of Breath. Ujjayi is practiced during practice of Power Yoga, utilizing a steady balanced breath. This brings a steady pace and very conscious intent to each movement, building strength and endurance. Ujjayi creates heat, defines our internal fire, and strengthens our nervous system.

While our breath steadies our mind, we are able to fully study our self, and while controlling the flow of heat within our blood, we are able to study our passions, desires, and hindrances. It is through this self-study of niyama that we are able to fully understand and adjust our moral codes, or yama.

Bandhas are locks within the openings and cavities of our natural body that release our pranic energy. As prana is moved, it flows through energy channels within the energy field of the body called nadi. It is believed that there are 72,000 such channels within each of us which also connect the chakra system. Used in sensory awareness, nadis assist in our instinctive and empathic response. Control of breath and control of bandha are strong only when utilized together, bringing strength and benefit to asana practice.

Dristhi, or Looking Point. Bringing balance, focus, determination, and execution, dristhi is also plays an important role in practice for greater meditation and relaxation. This is significant towards the sixth and seventh limbs of Power Yoga, dharana and dhyana.

There are nine points of focus that we look to during practice. These include between the Eyebrows, the Feet, the Hands, the Navel, Nose, Right Side, Left Side, the Thumb(s), and Upwards.

Posture or Asana. By practicing asana, yoga postures, we set the foundation for strong bones, muscles, and systems of life. Proper asana is performed with a mixture of Dristhi and Tristhana. This brings control of the body, a cleansed nervous system, and clarity of mind.

Practice of the 8 Limbs of Yoga

The 8 Limbs, as described in our Yoga Philosophy section, consists of four external cleansing practices, which are correctable, and four internal cleansing practices, which are corrected through practice of Power Yoga.

1. Yama
2. Niyama

The first two limbs are recommended to be practiced only when the body is strong, where nothing conflicts any of the body's systems or is weakened. Yama, morality, and Niyama, self-study and cleansing, are the first steps in understanding the mind.

3. Asana
4. Pranayama

Asana, yoga posture, strengthens the body, preparing it for greater practice. Pranayama, or practice of the vital intake of subtle energies of inhalation, exhalation, and what lies between, solidifies the mind and directs our consciousness instinctively. Pranayama includes the three bandhas, which are muscle locks, within our body. These locks occur naturally and are utilized in pranayama study to control and direct our inner and outer energy. It is the foundation of a cleansed body and mind.

This is one piece of knowledge that Patanjali gained during his early practice of yoga.

5. Pratyahara
6. Dharana
7. Dhyana

Known as Sensory Control, Concentration, Meditation and Contemplation of Enlightenment are forms of yoga that lie within the mind, self, and spirit. It is the experienced yogi that approaches these limbs of yoga through proper practice of Asthanga Yoga.

Samadhi is the culmination of all the limbs in balanced practice and understanding to the higher level of consciousness that lies within the recesses of the soul.