Ashtanga Yoga literally means "eight-limbed yoga," as outlined by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. According to Patanjali, the path of internal purification for revealing the Universal Self consists of the following eight spiritual practices:

Yama [moral codes]
Niyama [self-purification and study]
Asana [posture]
Pranayama [breath control]
Pratyahara [sense control]
Dharana [concentration]
Dhyana [meditation]
Samadhi [contemplation]

Beneficial yet Fun
These are the two words to describe Children’s yoga, where your child will be taught to exercise, relax and focus the healthy and natural way. With regular practice, expect to see increased muscular strength, higher self-esteem, improved learning and social skills and fortified mind-body-spirit connection.

Since yoga uses deep relaxations and breath meditations to increase concentration power, yoga is especially useful for children with Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism. Even if your offspring has no such problems, his/her health and well-being can still be greatly improved by yoga with a sense of freedom, playfulness and imagination.

Hatha Yoga was re-created from even older traditions by the Nath Yogis of Northern India over 1000 years ago.

These Yogis viewed the body both as an expression and as a way of integrating the polarities of existence. ‘Ha' refers to the energy of the solar, the outgoing, willful motivation, heat and expansion as well as the masculine; it is in essence Yang energy. ‘Tha' refers to the lunar, receptive, cooler, intuitive and feminine pole and is the same as Yin energy.

The practices of Ha-Tha Yoga then seek to balance this Yin and Yang energy, leading to a healthy, balanced way of being in the world.

Practices include physical ‘asana' practice as well as breathing practices and concentration and developing meditation.

What it does : These teachings lead to greater harmony within, as the Yin and Yang also the Ha and Tha aspects of our body, mind, feelings and spirit come into balance. As this balance and well-being arises, harmonizing and being more in tune with our lives and in the world can also arise. Additional benefits include improvement in physical health, emotional balance and a calmer yet deeper mental focus.

Therefore, prenatal yoga, a blend of postures, meditation and breathing from the Hatha and Kundalini traditions, may be a more beneficial form of workout as compared to conventional forms of exercise. Although some asanas have to be modified during pregnancy, the essence of prenatal yoga is perfectly suited to this period of expanded self-awareness.

What it does : This is a gentle and safe workout for mums-to-be. Advantages include strengthened physical, emotional and mental preparation for childbirth, increased flexibility and muscle tone, heightened mental focus and endurance, increased mindfulness for pregnancy, birth and parenthood, diminished stress, and increased lung capacity for enhanced breathing. Many women who practice Yoga report their childbirth to be shorter, easier and a richer experience for themselves and their newborn child.

The prenatal yoga class offers an environment where expecting mums can interact and offer support for one another.

How we do it : Our classes will facilitate your adjustments to pregnancy, giving you a sense of integration and appreciation for you blossoming body. Learn the various techniques to manage pain for labor and walk away from a session feeling physically and mentally empowered.

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