Yoga terminology

Limbs of Yoga

Patanjali's eight-fold path offers guidelines for a meaningful and purposeful life.

Three of the limbs most used in our studio are asana (body), meditation (soul) and pranayama (mind).

Asana

Asana is the (Sanskrit) term for poses and postures in yoga.

Ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga translates to eight limbs or branches and is a traditional style of yoga. Ashtanga yoga is a very physical, vinyasa flow-style practice that follows a set sequence of postures every time.

Bandha

Bandhas are believed to be energetic locks located throughout the body that can be accessed through muscle contraction. 

Chakra

In traditional yoga, a chakra is an energy centre. 

Drishti

Drishti means to “gaze” and brings focus in the practice of yoga.

Iyengar yoga

This alignment-based practice was designed by Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja (B.K.S.) Iyengar.

In Iyendar yoga, the correct alignment for poses are most important and the use of props like blocks, bolsters, straps, walls, benches and chairs is common.

Mantra

Words or phrases repeated within a yoga meditation practice. Mantras draw attention to the present through focusing.

Namaste

Namaste is used for salutation and valediction.

The word is usually spoken with a slight bow, hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, with thumbs close to the chest.

Pranayama

The act of controlling your breath. Pranayama is used to create energy or calm within the body.

Restorative yoga

A style of yoga that uses props to help the body to relax completely during poses.

Each pose is held for a few minutes (sometimes even longer) and the practice is designed to calm the nervous system.

Savasana

Savasana translates into “final rest or corpse pose”.

It’s believed to be one of the most challenging poses for modern-day humans.

You lie flat on your back and spine with legs and arms stretched out long, while not moving at all.

Shanti

The Sanskrit word for “peace”.

Sun salutation 

Sun salutation is translated from the Sanskrit words “surya namaskar”.

These sequences were designed to warm up the entire body, using vinyasa (flow) to connect breath and movement.

Different salutations might be practiced at different times of the moon movement.

Tadasana and Samashiti

The base of all standing poses in yoga. 

Tadasana is an active pose that aligns the body, including the spine.

Samashiti means “equal standing” and ensures that the weight is equally distributed between both feet, while the body is kept steady and still.

Ujjayi

This forms part of pranayama practice and means “victorious or warrior breathing”.

The breath enters and exits through the nose and is pulled down the back of the throat. It sounds like a baby breathing or waves crashing. Some people Some people compare ujjayi breathing to Darth Vader’s breathing in Star Wars.