ANUSARA YOGA LISTEN TO YOUR HEART AND FLOW
DISCOVER WHAT ANUSARA YOGA MEAN (AND WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF YOGA THERE ARE), WHAT THESE YOGA CLASSES ARE LIKE, THEIR BENEFITS AND THE ESSENTIAL POSTURES
I made this post with the help of Sara García Cacho, anatomy teacher in THECLASSyoga training and founder of Shensara Salud where she helps people manage their own health (on Instagram, @shensarasalud). With this information you will have a clear foundation on anusara yoga to build your practice on.
Anusara yoga is a hatha yoga system that unifies 5 biomechanical principles of alignment that can be applied to all physical positions and postures, along with a non-dual tantric philosophy.
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WHAT DOES ANUSARA MEAN?
Anusara means, among others, “the soul that flows with the universe.” It is a type of yoga that is based on hatha yoga, but with an important philosophical and intentional component.
ANUSARA: go with the flow |follow what your heart dictates
Anusara is a hatha yoga method that is based on 3 pillars:
1- The universal principles of alignment that are precise actions based on the natural biomechanics of the human body making the practice elegant and therapeutic.
2- Non-dual tantric philosophy, which is a celebration of life since it considers that the entire Universe is a manifestation of the Divine, both light and darkness, from the most gross or unpleasant to the most subtle or luminous. Unlike classical or Vedanta philosophy, it does not aim to transcend reality or the illusion of maya, but rather to awaken to this reality. Therefore, the postures are expressed as a devotional expression from the internal feeling of connection with everything (hence why it is often said that it is a yoga of opening the heart).
3- Kula or community of the heart. From the previous philosophical vision, it is considered that all people need others to grow and reflect ourselves, we are stronger together than alone and this generates a deep feeling of compassion and shared humanity.
On the other hand, the 5 biomechanical principles, called “universal principles of alignment”, are:
1. Establish the foundation and open yourself to grace.
2. Muscle energy.
3. Expanding spiral.
4. Contractive spiral.
5. Organic energy.
Through the application of these principles, anusara yoga aims for each posture to help us achieve the optimal body pattern in which there is an increase in the circulation of internal fluids and energy. This energetic increase and expansion is reflected from the inside out, and can be felt clearly at the end of each practice.
WHAT AN ANUSARA YOGA CLASS IS LIKE
Anusara yoga classes revolve around a specific topic with a deep meaning. These themes are based on connecting with your inner self and maintaining that connection throughout the practice. The most likely thing is that with this we enter a meditative state; Every movement in the Anusara yoga practice is done in flow. That is why these types of yoga classes are more practical.
However, these classes have some unique components that differentiate them from other styles of yoga:
An intention or theme focused on love, compassion, forgiveness, courage…
Highlight universal principles of alignment.
Asana practice.
Communicate sequence and intent clearly and inspiringly.
Do practical demonstrations.
If you want to know what differences there are with other styles (ashtanga yoga, kundalini, jivamukti…) and what the different types of yoga are, I recommend reading this post.
BENEFITS OF ANUSARA YOGA
The benefits of practicing anusara yoga are practically the same as those of any other type of conventional yoga, only different in terms of perspective or vital meaning. So that:
Helps gain flexibility: as in other styles, anusara yoga produces benefits in terms of body flexibility, the circulatory system and the lymphatic system.
It provides mental breadth: it helps us change our way of seeing things, to accept them as they are and to enjoy everything that surrounds us.
Improves sexual life: Anusara yoga, due to its tantric origin, is closely related to sex. It facilitates orgasm in women, helps gain stamina in men, stimulates libido in both genders and helps increase sexual appetite.
Reduces stress: practicing this type of yoga increases the level of endorphins, which makes us live in a more relaxed state.
Spiritual awareness: when you become a follower and practitioner of this type of yoga, you will see the power and well-being of being part of this awareness, of living “awake”.
DISCOVER THE POSTURES OF ANUSARA YOGA
The postures that characterize the practice of anusara yoga aim to open the heart and expand; that is, connect with yourself andrelax it externally through the body (from the inside out). They are normally conventional hatha yoga postures, although avoiding those that are more forced, in order to maintain inner peace. The essential ones are these three that I explain below.
CRESCENT MOON POSE
Anjaneyasana is an extension posture, where one foot is aligned and stretched behind and the spine is arched with the arms towards the ceiling, creating a kind of crescent moon (hence its name). Strength is worked in the lower trunk and produces benefits in the digestive system.
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DOWNWARD DOG
Adho mukha svanasana is one of the basic asanas not only in anusara yoga, but in almost all styles of yoga. It is often used to begin classes, as a transition pose (for example, in vinyasas), or as a resting pose to reverse blood flow or relax. It is done face down, from four supports, raising your hips towards the sky, as if you were building a triangle with your body. The flexibility of the hamstrings and abdomen is worked, and digestion improves.
CRANE POSE
Bakasana is a more advanced pose. It is a balance asana or balance on arms where the entire body rests on the hands. Helps work on concentration, balance and mobility. A variant can be to go from bakasana to tripod.
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