Breathe. Ashtanga Yoga is a grounded practice. By following the breath while practicing yoga, you are able to clear the mind and release outworn modes of being. Old beliefs and can fall away, peace comes in the process. The practice gives us the energy and insight to know ourselves. Yoga means union with our true self. Practicing Yoga (sadhana) purifies the body and mind and develops focus or concentration. It is defined in the Yoga Sutras as Chitta Vritti Nirodha: yoga is controlling the thought waves of the mind. The extended benefits of a regular yoga practice include a healthy, strong, flexible body as well as a more balanced, relaxed outlook.
Ashtanga has eight limbs. (ashto = eight, anga = limbs. Patanjali (the founder of yoga) describes yoga as having eight limbs; These limbs are: Yama (abstinences), Niyama (observances), Asana (posture or seat), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (relaxed detachment), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (contemplation). These branches support and build upon each other.