Ashtanga yoga is actually a term that describes eight different types of yoga. The eight types of yoga that this term describes are Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi and all eight of these types of yoga are known as the "eight limbs" limbs of yoga. But the reason that the term ashtanga yoga is used to describe these eight different types of yoga is that they all do the same thing which is to purify and detoxify the physical body and clarify the mind. But something else that you should know about ashtanga yoga is that the eight types of yoga are broken down into two different categories and each of these categories and steps refers to a different type of posture that focuses on contracting the muscles and holding them still in the same posture for a long period of time.

Now that you know what ashtanga yoga is you are probably wondering what the purpose of the postures are for this type of yoga. The reason why the postures are important in this type of yoga is because of the main purpose of this type of yoga, which is purification. Basically to achieve purification through yoga postures you need to raise your body temperature, which is accomplished through a series of ritualistic postures that have been around for thousands of years. This concept of raising the body temperature to purify the body is in fact similar to the concept of inducing a fever to kill off infections. Keep in mind that this type of yoga, basically meaning the positions, is always done in the same order and are always combined with specific breathing patterns, which is called ujjayi breathing. The reason why this type of yoga works is that the heat that is created leads to increased circulation and sweating which helps to rid the body of toxins, as well as improving the overall flexibility of your body which makes you less prone to accidents and injuries in general.

So now that you know how this type of yoga works when it comes to purifying and detoxifying the physical body you are probably wondering how this type of yoga clarifies the mind. The way that this is done is through certain gazes that are held along tandem with specific breathing instructions. These are done to help you focus on vinyasa which means "the intelligent piecing together of things." By focusing on things and practicing the breathing techniques you will be able to have a sense of organization and clarity, which is really good for both your body and soul.

Ashtanga yoga is actually one of the oldest and secret types of yoga that are currently being taught today. So if you decide to take up yoga you need to be aware of the fact that there are many different names for this type of yoga, which means that you could be taking a class on yoga that is designed to clarify the mind and purify and detoxify the physical body but it might not be called ashtanga yoga. But as long as it is under one of the other eight types of yoga that is mentioned here than you know the class is teaching what it is supposed to be teaching.