March 11th, 2008 Posted in Health & Spa | No Comments »
Following Koh Samui which has long boasted being a dream “Yoga Destination” for vacationers, now Phuket is getting busy with many new Yoga classes which undoubtedly will make it the next Yoga Hot Spot of the Andaman.
After the heat is “on” for sometimes for those who have got the taste of how to twist and turn in the Hot Yoga class (where the practice room is heated so that you would sweat even just by sitting there and do nothing), now arrives the Ashtanga Yoga. This style comes straight from South India, where the renowned 92-year-old living Master “Sri K. Pattabhi Jois” teaches thousands of his students each year.
Many people may have heard the names like “Power Yoga”, “Flow Yoga”, “Vinyasa Yoga” etc. Chances are that those classes are modified from this authentic yet very powerful Ashtanga Yoga. And you sure will be surprised by how much you sweat even just by simply doing Suryanamaskara (Sun Salutations)!
What’s so unique about Ashtanga Yoga is the “Vinyasa”—a Sanskrit word meaning “breath linking movement”—which links one Asana to the next. Done correctly, the practice generates intense internal heat, which naturally removes toxins and purifies the organs. Anything in excess including extra weight would gradually be rid of. The result is overall improving health conditions, strength, and flexibility.
Sukko Spa is proud to offer traditional Ashtanga Yoga class at their stunningly beautiful studio, overlooking the green mountains. Class is taught by a teacher authorized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the same tradition as currently taught in Mysore, India, hence the name “Mysore class”. This method suits best for both newcomers and more experienced practitioners, as students are taught on an one-on-one basis to move through the sequence at their own pace. Beginners are encouraged to modify and move slowly. Guided by their own breaths and movements, an awareness is cultivated and a calm mind is developed through the practice.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois is fond of saying “Ashtanga Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory.” He also said in his book “Yoga Mala” that “It is impossible to try to describe the sweetness of sugar. Only by tasting sugar can the experience of sweetness be had, so too will people experience the happiness of Asana by practicing it.”
So it’s time to get on the mat and do the practice!
For more information, please call Sukko Spa and Wellness at +66 (76) 263222 or see www.sukkospa.com and www.ashtanga.com.
