"Āsana" refers to the physical postures of a Yoga practice.
Refinement of the body through physical postures. These postures stretch and strengthenthe body. Their purpose is to make the body strong and pliable to prepare for inner development (pratyāhāra, dhāraṇā and dhyāna).
Which āsana style is best for me?
Align with the Divine a general description of asana, the science behind it and list of postures.
Common asana names you may be mispronouncing. (Yoga International)
Author of Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice summarizes his findings.
Why Restore?
Five reasons to incorporate restorative practices into your yoga routine.
Mom-to-be Yoga
Gives a breakdown of what movements to be aware of through a pregnancy.
List of yoga poses, postures, and asanas for Hatha yoga, Kundalini yoga, Bikram yoga, Iyengar yoga, Ashtanga yoga plus other forms of Yoga.
Yoga Poses by Yoga Journal
You can browse for asanas (poses) by type, benefit, anatomy, alphabetically or type of activity you are involved in. (Yoga Journal)
Early History of Āsana: What Were the Original Postures & Where Did They Come From?
This article by Amy Vaughn shares the original asanas according to three Yoga asana texts: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Śiva Saṁhitā and Gheraṇḍa Saṁhitā.
VIDEO
The Science Behind Yoga As Science becomes more subtle in its ability to measure, it is discovering that the wisdom of Yoga is actually objectively quantifiable. Join us on a journey through the very latest medical and scientific research about the healing benefits of Yoga.
Meanwhile Back In India
“India has made available a database describing 1,300 yoga postures and videography of 200 popular among these as part of efforts to prevent patent pirates from exploiting it for commercial purposes.”
“India has made available a list of 1,300 newly registered yoga poses, compiled to prevent the ancient moves from being exploited by patent pirates…”
Books, CDs, etc.
- Yin Yoga Principles & Practice by Paul Grilley
Describes how to practice postures specifically designed to address the connective tissues of the body.
- Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
Comprehensive and definitive source for more than 600 photographs, depicting all the postures and breath exercises.
