During our first 6 week Yoga block of 2016 I will post information on a ‘Yoga Word’ each Monday.

We use these words during practice and I thought it might be a good idea to explain a little more about where they come from and what they mean. Enjoy!

Asana is the Sanskrit word for pose or posture which includes the thought that informs the physical movement. It is a posture adopted in Hatha Yoga, placing the physical body in positions that cultivate awareness, relaxation and concentration.

Notice that the Sanskrit names of most poses end in …asana. E.g. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) , Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and so on. We in the Western world have given all the poses (asana) English names. Makes it easier for us to concentrate on the moves rather than the name!