Astanga comprises of two words asta (eight)+ anga (limbs). It is called the Astanga comprises of two words asta (eight)+ anga (limbs). It is called the Astanga comprises of two words asta (eight)+ anga (limbs). It is called the  

The eight limbs of astanga yoga are:

Yama - Code of conduct - self-restraint

• Ahimsa - non-violence
• Satya - truth
• Asteya - non-stealing
• Brahmachraya - continence
• Aparigraha - non-avariciousness

Niyama

• Saucha -purity
• Santosha -contentment
• Tapas - austerities
• Svadhyaya - study
• Ishvarapranidhana - surrender to God

Asana - firm, comfortable meditative posture for purifying and strengthening the body

Pranayama -the regulation of the Vital Force

Pratyahara - abstraction of the senses and mind from objects

Dharana - concentration

Dhyana - meditation

Samadhi - super conscious state or trance

The first four limbs of astanga —yama, niyama, asana, pranayama are considered external cleansing practices. All the external cleansing practices are correctable. The last four limbs—pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi are called the internal cleansing practices. According to Pattabi jois internal cleansing practices are not correctable and can be dangerous to the mind unless the correct Ashtanga Yoga method is followed. It is not possible to attain the fruit of astanga yoga unless all the limbs are attained.

The first step towards attaining this is vinyasa."Vinyasa" means breath synchronized movement. It is done by Synchronizing breathing and movement in asanas which heats the blood, cleaning and thinning it so that it circulates more freely. Improved blood circulation relieves joint pain and removes toxins and disease from the internal organs.There is proven improvement after a plastic surgery for yogis.

Tristhana refers to the union of the three actions namely:

• Posture (asanas)
• Breathing practice (pranayama)
• Looking place ( Dristhi)

Asanas"sitting position" or when related to yoga as in yogasans means various "body positions". Asanas are used to increase flexibility and strength to the body. Astanga yoga asanas have different levels of difficulty. As you progress in the initial stages you can attain the strength and flexibility in all parts of your body especially your abs and your back and legs and  helps in doing higher level asanas. Regular practice of asanas help in reducing body fat and makes you fit. It also helps in over coming common syndromes.

Yoga postures are physical body postures which increases bodies flexibility and vitality, which also helps in fighting diseases. 

Breathing should be accompanied along with the yoga poses. Breathing is our most fundamental and vital act which holds a divine essence. Exhalation is considered as a movement towards God and inhalation an inspiration from God.

Astanga yoga when done systematically will lead to a healthy and wealthy way of life.The aspirant achieves enlightenment as he attains all the eight folds of astanga yoga.