Asta means 8, anga means limb or angle, Ashtanga Yoga is a system developed from the 8 Limbs of Yoga as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This series includes sun salutations, standing postures, forward folds, twists, vinyasas and inversions. The combination of breath, asana and internal heat (tapas) is a great way to detox the body and the mind. Sri K Pattabhi Jois, a Sanskrit scholar and student of Krishnamacharya, began teaching the primary series in the 20th century eventually traveling from Mysore, India to the United States.