Ashtanga (eight) Namaskara (prostration). This posture is part of a style of sun salutation. The eight comes from the points of contact to the earth: 2 feet + 2 knees + 2 hands + Chest + chin or forehead = 8. It is simply one of many ways to mobilize the thoracic spine (mid-back). Let's mobilize the mid back using Astanga Namaskara as well as side bends and twists.