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Ashtanga Yoga - The Primary And Intermediate Series

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a method ofIt takes several years of daily practice
asana(posture) practice, which includesto integrate the postures and practice
Vinyasa. Vinyasa are the breathof each series. The series are practiced
initiated movements linking one posturesequentially, starting with the Primary
to the next. There are numerous benefitsSeries. The Primary Series is referred
to practicing Asana with Vinyasa.to as Yoga Chikitsa or Yoga Therapy and
Vinyasa creates heat in the body, whichdevelops a radiant state of health and a
eases the practitioner into the posturescalm mind. The Primary Series consists
and produces a purifying sweat. Vinyasapredominantly of forward bends and hip
activates the breathing system, byopeners. The Intermediate Series is
deepening the inhale and exhale betweenreferred to as Nadi Shodhana, or the
each posture. And, the practice of Asanacleansing of the Nadies. Nadies are the
with Vinyasa stimulates thesubtle energy channels, which underlie
cardiovascular system, which strengthensthe physical form. The postures of the
the heart and reduces excess weight. InIntermediate series include a series of
the Yoga Kurunta, the sacred text whichback bends as well as arm balances and
describes the Ashtanga Vinyasa practice,inversions. The Intermediate series is
it is strongly encouraged not toenergizing and deeply purifying.
practice Asana without Vinyasa.After many years of practicing the
The Ashtanga Yoga practice consists ofPrimary and Intermediate Series, the
the Primary, Intermediate and Advancedpostures of these series are integrated
Series of postures. Each series isdeeply into the body. The body becomes
commenced with Surya Namaskara(Sunlight and strong. An even muscle tone is
Salutations) and continues with a set ofdeveloped throughout the body and the
standing postures. Then, the posturesorgans are strengthened and purified.
which are unique to one series areOnce the practice of these two series is
practiced. The practice is completedmastered then the practice of the
with back bending and the finishingAdvanced Series of postures is begun.
sequence. The finishing sequenceThe Advanced Series is referred to as
includes shoulderstand, headstand andSthira Bhaga or the stabilizing of
lotus.radiance.



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