| Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a method of | | | | It takes several years of daily practice |
| asana(posture) practice, which includes | | | | to integrate the postures and practice |
| Vinyasa. Vinyasa are the breath | | | | of each series. The series are practiced |
| initiated movements linking one posture | | | | sequentially, starting with the Primary |
| to the next. There are numerous benefits | | | | Series. The Primary Series is referred |
| to practicing Asana with Vinyasa. | | | | to as Yoga Chikitsa or Yoga Therapy and |
| Vinyasa creates heat in the body, which | | | | develops a radiant state of health and a |
| eases the practitioner into the postures | | | | calm mind. The Primary Series consists |
| and produces a purifying sweat. Vinyasa | | | | predominantly of forward bends and hip |
| activates the breathing system, by | | | | openers. The Intermediate Series is |
| deepening the inhale and exhale between | | | | referred to as Nadi Shodhana, or the |
| each posture. And, the practice of Asana | | | | cleansing of the Nadies. Nadies are the |
| with Vinyasa stimulates the | | | | subtle energy channels, which underlie |
| cardiovascular system, which strengthens | | | | the physical form. The postures of the |
| the heart and reduces excess weight. In | | | | Intermediate series include a series of |
| the Yoga Kurunta, the sacred text which | | | | back bends as well as arm balances and |
| describes the Ashtanga Vinyasa practice, | | | | inversions. The Intermediate series is |
| it is strongly encouraged not to | | | | energizing and deeply purifying. |
| practice Asana without Vinyasa. | | | | After many years of practicing the |
| The Ashtanga Yoga practice consists of | | | | Primary and Intermediate Series, the |
| the Primary, Intermediate and Advanced | | | | postures of these series are integrated |
| Series of postures. Each series is | | | | deeply into the body. The body becomes |
| commenced with Surya Namaskara(Sun | | | | light and strong. An even muscle tone is |
| Salutations) and continues with a set of | | | | developed throughout the body and the |
| standing postures. Then, the postures | | | | organs are strengthened and purified. |
| which are unique to one series are | | | | Once the practice of these two series is |
| practiced. The practice is completed | | | | mastered then the practice of the |
| with back bending and the finishing | | | | Advanced Series of postures is begun. |
| sequence. The finishing sequence | | | | The Advanced Series is referred to as |
| includes shoulderstand, headstand and | | | | Sthira Bhaga or the stabilizing of |
| lotus. | | | | radiance. |