ASHTANGA | VINYASA | KUNDALINI | ANUSARA | GENTLE YOGA | KIDS YOGA

The Ashtanga system emphasizes the synchronization of breath with a fixed set of progressive postures to generate physical and mental concentration. The combination heats up the body, focuses the mind, and provides a process of purification.

There are six series of postures in Ashtanga Yoga that practitioners move through at their own pace. The first series, called the Primary Series, is where everyone begins. The Primary Series is also called Yoga Chikitsa, or Yoga therapy, because the 72 postures that make up the series are designed to purify the physical body by detoxifying and cleansing the muscles and internal organs.

The next series is called the Intermediate Series, or Nadi Shodana. The nadis are nerve channels through the body and the intermediate series of postures is designed to open up and cleanse these channels in order to provide a complete and thorough flow of energy. The result is that all of the senses are sharper and more discriminating and the mind becomes clear and keen.

For more on the history and philosophy of Ashtanga yoga please use the links below:

www.ayri.org
Official site of the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute, Mysore India

www.ashtanga.com
General information about the practice, workshops, teachers and Mysore

www.guruthemovie.com
Documentary giving an introduction to ashtanga yoga practice in Mysore with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois