| Ashtanga Yoga is a type of yoga exercise that | | | | It consists of the same postures as Yoga Chikitsa, but |
| involves moving from one posture (asana) to another | | | | new postures are incorporated into the series. |
| asana in a specific sequence. It is considered a more | | | | 3. Sthira Bhaga: This series is subdivided into a series |
| intensive form of yoga. The specific sequence of | | | | of four subcategories. It concentrates on intensive arm |
| asanas is joined by set of connecting movements | | | | balances. The Advanced Series A, B, C, and D (Sthira |
| which is called vinyasa. The vinyasa increases the | | | | Bhaga) combines the endurance and art of the |
| temperature of the body which allows for better | | | | exercise, requiring higher levels of strength and |
| muscle flexibility and improved circulation. | | | | flexibility. |
| In Sanskrit, ashtanga means 'eight limbs.' It is known as | | | | Ashtanga classes are led by a yoga teacher that |
| the yoga with eight components that includes: posture, | | | | guides the class in the order that the poses must be |
| ethics, morality, breath control, concentration, sense | | | | performed. Each level is to be fully developed before |
| control; concentration, meditation, and absorption. The | | | | moving on to the next level and one must follow the |
| complete arrangement of asanas is broken down into | | | | sequential order. It is a popular form of yoga that is |
| three series known as primary, intermediate, and | | | | designed for those who can handle more intensive |
| advanced. In the advanced series, there are more | | | | exercises as it is quite physically demanding. The goal |
| divisions. One moves quickly through the preset poses | | | | is to discipline both the body and mind. Throughout the |
| while staying focused on deep breathing. | | | | exercise, each movement is integrated with either |
| The Ashtanga series of poses includes: | | | | inhaling or exhaling. The postures are sustained for five |
| 1. Yoga Chikitsa: Meaning yoga therapy, this series is | | | | breaths. This breathing technique is believed connect |
| made up of about 75 poses designed to build strength, | | | | the spiritual and physical aspects of ashtanga yoga, by |
| realign the spine, improves muscle flexibility and | | | | giving a person the ability to reach a much deeper |
| strength, and detoxifies the body. This process takes | | | | meditation and achieve better mental clarity. |
| about 2 hours to perform and the process is carried | | | | The benefits of ashtanga yoga include improving the |
| out in a specific order that consists of "sun salutations, | | | | immune system, reduces stress and promotes |
| standing poses, seated poses, inversions and | | | | relaxation, increases flexibility, endurance, and strength, |
| backbends." One will then engage in relaxation | | | | helps with impulse control, improves blood circulation, |
| techniques. | | | | gives one a sense of peace, reduces pain, improves |
| 2. Nadi Shodana: The series of poses in this level is | | | | the skin, cleanses the body, improves posture, tones |
| performed after completing the Yoga Chikitsa. Nadi | | | | the muscles, and helps with one's internal spiritual and |
| Shodana means purification of the nervous system. | | | | emotional balance. Because it can be a challenging |
| The purpose of this level is to strengthen and cleanse | | | | form of yoga, ashtanga yoga has been steadily |
| energy channels associated with the nervous system. | | | | increasing in popularity. |