Diets And Fitness

The following extract is from a series of articles and videos about benefits of Yoga …

Peaceful, serene, strong, relaxed, pure — this is how you will feel after experiencing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. This ancient method centers around the idea of “flow” and connected movements. Like most forms of yoga, it’s not just a series of “stretches” or exercises — but rather, a combined methodology of philosophy, moral code, meditation and healthy habits. Muscle definition or flexibility may attract fitness enthusiasts to a yoga school, but for others it’s the spiritual yoga meditation that invites them — resulting in a quieter mind, better circulation and increased energy.

Through active, fluid movements, six different positions and specially timed inhaling and exhaling exercises, students of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga aim to reach a state of internal cleansing, mental clarity, body strength and a feeling of connection with the universal soul. By following the “eight limbs” of yoga, outlined by Indian sage Patanjali Maharishi, adherents practice the following: moral codes, self-purification and study, posture, control of the breath, sense control, concentration, meditation and contemplation.

In the beginning of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a yoga teacher will help students master “external cleansing practices.” They learn about morality and study, while practicing particular postures and breathing. Teachers help beginners find the correct positions and inspire students to live a just and moral existence. Next, after days of mastering the correct poses and gaining strength, students learn to control their minds. Through posture, breathing and focusing, the practice purifies the body, nervous system and mind over time.

In practice, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga encompasses six particular postures (otherwise referred to as “asanas”) that are always completed in the same order. In the opening asana, there are ten standing “Sun Salutations” or “The Primary Series,” which is intended to align and cleanse the body. The “Intermediate Series” works on the nervous system by opening and clearing internal paths of energy. “The Advanced Series A, B, C and D” helps participants achieve maximum flexibility, strength, definition and humility. Teachers emphasize the mastering of each level before moving on, with particular focus and attention given to each step of progress.

The ujjayi (meaning “victorious breath”) method of breathing in and out, combined with the fluid, dynamic asanas, warms the blood and generates a detoxifying sweat, or what is known as “internal cleansing.” Advanced forms of breathing techniques (bandhas) teach students how to “lock” or “seal” energy and redirect it to one of the 72,000 energy channels within the body. To gain maximum benefit from the asanas, learning to lock in positive energy is crucial. Nine different focus points seek to purify and stabilize the mind, facilitating concentration.

Once perfect form is achieved, a true understanding of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is found and the six spiritual poisons (desire, anger, delusion, greed, sloth and envy) will dissipate. It is said that the mind will become unshackled and true happiness and understanding will flow in. With life moving so rapidly, the benefits of yoga meditation attracts roughly 16.5 million Americans each year.

For more resources on Yoga techniques, go here: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

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