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

Peaceful, serene, strong, relaxed, pure — this is how you will feel after participating in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. This ancient Yoga system is centered around the idea of “flow” and connected movements. Like most types of yoga, it’s not just a series of “stretches” or exercises — but rather, a combination of philosophy, moral code, meditation and healthy habits. Muscle definition or flexibility may attract fitness enthusiasts to a yoga school, but for many people it’s that spiritual yoga meditation that appeals — resulting in a quieter mind, better circulation and more energy.

Through active, flowing movements, six different positions and carefully timed inhaling and exhaling exercises, learners of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga seek 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, breath control, control of the senses, concentration, meditation and contemplation.

At the commencement of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a yoga instructor will help students master “external cleansing practices.” They learn about morality and study, while practicing specific postures and breathing. Teachers help initiates find the correct positions and inspire participants to live a just and moral existence. Next, after days of mastering the proper 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 involves six particular postures (otherwise called “asanas”) that are always completed in the same sequence. In the opening asana, there are ten standing “Sun Salutations” or “The Primary Series,” which aims 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 progressive step.

The ujjayi (which means “victorious breath”) method of exhaled and inhaled breathwork, combined with the flowing, dynamic asanas, heats the blood and generates a detoxifying sweat, or what is referred to as “internal cleansing.” Advanced forms of breathing techniques (bandhas) teach learners 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 aim to purify and stabilize the mind, easing 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 be eliminated. It is claimed that the mind will become unshackled and true happiness and understanding will pour inwards. With life moving so quickly, the practicality of yoga meditation attracts around 16.5 million Americans each year.

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