The Ashtanga Vinyasa is a very structured system of postures (asanas).

It is composed of three series which, according to the tradition, must be exercised progressively:

it is necessary to master the first to pass to the second and so on.

In yoga studios and even in Ashtanga ‘s teacher training, there is little contact with the intermediate and advanced series. I have always felt an atmosphere of mystery around these two series – as a small place, reserved for the “elites” of Ashtanga. And this impression does not seem so absurd when you think that just to master the first series can take years of sweat on the carpet.

Despite being the most “beginner” of Ashtanga, many advanced practitioners consider the first series to be the most difficult. The yogi must learn to juggle several aspects of the practice: attention to alignments, concentration on breathing, connection between breath and movement, activation of bandhas, maintenance of a mental state of presence and equanimity. And all this at the same time that he develops the strength and flexibility of the body, which sometimes seems not to want to collaborate.

The’s objectives are

The first series of Ashtanga is called Yoga Chikitsa, which in Sanskrit means “treatment” or “cure” by yoga. Its purpose is to facilitate the purification of the body and the spirit by the neutralization of all imbalances, the elimination of toxins and accumulated tensions.

By dint of performing the same sequence day after day, bending the body back and forth, twisting and twisting it, and putting it upside down, we get rid of any impurity in the body.

The physical intensity of the practice generates an inner heat, essential in this process of detoxification. According to Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, the father of Ashtanga Vinyasa, the heat fludries the blood which leads to better circulation, which helps to expel pains and diseases. Sweat seen falling on the carpet between two caturangas is a good sign.

In addition to the cleansing of the body, the mind is also purified, through the constant exercise of concentration on drishtis (points where the yogi must fix the gaze in each posture) and breathing. The continuous effort to remain inked in practice calmed the floating of thoughts and emotions.

This complete cure triggered by Yoga Chikitsa prepares the yogi for the next two series. These will accentuate work on the nervous system and more subtle energetic layers.

The sequence

Looking at the first series closely, we realize that nothing has been put to chance. There is an intelligence behind the progress of postures, both on the anatomy of the physical body and on the subtle anatomy. It is often said that in Ashtanga, each posture prepares us for the next one.

We begin with the sun salutations, which activate our main muscles and articulations and, energetically, make work all five vayus and circulate prana from the feet to the head.

Then, the series of standing postures continues to stabilize and soften the body. It introduces the opening of reeds and torsion positions, abscessed in greetings or sun. There are also balance postures, which are a reminder for the practitioner to stay focused.

We then go to sitting postures, which are the heart of Yoga Chikitsa.

Here, the focus is on front flexions. These positions have a calming effect and promote the internalization of consciousness, because the body bends over itself. They also stythe three lower body chakras, responsible for our instincts, our emotions and our sense of identity.

The intelligence of the sequence is such that the many fléxions forward are each time balanced by the posture of the dog head up, an extension (camber back) present in the vinyasas (transitions between postures).

The seated postures also include deep torsions (marichyasana C and D), targeted work on the abdominal strap (navasana), balance on the arm (kukkutasana, bhujapidasana), quite a lot of opening of the hips (kurmasana, upavishta konasana) and finally the wheel, a demanding and vigorous extension.

The final part, which begins with the candle, lowers the pace of practice, with more breaths in each posture. Inversions at the end of the sequence circulate the blood in the upper body and deepen and lengthen the breathing. So we prepare the ground for the savasana, this little moment of comfort where we feel rewarded by all the effort.

Body and mind therapy

The whole body is solicited in this sequence.

According to Pattabhi Jois, it helps keep the body strong and healthy, free from pain, chronic tension and toxins. I’m not sure about the “pain free”, but maybe free from bad pain. And as soon as we practice with a lot of conscience and with good guidance not to weaken us.

And physical performance is just the outside aspect of the practice. All this is accompanied by the elimination of mental obstacles, such as lack of concentration, weakness in the will and limitations that one inflicts on oneself. For my part, I can say that this practice helps to stay in the present, and to fully inhabit one’s body. We also get used to observe the outside and take a step back from negative thoughts and emotions.

The experience of Yoga Chikitsa is unique for every person and every day. It may happen that we feel more or less the therapeutic effects according to the session. It can also happen that we feel more or less motivated to spread the carpet and start for a good hour and a half of yoga. Knowing the intention behind the first series is always a motivation to keep consistency and commitment in practice.

Join our next retreat to learn more

Namaste !

Inspiration

The Ashtanga Vinyasa is a very structured system of postures (asanas).

It is composed of three series which, according to the tradition, must be exercised progressively:

it is necessary to master the first to pass to the second and so on.

In yoga studios and even in Ashtanga ‘s teacher training, there is little contact with the intermediate and advanced series. I have always felt an atmosphere of mystery around these two series – as a small place, reserved for the “elites” of Ashtanga. And this impression does not seem so absurd when you think that just to master the first series can take years of sweat on the carpet.

Despite being the most “beginner” of Ashtanga, many advanced practitioners consider the first series to be the most difficult. The yogi must learn to juggle several aspects of the practice: attention to alignments, concentration on breathing, connection between breath and movement, activation of bandhas, maintenance of a mental state of presence and equanimity. And all this at the same time that he develops the strength and flexibility of the body, which sometimes seems not to want to collaborate.

The’s objectives are

The first series of Ashtanga is called Yoga Chikitsa, which in Sanskrit means “treatment” or “cure” by yoga. Its purpose is to facilitate the purification of the body and the spirit by the neutralization of all imbalances, the elimination of toxins and accumulated tensions.

By dint of performing the same sequence day after day, bending the body back and forth, twisting and twisting it, and putting it upside down, we get rid of any impurity in the body.

The physical intensity of the practice generates an inner heat, essential in this process of detoxification. According to Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, the father of Ashtanga Vinyasa, the heat fludries the blood which leads to better circulation, which helps to expel pains and diseases. Sweat seen falling on the carpet between two caturangas is a good sign.

In addition to the cleansing of the body, the mind is also purified, through the constant exercise of concentration on drishtis (points where the yogi must fix the gaze in each posture) and breathing. The continuous effort to remain inked in practice calmed the floating of thoughts and emotions.

This complete cure triggered by Yoga Chikitsa prepares the yogi for the next two series. These will accentuate work on the nervous system and more subtle energetic layers.

The sequence

Looking at the first series closely, we realize that nothing has been put to chance. There is an intelligence behind the progress of postures, both on the anatomy of the physical body and on the subtle anatomy. It is often said that in Ashtanga, each posture prepares us for the next one.

We begin with the sun salutations, which activate our main muscles and articulations and, energetically, make work all five vayus and circulate prana from the feet to the head.

Then, the series of standing postures continues to stabilize and soften the body. It introduces the opening of reeds and torsion positions, abscessed in greetings or sun. There are also balance postures, which are a reminder for the practitioner to stay focused.

We then go to sitting postures, which are the heart of Yoga Chikitsa.

Here, the focus is on front flexions. These positions have a calming effect and promote the internalization of consciousness, because the body bends over itself. They also stythe three lower body chakras, responsible for our instincts, our emotions and our sense of identity.

The intelligence of the sequence is such that the many fléxions forward are each time balanced by the posture of the dog head up, an extension (camber back) present in the vinyasas (transitions between postures).

The seated postures also include deep torsions (marichyasana C and D), targeted work on the abdominal strap (navasana), balance on the arm (kukkutasana, bhujapidasana), quite a lot of opening of the hips (kurmasana, upavishta konasana) and finally the wheel, a demanding and vigorous extension.

The final part, which begins with the candle, lowers the pace of practice, with more breaths in each posture. Inversions at the end of the sequence circulate the blood in the upper body and deepen and lengthen the breathing. So we prepare the ground for the savasana, this little moment of comfort where we feel rewarded by all the effort.

Body and mind therapy

The whole body is solicited in this sequence.

According to Pattabhi Jois, it helps keep the body strong and healthy, free from pain, chronic tension and toxins. I’m not sure about the “pain free”, but maybe free from bad pain. And as soon as we practice with a lot of conscience and with good guidance not to weaken us.

And physical performance is just the outside aspect of the practice. All this is accompanied by the elimination of mental obstacles, such as lack of concentration, weakness in the will and limitations that one inflicts on oneself. For my part, I can say that this practice helps to stay in the present, and to fully inhabit one’s body. We also get used to observe the outside and take a step back from negative thoughts and emotions.

The experience of Yoga Chikitsa is unique for every person and every day. It may happen that we feel more or less the therapeutic effects according to the session. It can also happen that we feel more or less motivated to spread the carpet and start for a good hour and a half of yoga. Knowing the intention behind the first series is always a motivation to keep consistency and commitment in practice.

Come and practice with us

Namaste !