Due to popular demand, we will be releasing our latest course on Tuesday, August 12, 2008. This certification course will focus on Vinyasa Yoga. Instructors and enthusiasts, from around the world, have asked us to develop a comprehensive correspondence course for Vinyasa Yoga teacher certification.

About Vinyasa Yoga

The origin of Vinyasa descended from an ancient text known as the Yoga Korunta, which was written by Vamana Rishi. Apparently, Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, and his student Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, spent a considerable amount of time studying the sutras, pranayama techniques, and the many asana series contained within the Yoga Korunta.

It is not clear whether they found the text in a Calcutta Library or if Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya received the Yoga Korunta from his Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari at Mount Kailash. However, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois mastered this style, which we know as Ashtanga Yoga today. Most contemporary Vinyasa flow or Power styles come from Ashtanga or Hatha origins.

Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word, which refers to breath and movement. For example, each Yoga posture is matched by one breath. This is what you do when you perform Sun or Moon salutations, and these are also a form of Vinyasa Yoga.

Therefore, any sequences of postures that are synchronized with your breath are classified as Vinyasa. There are many forms of Vinyasa, and even the gentle ones are vigorous. The postures are not held in a fixed position for long and classes flow with rhythm, similar to music.

The energy used in flowing from one movement, to the next, continues throughout a typical Vinyasa Yoga class. This type of Yoga class will challenge aerobic endurance, enhance flexibility, and build overall strength.

There are many variations of Vinyasa Yoga classes. Some are related to offshoots of Ashtanga Yoga; some are very gentle; and others are variations of extended Sun or Moon sequences. The variety of Vinyasa classes is further expanded when you consider different sequences, pace of the class, and the temperature of the room.

What about heated Yoga classes; is this hot Yoga? The temperature can vary depending upon the policy of the Yoga studio, ashram, or school. At some Yoga studios, the temperature can be near 80 Fahrenheit during winter months. During the summer months, the temperature is often in the low 70s. That is a far cry from a 105-degree hot Yoga or Bikram class.

Most of the heat generated in a typical Vinyasa class is internal body heat. As a result of all this internal heat, you will most likely sweat. Therefore, bring a towel and a bottle of good quality water.

When used for personal health maintenance, Vinyasa Yoga is the ultimate cross training system, with low impact movement, aerobic, and muscle toning benefits. Your body will go through an incredible transformation, but it does require determination. As a "by product" of Vinyasa practice, your self-esteem will be improved. Students will learn to manage stress and develop a much calmer personality.

© Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Advance Sale - Save $50 until August 11

You can pre-order this course now for $487 and Save $50 off our regular price of $537. More information and details about our new Vinyasa Teacher course.

One of the best methods to cleanse & energize breath is by practicing Agnisara Kriya.

What Is Agnisara Kriya

Agni means Fire, Sara means Essence & Kriya means Action. It is also called Breath of Fire. Our navel region is the centre of Fire Element & it is the source of internal energy. As we get heat from the Sun, our body gets heat from this Fire & it is the essential element for digestion. After the food is digested, this heat energy directs nutritive juices to all parts of the body. In case of malfunction in creation of heat energy, the digestive system cannot function properly, resulting in various disorders like indigestion, acidity, gastric problems etc. We start getting imbalances in the stomach. The Kriya recommended for correcting this congestion or imbalance in the stomach is the Agnisara Kriya, which rekindles the digestive fire thereby aiding in smooth elimination of waste, which further results in decongesting the stomach and bringing about a balance. This cleansing action stimulates this fire for the digestive system to work at its optimum level.

Sitting Posture

Sit on the Yoga mat in any comfortable and simple posture or if you prefer, sit in a chair. Keep your spine and head erect and the hands on knees. Close the eyes. Make sure the body and mind are relaxed.

Technique

Breathe in deeply. Bend down slowly from the waist and while bending down exhale the whole air completely. Now let the breath be out & sit up straight with empty lungs. Without taking the breath in pull your stomach in and out in a quick succession according to your body capacity and then slowly inhale. This completes one round. One can practice 7-10 rounds daily.

Benefits

It is excellent for the health of the abdominal organs and the digestive system. This exercise stimulates the liver, spleen, kidneys & pancreas, reduces the abdominal fat, & cures constipation. Works wonders on a sluggish liver and kidneys. It removes several gastro-intestinal complaints such as excessive gas, hyperacidity, indigestion etc. It Improves metabolism & increases internal fire.

Precautions

• People with high BP, heart disease or internal ulcers of any kind should avoid this. Also, those who have undergone abdomen surgery should not do Agnisar Kriya. Not to be done during menses & pregnancy.
• Do not tax your body. Any time you feel discomfort, discontinue and take rest.
• The Kriya should always be done on an empty stomach.
• Beginners should practice this Pranayama under the guidance of some yoga expert.

Essential Guidelines For This Pranayama

Basic Guidelines for Pranayama are equally applicable for this practice also. These are:-

• Ideal time for Pranayama is early in the morning, one to two hours before sunrise when oxygen content is maximum in the air.
• Always sit straight while doing Pranayama.
• It is necessary for you to feel comfortable and relaxed when you start. Wear loose fitting cotton clothes.
• During practice, no strain should be felt in the facial muscles, eyes and ears or in the neck muscles, shoulders, arms, thighs and feet.
• Keep the eyes closed throughout as otherwise the mind will wander and be distracted.
• While doing Pranayama, concentrate on your breath. Do it consciously & not mechanically.
• Breathing should not be jerky or irregular, but smooth, steady and continuous.
• Persons suffering from high blood pressure, asthma & heart patients should not stop breath while practicing Pranayama.
• Empty your stomach. Do not eat anything before Pranayama.
• Breathing in Pranayama practices is done through nose only, unless specific instructions are given.
• You must establish a daily routine and follow it strictly; even 15 mins daily would bring lots of positive results. I assure you that after one week of practice you will love to spend more time.
• Avoid Bhastrika and Surya-Bhedi Pranayama in summers. Shitkari, Shitali and Chandra-Bhedi be avoided in winters.
• If you are suffering from a breath related problem such as Asthma, Emphysema, Shortness of Breath etc, then before starting Pranayama, consult your physician.

In case of any queries, contact:
Dr, Rita Khanna
2nd floor, Plot#22, Suman Housing Colony, West Marredpally Secunderabad-500026
Mobile: 09849772485 Ph:-040-65173344
Email: ritukhanna57@hotmail.com
WWW: http://yogashaastra.blogspot.com/
The Yoga Studio is open 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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