The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga: A Gateway to Over 70 Yoga Poses
The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga: A Gateway to Over 70 Yoga Poses
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic style of yoga, known for its systematized sequence of postures, oujaii pranayama (precise breathing technique), and the use of drishti (gaze points). It’s a comprehensive practice that connects breath, movement, and focus, creating a flow that benefits both the body and mind. Within this system, the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa), is often considered the foundation, a therapeutic sequence designed to build strength, flexibility and mental clarity.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Ashtanga Yoga and gain a deeper understanding of the Primary Series, Caroline Klebl, PhD, offers an excellent Yoga Teacher Training program in Los Angeles, as well as an online training option, where students can learn directly from an experienced practitioner and teacher.
In this article, we’ll explore the Primary Series in detail, its benefits, and how you can learn it through Caroline Klebl’s specialized Yoga Teacher Training.
What is the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga?
The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga, also called Yoga Chikitsa, is designed to purify the body and mind and improve health. The sequence of poses, linked by the breath and practiced in a specific order, helps to detoxify, strengthen, and stretch the body while calming the mind.
The series includes several key components:
1.Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations): The practice begins with a series of flowing movements that warm up the body, increase circulation, and prepare the body for deeper poses.
2.Standing Postures: These postures help to open the hips, lengthen the spine, and build strength in the legs and core.
3.Seated Postures: The seated portion works on flexibility, particularly in the hamstrings, hips, and spine.
4.Backbends: These postures help to improve spinal mobility, increase energy flow, and open the chest.
5.Finishing Sequence: The final sequence cools the body down, incorporating inversions and seated postures, followed by pranayama (breathing exercises) and Shavasana (corpse pose).
Benefits of the Primary Series
The Primary Series offers numerous benefits for the body and mind, especially when practiced consistently. Below are some of the key benefits that you can expect from mastering this sequence:
1. Strength and Flexibility
The Primary Series works on both building strength and enhancing flexibility.
•Standing poses, such as Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose), Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) and Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle), strengthen the legs and core while stretching the hips and sides.
•Seated postures like Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold) and Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend) improve flexibility in the hamstrings and spine.
•Backbends such as Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Facing Bow Pose) and Urdhva Mukha Shvanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose) help open up the chest, stretch the front of the body, and strengthen the arms, shoulders, and back.
These poses, done in a flowing sequence, gradually build the physical strength needed to perform more advanced asanas of the intermediate and advanced series, while keeping your body agile.
2. Detoxification
The Primary Series has a profound detoxifying effect on the body. The practice generates heat through movement and deep breathing, promoting the release of toxins. The deep twists, forward bends, and backbends stimulate internal organs, improving circulation and aiding the removal of toxins from the body and stimulating cell regeneration.
Regular practice of the Primary Series helps to keep the body fresh and energized, with a clear mind and a stronger immune system.
3. Mental Clarity and Focus
Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes Ujjayi Pranayama, a form of deep, controlled breathing that creates a soothing sound while also helping to focus the mind. Practicing the Primary Series with conscious breathing improves concentration and creates a meditative state of mind.
The focus on drishti (gaze) during each posture also contributes to mental clarity. By fixing your gaze at a particular point during each asana, you reduce distractions and bring your attention inward, which helps to cultivate mindfulness and awareness.
4. Foundation for Advanced Practices
The Primary Series is not only a practice for beginners, but it also forms the foundation for the more advanced Intermediate Series and Advanced Series of Ashtanga Yoga. Mastering the Primary Series builds strength, flexibility, and endurance, creating a solid base for more complex postures and sequences. When you establish a steady and strong practice of the Primary Series, you’ll be prepared to learn the Intermediate Series.
How to Learn the Primary Series
The Primary Series can be a challenging sequence to master, especially for beginners. Whether you’re looking to deepen your personal practice or become a certified yoga instructor, it’s important to receive proper guidance when learning the Primary Series.
One of the best ways to learn the Primary Series is through a Yoga Teacher Training program, where you will receive lessons on each posture, proper alignment, and breathwork. Caroline Klebl’s Yoga Teacher Training in Los Angeles or online offers an ideal learning environment for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
Learning the Primary Series with Caroline Klebl, PhD
Caroline Klebl, PhD, is a highly respected Ashtanga Yoga teacher who brings years of experience to her training programs. Her deep knowledge of the Primary Series, combined with her expertise in yoga anatomy and philosophy, makes her an excellent guide for those wishing to master this transformative sequence.
In-Person Training in Los Angeles
If you’re in the Los Angeles area or can travel, Caroline offers an immersive Yoga Teacher Training in the city. This in-person training gives you the opportunity to learn the Primary Series firsthand from Caroline and her experienced team of instructors. Throughout the program, you will:
•Learn the alignment and modifications for each posture in the Primary Series.
•Gain a thorough understanding of yoga anatomy to avoid injury and perform each posture safely.
•Receive personalized adjustments and feedback, ensuring that your practice is progressing in the right direction.
•Explore the philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga, helping you understand the deeper spiritual aspects of the practice.
•Build confidence in teaching the Primary Series to others, if you are working toward a teaching certification.
The live environment allows for one-on-one guidance, feedback on your practice, and opportunities to ask questions, making it an invaluable learning experience.
For those who cannot attend the in-person training, Caroline also offers a comprehensive online Yoga Teacher Training. This program is perfect for people with busy schedules, those living outside Los Angeles, or those who prefer to learn at their own pace. The online course covers:
•Video tutorials and detailed breakdowns of each posture in the Primary Series.
•Written materials that explain alignment, breathing techniques, and modifications.
•Live sessions where Caroline provides direct guidance, answers questions, and offers feedback.
•Access to a community of fellow practitioners, providing a supportive environment for learning and sharing insights.
•Yoga anatomy and philosophy lessons, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the practice.
The online yoga teacher training provides you with the flexibility to learn from anywhere while benefiting from Caroline’s extensive expertise. Whether you prefer learning at home or while traveling, the online program ensures that you receive the same high-quality instruction as the in-person training.
What You Will Learn in Caroline Klebl’s Yoga Teacher Training
In Caroline Klebl’s Yoga Teacher Training, students will:
•Learn the Primary Series, step-by-step, learning each asana’s alignment, modifications, and benefits.
•Gain a deeper understanding of yoga anatomy, learning how to perform each pose safely and effectively, and how to adjust students.
•Understand the breathing techniques essential to Ashtanga Yoga, including Ujjayi Pranayama, which helps maintain energy and focus.
•Develop the mental discipline needed to maintain a steady, consistent practice.
•Learn how to teach the Primary Series effectively, including cueing and adjustments, making you a confident yoga instructor.
•Explore yoga philosophy, including the Eight Limbs of Yoga, to integrate the spiritual aspects of the practice into your daily life.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Caroline Klebl’s Yoga Teacher Training is designed to help you refine your practice and deepen your understanding of Ashtanga Yoga. By learning the Primary Series with Caroline, you not only strengthen your physical practice but also experience the profound mental and emotional benefits that yoga brings.
Conclusion
The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga is a transformative practice that purifies the body and mind, builds strength, and cultivates mental clarity. By mastering this series, you lay the foundation for a deeper and more advanced yoga practice. With the right guidance, you can learn to appreciate the therapeutic effects of each pose, while also developing the discipline and focus necessary for a lifetime of yoga.
Caroline Klebl, PhD, offers an exceptional opportunity to learn the Primary Series in her Yoga Teacher Training program, available in Los Angeles and online. Whether you choose the in-person experience or the flexibility of online learning, Caroline’s expert instruction will guide you toward mastering the Primary Series and gaining the confidence to teach others.
Start your Ashtanga Yoga journey today, and experience the transformative power of the Primary Series under Caroline Klebl’s expert guidance.
View Caroline’s upcoming Teaching Schedule.