From HealthKB

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of yoga popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois. Pattabhi Jois began his yoga studies in 1927 at the age of 12, and by 1948 had established an institute for teaching the specific yoga practice known as Ashtanga (Sanskrit for "eight-limbed") Yoga, which is a series of poses done in a flowing Vinyasa style.

• The primary series (or the first series) is called Yoga Chikitsa. Yoga Chikitsa, which means yoga therapy, realigns the spine, detoxifies the body, and builds strength, flexibility and stamina. The series of about 75 poses takes an hour and a half to two hours to complete, beginning with sun salutations (Surya Namaskara A and Surya Namaskara B) and then standing poses, seated poses, inversions and backbends before relaxation.

• The intermediate series (or the second series) is called Nadi Shodana, meaning nervous system purification. It cleanses and strengthens the nervous system and the subtle energy channels throughout the body. Same as Primary Series, it begins with Sun A, Sun B, then standing poses, seated poses, inversions and backbends, but different poses and variations.

• There are four advanced series called Sthira Bhaga, which means divine stability. Sthira Bhaga focuses on difficult arm balancing poses.

Related Links

• kpJayi.org -- Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (Mysore, India)
• AshtangaYoga.info
• yoga.about.com -- What is Ashtanga Yoga?

• wikipedia.org -- Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
• wikipedia.org -- Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois
• Ashtanga.com -- Ashtanga Yoga Background