The role of the abdominal area in asana and pranayama practice is much more varied, complex, and interesting, than it is in the more conventional physical exercises.  This area is rich with  musculature, organs, nerve plexi, and the more esoteric control centres.  It is recognised not just a ‘structural’ component whose musculature needs to be kept toned, but also an important physiological, endocrine, nervous and emotional centre.  When a practitioner further moves on to pranayama practices, the abdominal area is regarded as a more important locus for the breath than the heart/ lung (chest) area.   Any component that is so important, is also very sensitive, and imbalances can creep in easily.   In our practice we have to balance the ‘firming’ and ‘strengthening’ aspects with the ‘quietening’, ‘softening’ and  ‘deflating’ actions in the abdominal area.  The word ‘Core’ takes on a completely different meaning here!

In this series of asana classes, we explore these connections from various perspectives.  This Short Course includes a FREE recording on Breath with focus on the abdominal region.

Part1: Abdominal Engagement and a Healthy Back (Level Experienced Beginner, Intermediate) - the first two sessions of this Short Course focus on the important concept of the relationship between back health and abdominal health

Part2 – Back Health Parallels Health of Abdominal Organs - the first two sessions of this Short Course focus on the important concept of the relationship between back health and abdominal health

Part 3 – Abdomen in Forward Extensions - deploying the abdomen in standing forward extensions

Part 4 – Abdominal Focus in Twistings - integrating abdominal participation in twists.

Part 5 – Steady and Dynamic Abdominals - a mix of steady asanas, and dynamic actions, both requiring use of abdominal engagement

Part 6 – A Short burst of Abdominal Actions - A short session of dynamic abdominals session.

Part 7 – Relief from Abdominal Heaviness (Level Intermediate) - A sequence to relieve abdominal heaviness/sluggishness, this is a mix of active and passive positions.

Part 8 – Abdomen Use in Asana - Experience of the Breath (FREE Recording)

Tag words: abdomen abdominal toning abdominals arms core forward bends forward extensions halasana jathara parivartanasana navasana parsvottanasana samana region sarvangasana setu bandha sarvangasana standing asanas supta baddhakonasana supta padangusthasana I supta padangusthasana II supta virasana ubhaya padangusthasana uddiyana kriya uddiyana region utthita hasta padangusthasana virabhadrasana III