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.

Part1: Abdominal Engagement and a Healthy Back - 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 - A Short burst of Abdominal Actions - A short session of dynamic abdominals session

Part 6 - Relief from Abdominal Heaviness (Level Experienced Beginner) - A sequence to relieve abdominal heaviness/sluggishness, this is a mix of active and passive positions.

Tag words: abdomen abdominal toning abdominals adho mukha svanasana arms chaturanga dandasana core favorite parivrtta trikonasana parsva upavistha konasana parsvottanasana prasarita padottanasana setu bandha sarvangasana shoulders supta baddhakonasana supta padangusthasana I supta padangusthasana II supta padangusthasana III supta virasana uddiyana kriya uddiyana region upavistha konasana urdhva hasta dandasana urdhva prasarita padasana utkatasana virabhadrasana III