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!

Most of the sessions in this Short Course have dynamic movements of the arms and legs, while maintaining a stable and still abdomen

Tag words: abdomen abdominals adho mukha vrksasana core full arm balance navasana parivrtta trikonasana parsvottanasana supta padangusthasana I supta padangusthasana III urdhva prasarita padasana utkatasana utthita hasta padangusthasana