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Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga is a popular, evolving form of traditional hatha yoga that focuses on integrating breath and movement, awareness and alignment, strength and flexibility. Likened to a dynamic movement meditation, postures or asanas are connected through the breath for a transformative and balancing effect.


Vinyasa yoga is often referred to as "flow" or "power" yoga, because the practice is rigorous and faster paced. The basic principle of this flowing and challenging type of yoga is for asanas (poses) to be synchronized with the breath - and poses to be connected by continuos flowing movements and to move or be moved freely in a flowing, steady, unbroken stream.

The vinyasa yoga practice is a dynamic combination of strenght, flexibility, grace and spirituality.

Vinyasa yoga produces intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation & immune system, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

Regularly practiced, yoga will lead you to a state of transformation -- sculpting, detoxifying and toning the muscles of your body and your mind.

 

Principles of Vinyasa yoga practice

1) Movement and breath are synchronized

2) Start where you are, modify your practice that is appropriate for your needs

3) Listen to your body, always come out of a pose when your breath or
equilibrium is disturbed or there is strain in the body

4) Begin with the simplest poses and progress toward the more complex.

4) Asanas or postures contain the qualities of

    • sthira (steadiness, alertness)
    • sukha (inner joy, ease)
    • reflect the hatha yoga approach: the union of opposites (solar/lunar) hatha = sun/moon

6) Use modifications of postures for different levels and injury prevention

7) Cultivate a gradual progression/evolution within your yoga practice.


Techniques of Vinyasa Yoga

  • Ujayi Breathing - "Victorious Breath"
  • Drishti Gaze placement of the eyes for concentration and inner and outer
    balance
  • Bandhas- Three Bandhas (locks or gaterhing of energy):
    • Mula Bandha (root lock)
    • Udyiana Bandha ("to fly up" lifting of the lower belly )
    • Jalandhara Bandha (chin lock)
  • Navigating the Flow: connect the underlying evolution within a practice
  • Grounding/Stabilizing the Pose (Where is the anchor within a pose)
  • Activation (Where is the pose activated/initiated from?)
  • Relationship (what is the relationship from one pose to the next)

Benefits of Yoga

 


  
 
 

 

 

Additional Info

Yoga is a vast subject. Everyone can learn and benefit, whatever their body type, personality, or situation in life.

 

Whichever branch of Yoga you choose to practice, the ultimate aim remains the same:

"Yoga chitta vrtti nirodhah"

- "To still the restless mind"

(and thus find peace).

 

 

 

Sanskrit root

 

Vinyasa "nyasa" to place and "vi" "in a special way"

Yoga to "yoke" or unify, the state of being unified.

  

 

 

 

"99% practice - 1% theory"

~Pattabhi Jois

* 1915

 
 

 
   
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