by Kaisa Kapanen: Vinyasa yoga is one of the most popular forms of yoga today, sometimes more informally referred to as Flow yoga… 

Awaken

It is a movement based yoga practice which synchronizes the breath with a continuous flow of poses, making it a more physically active form of practice.

History of Vinyasa

The flowing Vinyasa style developed from the Ashtanga Yoga system, where the sequences of poses is called vinyasa. Set out by K. Pattabhi Jois in the 20th century, Ashtanga yoga has the same poses in each series, and practitioners need to master one series before graduating to the next. Vinyasa yoga seeks more freedom and creativity from this form, and has no set rules or specific sequences within it. There is no single philosophy or sequences in Vinyasa, which gives a lot of freedom to each individual teacher.

The well placed practice

The Sanskrit word Vinyasa is a term with many meanings, but literally translated it means to place in a specific way. In vinyasa yoga one asana follows the other in a specific order. One asana leads to the next, and counterbalances the previous.  All of the movements in between are just as vital as the furthest extension of any particular asana. Well placed postures lead to a balanced feeling at the end of the Vinyasa sequence.

The balanced nature of Vinyasa

The dynamic nature of Vinyasa yoga keeps the focus on the body and in the present moment. Static asanas are turned into a fluent flow and connected to each other, and to the body, with the breath. Each movement is done either on an inhale or on an exhale, and depending on the asanas performed, it can turn into a dance-like sequence. Generally upward movements are performed with an inhale, and downward movement with and exhale.

Sun salutation is an integral part of Vinyasa, and most likely always included in one form or the other. Sun salutation in itself is already a form of Vinyasa, where each movement is started with either an inhale or an exhale. Ujjayi breath, a relaxed diaphragmatic breathing is used.

The length of an inhale and exhale will determine the length of the transition between poses for each practitioner. Vinyasa yoga focuses more on the journey through the asanas, rather than achieving the perfect alignment of a particular pose.

Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga, as other yoga forms, brings the practitioner into the present moment. By focusing on the flow of movements, Vinyasa purifies the body by creating internal heat. Due to the continuous movement, Vinyasa offers more of a ‘work-out’ than some other forms of yoga, and is suitable for those looking for a more challenging practice. Due to the internal heat generated, circulation within the body is increased, as is the muscle strength and flexibility. The breath operates as a mental focusing point, which in turn will calm the mind. Practitioners can expect reduced levels of stress, and increased stamina and peace of mind.

The three Bandhas in Vinyasa

The muscle locks, or Bandhas, are also essential in Vinyasa yoga. The Bandhas assist the practitioner in holding a pose, and moving in and out of a pose. Mula Bandha is performed by tightening muscles around the pelvic and perineum, Uddiyana Bandha is performed by contracting the muscles around the lower abdominal area by bringing the navel towards the spine and up, and Jalandhara Bandha is performed by lowering the chin while bringing the gaze towards the tip of the nose.

Other meanings of Vinyasa

Sometimes Vinyasa is also used as a noun. When you are instructed to go through a Vinyasa, this means a series of three poses performed in your own pace; plank, chaturanga and upward facing dog (or cobra).

Vinyasa yoga today

Today many different yoga classes are held under the name of Vinyasa or Vinyasa flow. For those new to yoga, it is beneficial to practice Hatha yoga or Iyengar yoga to support your Vinyasa practice, and to get more familiar with the correct alignment of the poses.

Experiment with few different teachers to find a suitable fit for you, and enjoy this flow-like practice.

Vinyasa yoga is one of the most popular forms of yoga today, sometimes more informally referred to as Flow yoga. It is a movement based yoga practice which synchronizes the breath with a continuous flow of poses, making it a more physically active form of practice.

History of Vinyasa

The flowing Vinyasa style developed from the Ashtanga Yoga system, where the sequences of poses is called vinyasa. Set out by K. Pattabhi Jois in the 20th century, Ashtanga yoga has the same poses in each series, and practitioners need to master one series before graduating to the next. Vinyasa yoga seeks more freedom and creativity from this form, and has no set rules or specific sequences within it. There is no single philosophy or sequences in Vinyasa, which gives a lot of freedom to each individual teacher.

The well placed practice

The Sanskrit word Vinyasa is a term with many meanings, but literally translated it means to place in a specific way. In vinyasa yoga one asana follows the other in a specific order. One asana leads to the next, and counterbalances the previous.  All of the movements in between are just as vital as the furthest extension of any particular asana. Well placed postures lead to a balanced feeling at the end of the Vinyasa sequence.

The balanced nature of Vinyasa

The dynamic nature of Vinyasa yoga keeps the focus on the body and in the present moment. Static asanas are turned into a fluent flow and connected to each other, and to the body, with the breath. Each movement is done either on an inhale or on an exhale, and depending on the asanas performed, it can turn into a dance-like sequence. Generally upward movements are performed with an inhale, and downward movement with and exhale.

Sun salutation is an integral part of Vinyasa, and most likely always included in one form or the other. Sun salutation in itself is already a form of Vinyasa, where each movement is started with either an inhale or an exhale. Ujjayi breath, a relaxed diaphragmatic breathing is used.

The length of an inhale and exhale will determine the length of the transition between poses for each practitioner. Vinyasa yoga focuses more on the journey through the asanas, rather than achieving the perfect alignment of a particular pose.

Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga, as other yoga forms, brings the practitioner into the present moment. By focusing on the flow of movements, Vinyasa purifies the body by creating internal heat. Due to the continuous movement, Vinyasa offers more of a ‘work-out’ than some other forms of yoga, and is suitable for those looking for a more challenging practice. Due to the internal heat generated, circulation within the body is increased, as is the muscle strength and flexibility. The breath operates as a mental focusing point, which in turn will calm the mind. Practitioners can expect reduced levels of stress, and increased stamina and peace of mind.

The three Bandhas in Vinyasa

The muscle locks, or Bandhas, are also essential in Vinyasa yoga. The Bandhas assist the practitioner in holding a pose, and moving in and out of a pose. Mula Bandha is performed by tightening muscles around the pelvic and perineum, Uddiyana Bandha is performed by contracting the muscles around the lower abdominal area by bringing the navel towards the spine and up, and Jalandhara Bandha is performed by lowering the chin while bringing the gaze towards the tip of the nose.

Other meanings of Vinyasa

Sometimes Vinyasa is also used as a noun. When you are instructed to go through a Vinyasa, this means a series of three poses performed in your own pace; plank, chaturanga and upward facing dog (or cobra).

Vinyasa yoga today

Today many different yoga classes are held under the name of Vinyasa or Vinyasa flow. For those new to yoga, it is beneficial to practice Hatha yoga or Iyengar yoga to support your Vinyasa practice, and to get more familiar with the correct alignment of the poses.

Experiment with few different teachers to find a suitable fit for you, and enjoy this flow-like practice.

Source: AWAKEN