Vinyasa Yoga – Flow Yoga

Vinyasa or ‘Flow Yoga’ has its origins in Ashtanga Yoga. Vinyasa Yoga can best be described as a sequence of high powered postures combined with strictly synchronised breathing performed between stationary poses. The main focus during practice is centered around the Sun Salutation postures combined with intricately woven breathing techniques and patterns. Poses are done quickly and smoothly. Vinyasa Yoga is a popular choice for those wishing to burn calories, since it is in effect a vigorous workout.

It is however not recommended for absolute beginners, since moving through the rapid sequence of postures leaves one open to the greater risk of possible injury, particularly if one has not mastered the basic alignment techniques. Sloppy postures also have to addressed because of the speed and flow. Hence it is better to have the basic postures firmly in grip before attempting such a class.

As previously mentioned, breathing techniques are what stand out primarily in this form of Yoga.  It is in fact synchronised breathing within a continuous and flowing series of postures.

For each movement there will be one breath e.g. in Surya Namskar there are nine Vinyasas (breaths) , as you can see, in this way all asanas are allocated a certain number of Vinyasas, this very effectively brings concentration onto the mat.

Breathing is known as ‘rechaka’ and ‘puraka’, i.e. to inhale and to exhale, breath should be steady and even, with no respite as to the difficulty of any possible posture, this is where the challenge lies, as some breaths will be far easier than others to maintain.

The most common breathing exercise in Vinyasa Yoga is ‘Ujjayi’ breath, which is sometimes also known as ‘ocean’ breath or the ‘victorious’ breath. When practiced correctly you will notice the ability to extend your breathing.

It should be remembered that your body is totally reliant on the breath and therefore it should be considered as extremely important, it is the common denominator to you and all other creatures and in a larger context to the world in which you live.

One of the main purposes of Vinyasa Yoga in daily life is for internal cleansing.

This is achieved by the combination of rapid movements and breath, which serve to raise the body temperature.

The heat created from this type of Yoga, literally thins the blood so that it is able to circulate freely.

Since asanas  in various degrees of complexity are being combined and practiced along with the special breathing techniques employed, the blood circulates around all the joints in question thus dissolving many ‘aches and pains’ in its wake.

In the same way the ‘heated’ blood also moves through the internal organs such as the liver and kidneys, thereby also cleansing them.

Sweat being a by-product of increased body temperature, completes this magnificent cleansing process, by bringing the toxins to the surface of the body, where they are then removed in a natural way.

Vinyasa can be and is applied to different styles of Yoga e.g. Power Yoga; or on a more poetic note, some people even liken the flowing, synchronised movements to dance, it is indeed a fact that music often accompanies a Vinyasa Yoga Class, which only adds the enjoyment and the ambiance.

It should be noted that where there is rhythm it can often be associated to the sequences we see and find in life, such as the flow of the ocean or the changing of the seasons.

It is seldom that any two Vinyasa classes will be the same, so if you have a dislike of repetition this might just be an avenue for you to look into.

 

 

 

 

That being said however, some teachers drift into auto-pilot during Vinyasa flow classes, since they know all the steps so to speak (again the analogy to dance).

It is therefore important to find a class with creative flair and edge, and with an instructor who is committed to refine both your and their own practice.

One must remain alert to this fact in any Yoga Class which you seek to participate in.

You owe it to yourself to remain a discerning student of this ancient and wonderful art, and if your class could be done at home just as easily with a DVD for company, instead of an instructor then perhaps it is time to move your mat to a more productive place – your time is precious which is also a fundamental truth of Yoga.