Sunday, September 26, 2010

Vinyasa Yoga

Yoga is equanimity in
success and failure.

-Bhagavad Gita

I got a question from one of my yoga students:
What is the difference between vinyasa and regular hatha yoga?


Vinyasa Yoga has its origins in the legendary Yogi Krishnamacharya. “Vinyasa” can be defined as breath-synchronized movement. Vinyasa Yoga differs from Hatha Yoga in that the movement-breath produces a very dynamic effect in the cardiovascular system, resulting in the formation of internal heat, is faster paced, and challenges physical endurance.The ultimate aim of Vinyasa Yoga is to cleanse body and mind and in doing so, to enlighten the spirit.

On the physical level Vinyasa Yoga provides:

-a great body detoxification

-the flow-like performance of the asanas prevents the production of lactic-acid which causes fatigue

- the internal heat reinforces blood flow to the essential organs, rejuvenating and revitalising them with amounts of oxygen supply.

-the immune system is strengthened, reducing the likelihood of injuries.

-muscles are loosened and joints, tendons and ligaments get sufficiently lubricated.

-transforms the body since metabolism is accelerated, resulting in weight loss and the shaping and trimming of the body.

-increases a person’s stamina and endurance when practiced regularly

-massages all body organs such as the heart and the liver

-promotes good body posture, body alignment and balance and is an excellent energizer.

-relieve chronic back pain or neck pain, can heal various injuries such as a pulled hamstring, can treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, improve diabetes, thyroid problems and bone density, ease menopause symptoms and act as a headache reliever.

-help individuals suffering from asthma or bronchitis, sinus issues, nervous tension, neurosis, insomnia, headaches, indigestion, abnormal weight, constipation and compulsive smoking.

Vinyasa Yoga also offers enormous benefits of an emotional / spiritual nature

-staying in a pose along with pranayama and meditation, bring a state of relaxation and calmness, which in the long term aid in the development of a much calmer personality.

-with ujjayi breathing you achieve a state of inner piece and joy

-reduce stress and anxiety, the number one causes of various diseases in today’s hectic lifestyle.

3 comments:

  1. Just a small thought on what you touched. Hatha Yoga is the original form of yoga and Vinyasa is a branch of Hatha Yoga. Most yoga practices stems from Hatha Yoga and some have evolved into the yoga we know as Ashtanga, Iyengar or Forrest and so on.

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  2. Jag trodde att själva förflyttningen med andningen var vinyasana. Och det kan man ju göra i hatha yoga också. Att binda ihop rörelser till en liten "serie" och förflytta med andetaget. Eller?

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  3. Thanks for the comments!

    There are vinyasa styles like Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Jivamukti, Kundalini and Power Yoga.

    In Vinyasa Flow, we move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale, the poses run together and become like a dance.

    "Vinyasa" describes a series of three poses Plank, Chaturanga, and Upward Facing Dog.

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