What is Vinyasa yoga?

Vinyasa Yoga refers to a form of yoga, which follows a particular series of asanas (poses). These poses follow one another, in order to create a specific pattern or a smooth flow. Hence, Vinyasa Yoga is also known as Flow Yoga. In Vinyasa Yoga, all the poses held by the body are connected through rhythmic breathing, so that strength and energy are created in the body. This form of Yoga is most effective if the right breathing techniques are used and deep breathing can have a very relaxing effect on most people. Flow (Vinyasa) Yoga has become increasing popular in the West. Most rehab centers, trauma treatment facilities and eating disorder (binge eating, anorexia and bulimia) residential programs include it in their treatment methods.

It may be quite challenging to follow the proper breathing pattern, as the mind tends to move very fast. However, with proper practice, over a period of time, the mind and body can be controlled to do just that. Given below is a simple example of a Vinyasa (flow) yoga exercise:

• Start with the Tadasana (The Mountain Pose), which is the basic standing position.
•Inhale and move your body into Utkatasana (The Chair Pose)
•Exhale and perform the Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose)
•Inhale and step your left leg behind
•Exhale and then turn your left leg, so that your heel touches the Yoga mat. Enter Utthita Parsvakonasana (The Extended Side Angle Pose).
•Hold the position and inhale.
•Exhale while you move into the Trikanasana (The Triangle Pose).
•Continue to hold this position, while you inhale.
•Exhale and turn inward, while you straighten your right leg.
•Inhale, while you bend into Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (The Lunge Pose).
•Exhale as you move into the Adho Mukha Svanasana (The Downward Dog Pose)
•Continue to hold this position, while you inhale
•Exhale and perform that Astangasana (The Eight Limb Pose)
•Inhale and move into the Bhujangasana (The Cobra Pose)
•Exhale and perform the Downward Dog Pose again
•Inhale and bend forward, as you move into the raised Standing Forward Bend Pose
•Exhale and move into the earlier Standing Forward Bend Pose
•Inhale and perform The Mountain Pose, to finish

Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga

The various benefits associated with Flow (Vinyasa) yoga are body and mind relaxation, lower levels of anxiety, a reduction of stress, an improvement in the quality of sleep, increased self esteem, weight loss benefits, better health of the major organs in the body, better blood circulation, a reduction in physical pain, increased endurance, better flexibility and coordination, fewer injuries & illnesses and more strength.

Submitted by A on July 1, 2010 at 05:31

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