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Vinyasa yoga is a vigorous style of yoga that needs you to synchronize your breath with a series of postures. 'Vinyasa' is a Sanskrit word that means 'breath-synchronized movement'. Breath and movement are unified in such a way that they both encourage each other. For every movement there is a corresponding breath.
Breath-synchronized movement
Inhalation is to be linked with upward movements of the body that expand the thoracic area. And exhalation is to be linked with movements that compress the thoracic area. For instance, when the arms are raised to the sky we need to inhale. When we bend down towards the ground, we need to exhale.
Breath-synchronized movements make internal cleansing happen. They generate subtle heat - agni - that transforms us internally. The new found energy can be utilized to enhance all spheres of life. The breath creates vibrations across the soft palate of the mouth that warms the breath as it goes into the lungs. This practice helps in cleaning out impurities.
What does 'taking a vinyasa' mean?
'Taking a vinyasa' refers to a specific sequence of breath-synchronized movements used to enter or exit asanas. This sequence helps balance the effects of asanas and clears energy channels in the body. It readjusts the spine, shoulders and hips before you move on to the next asana.
There are various such vinyasa sequences used. A commonly used sequence is:
Plank, Chaturanga, and Upward Facing Dog.
What to expect from a vinyasa yoga class
There is no specific set of asanas to be done as a rule in vinyasa yoga classes. There is a lot of variety in the way these classes are conducted. But all of them are based on the basic principles of breath-coordinated movements. Specific vinyasa sequences as explained in the previous paragraph are almost always done as an interlude between two different asanas.
Sun Salutations are always included. There are lots of movements in this style of yoga apart from stretching exercises. Since 'vinyasa style of yoga' is a broad term, the asanas to be included in these yoga classes depend on the teacher.
Is vinyasa yoga for you?
Since vinyasa yoga allows for lots of variations in the way asanas are done, you need to visit a class and see for yourself whether it suits you. Some classes are extremely vigorous while others are not as fast-paced. The yoga styles that incorporate vinyasa yoga are: Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram (Hot Yoga), Jivamukti, Kundalini and Power Yoga
If the yoga class follows Ashtanga, Power Yoga or Bikram, it will always be mentioned so.
Vinyasa yoga generates heat in the body that can be used for psychic energetic effects. It also develops internal awareness as the focus is on linking breath with movements.
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