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.


  • Basic Principles
    In vinyasa yoga classes, students coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next. Ashtanga, Baptiste Yoga, Jivamukti, Power Yoga, and Prana Flow could all be considered vinyasa yoga. Vinyasa is also the term used to describe a ​specific ​sequence of poses (Chaturanga to Upward-Facing Dog to Downward-Facing Dog​)​ commonly used throughout a vinyasa class​.

  • Benefits
    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.
  • In Vinyasa yoga, the asanas (postures) flow from one to the next and each change is synchronized with breathing. Here breathing is critical, as inhalation and exhalation signal when to transition into another posture. Generally, upward movement is accompanied by breathing in and downward movement by breathing out. These highly breath-oriented movements have shown to improve cardio-vascular function, increase muscle strength and flexibility, and reduce stress.