What is Viniyoga?

Viniyoga

What is Viniyoga?

Viniyoga is an ancient Sanskrit term that implies differentiation, adaptation, and appropriate application.

My yoga instruction is influenced by Gary Kraftsow, founder of American Viniyoga Institute. The principles of Viniyoga methodology were created and developed by Sri. T. Krishnamacharya and continued by his son, T.K.V. Desikachar of Madras, India. The practice is characterized by conscious integration of the breath with the body.

Key characteristics of the asana practice are:

• Use of repetition into and out of postures in addition to holding postures.
• The science of adapting the forms of the postures to achieve different results.
• Emphasis on breath as the medium for movement in asana.
• The refined art and science of combination, which enables the development of sequences suited to the intention and context of each individual's practice.

Sri Tumulai Krishnamacharya

Viniyoga is the only yoga therapy used by the National Institutes of Health in their double blind study comparing yoga, exercise and self- care for chronic low back pain. The results were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine December 2005.

The Viniyoga approach is designed to replace dysfunctional movement patterns with new ones-adapted to the structural and functional needs of each body. We all have habitual movement patterns that create stress on our structure and may lead to joint degeneration. The physical postures (asana) provide increased flexibility, greater strength, awareness of the flow of breath, and a peek into the state of the mind. They help transform the body in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. They make the body strong and flexible for sitting and offer the first preparation toward focusing the mind.

The AVI Yoga Therapy is based on ancient yoga teachings and a medical model. Yoga therapy is science based. AVI therapists are expected to communicate with the medical profession using their language. One purpose of yoga therapy is to work with the physician to facilitate healing. Viniyoga therapists look at the major systems of the body and the diseases that are predominant in those systems.

Respiratory System
Digestive System

Nervous System
Endocrine System

Immune System
Cardio Vascular System

We know that the DIS-eases of the various systems affect what is happening in the body, so yoga therapy can assist the client with their awareness and the tools of circulation, and breathing exercises for that physiological system. Some conditions create heat in the body and we can use the tools of yoga to cool the system and visa versa.

The ancient teachings of yoga use breathing techniques and yoga poses to calm and relax the mind. Viniyoga encourages repeated movement of the body in and out of poses which increases circulation to specific areas. Maintaining the pose stretches and strengthens muscles, tendons and ligaments. Variations for each pose make it appropriate for every person. Breath is an integral part of Viniyoga, and learning to be present with the breath is calming for the mind. Many students report a sense of serenity and peace after the practice. In summary, Viniyoga adapts to each individual according to their needs, capacity, skill and or limitations. As a result, an individual may find a deeper insight into their existence.

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