Vinyasa

I was puzzled by the term vinyasa. Some yoaga classes are called vinyasa. To someone that does not practice yoga frequently, what would they think of the term vinyasa yoga? I asked once, and was told that it mean the class had more flow to it, postures were not held very long. I took a "vinyasa" class once, and did not think it was very flowing, but to someone who is used to a more gentle, meditative yoga, that may be so. I have been primarily practicing Ashtanga yoga so I am not as familiar with other yoga. But it occurred to me that I needed better education on the term vinyasa.

Vinyasa is the coordination of one's breath with one's movement with the intention of heating and cleansing the body. A-ha! I understand this. In suryanamiskar A, there are nine vinyasas. Breathe in as you rise...breathe out as you fold...etc. This breath, in conjunction with the asana, and movement between asana, allows your body to create heat. Some benefits of creating this heat are to warm the muscles allowing for more flexibility and endurance, and increase circulation to move toxins and impurities out of your cells and out of the body.

Another aspect to vinyasa is stilling the mind. By conscious focus of the breath, we help clear our mind of "ripples". If we are busy thinking about breathing in and out, we have little room to dwell on unhappiness and problems. We shut out that which does not still our mind.

In effect, the practice of vinyasa increases the overall health and well-being of the body and mind.