Atlanta/Gwinnett    

Yoga Y'all!

Yoga with a Southern Accent

What is Viniyoga?

T. K. V. Desikachar

The term Viniyoga has come to be associated with T.K.V. Desikachar’s methods of teaching, adapted from his twenty-seven year long study with his father and teacher T Krishnamacharya in order to make the essence and depth of the tradition available to Westerners.

Desikachar described it thus:

"Like everything, Yoga must be presented intelligently. It should be spoken of carefully and offered with due regard for the aspirations, needs and cultural background of the individual. This must be achieved in stages. The appropriate application of Yoga - involving physical exercises, deep breathing, relaxation, meditation, lifestyle, food, studies and so forth - is, for me, what is represented by the word Viniyoga."

Viniyoga in Today's Society

The Viniyoga approach is to make Yoga relevant to every body and every situation. Its teachings respect differences in ages, gender, mental and physical health, culture, religion, philosophy, occupation and interest.

Care has been taken to preserve the spirit of Viniyoga which emphasizes:

 

	Adaptation to individual needs, integrating movement, breathing and mental focus, for better physical and mental health as well as spiritual awareness.
	The precise use of the breath, particularly during postures, as a powerful tool to influence a person's mental and physical well being, clarity and insight.
	The value of the relationship between the teacher and the student.
	Adaptation to individual needs, integrating movement, breathing and mental focus, for better physical and mental health as well as spiritual awareness.
	The precise use of the breath, particularly during postures, as a powerful tool to influence a person's mental and physical well being, clarity and insight.
	The value of the relationship between the teacher and the student.

In modern life Viniyoga can be used in many different ways, such as:

	Appreciating the intimate relationship between our body, breath, mind and emotions.
	Developing a state of attention that allows space for reflection and self-inquiry.
	A therapy to address our health needs.

As a therapy, Viniyoga may be used to recover, or maintain, or improve our current state of health.

This could also involve work to support changes to unhelpful lifestyle patterns. It can also be applied to help learn how to:

 

	Cope with excessive stress or anxiety.
	Reduce dependence on tobacco, alcohol, social and medical drugs and overeating.
	Prepare for childbirth and post pregnancy.
	Help menstrual problems and menopause.

Care for chronic disorders such as arthritis, asthma, circulatory or digestive problems, hypertension, insomnia, back pain, etc.

	Enhance energy and productivity.
	Develop a personal meditation practice.
	Support sporting or outdoor activities.
	Work with a greater range of body movement.
	Tailor posture work to extend the possibilities for the person.
	Discover more about what is beyond body and breath.
	Explore what it means to positively influence your own sense of health and well being.