What distinguishes Viniyoga from other approaches?
by Charlotte
Nuessle, BSc., E-RYT 500
Viniyoga is a unique approach to yoga, translated as adaptive yoga. As you learn how to use
the tools of Viniyoga wisely, you learn to start from where you are today and progress in a direction that is relevant
for you. If you are interested in physical well being, Viniyoga helps you achieve greater flexibility, relief of common aches
and pains, and to develop your body’s potential. If you want to balance your emotions or steady your mind, tools
of breath, intention and sound help you meet your goal. If you’re interested in spiritual attunement this approach to
yoga lays a foundation for deeper practices.
There are five features that distinguish Viniyoga practices:
1) A
specific emphasis of the breath.
Physically, this emphasizes extension - countering negative effects of gravity - and
stability. Breath awareness and pranayama or breathing practices are integral to stress relief programs as well
as meditation training. With each breath you are revitalizing your system. In a sense that is what the ancient yogis had in
mind when they stressed the importance of conscious breathing.
2) The use of adaptations.
Krishnamacharya is a renowned gentleman who devoted many years of his 100+ year old life to reviving this ancient
tradition. He taught that our life cycle is like the phases of the day, moving from dawn, or the childhood years through
the midday or mid-life, when we bear more responsibilities and have to learn to deal with them effectively so as not to damage
our health. The phase of sunset reflects the time of ripeness and maturity. In each phase, our yoga practice should reflect
what is really important. In childhood, through asana we develop our body’s potential for movement. In mid-life, respecting
the body's changes, we emphasize maintaining healthy function as well as integrating pranayama (breathing exercises).
The breath is an important tool for steadiness of mind and balance of the nervous system. In older years, reflection,
meditation and prayer add a depth to personal practice that honors the wisdom gained over a lifetime.
3)
The value of sequencing.
Some movements are challenging to perform. It is appropriate to prepare the body for unusual poses and then compensate
well. By carefully sequencing asana practice (poses) as well as other yogic practices, we reduce the chances of creating unnecessary
stress to the body and optimize the benefits. To develop a challenging asana (pose) we start by warming up the areas that
will be challenged, then carefully return back to a counterpose, to relieve any stress. In a similar way we prepare by sequencing
for more challenging practices of breathing, meditation and so on.
4) The key of clear intention.
Any practice
reflects an intention. The clearer the intention, the better the odds of achieving it. Viniyoga emphasizes the importance
of following an intention and choosing the elements that will best serve the purpose. For example, if the intention is to
strengthen the core, then strong poses that work the large muscles of the body and focus on abdominal and back strength are
appropriate. If someone has a stiff neck, addressing the neck with gentle movements that increase circulation would
be appropriate. The intention depends on the needs and interests of the person(s) practicing.
5) Dynamic movement and static holding.
The use of repetition warms up the body and engages neuromuscular re-patterning. We begin to observe habitual patterns
which create stress rather than contribute to freedom of movement. Applying these principles wisely is useful to increase
circulation and support healthy function.
In summary According to the teachings of Viniyoga, yoga is meant to be adapted to meet your needs
starting wherever you are in your life.
