Many people think of yoga as just stretching and posing but there’s actually so much more to this ancient practice.  Within the Viniyoga tradition in particular, we employ a holistic approach that utilises a wide range of yogic tools and techniques. This includes:

• Asanas (Postures)

• Pranayama (Breathing Techniques)

• Mantras and Vedic Chanting

• Bhavana (Visualisation)

• Mudras (Seals) and Bhandas (Specific locks to release trapped energy)

By blending Asanas with these other yogic tools during a session, we enable ourselves - and you - to reach deeper goals of wellbeing, healing, or spiritual transformation. Out of these range of tools Pranayama has a great potential to strengthen the effect of Asanas on your mental health, and even help you improve your emotional and mental health outside of your online yoga classes.

By recognising the power of breathing and meditation, we can unlock and deepen our own connection to our inner power and spirituality.

Practitioners interested in immersing into classical Pranayama practice can take a look at Prana-samyama | Master your vital energies, our year-long course in 2022 that examines techniques for utilising and maximising Pranayama techniques. The course is designed by Viniyoga’s lead instructor, Dr. Kausthub Desikachar.

What is Pranayama, exactly?

Pranayama is usually described as ‘breathing techniques’ but it goes deeper than that. ‘Prana’ is a yogic term referring to a universal life force believed to be present in everything living and non-living alike. Pranayama is intended to deepen your connection with Prana and help elevate or strengthen your own internal energies.

In Viniyoga, we believe in the subtle power of Prana and Pranayama. By focusing on being more conscious and aware of your breathing, practitioners can cultivate healthier lifestyles through stress relief, improved relaxation, and heightened inner peace.

Although many assume that Pranayama is easier to perform compared to complicated Asanas, one requires mental strength and fortitude to truly empty your mind of unnecessary thoughts during a Prayanama-focused meditation.

Blending Pranayama with Asanas

Viniyoga takes a holistic approach to our yoga practice, and we believe that blending different yogic tools together can help unlock each tool’s deeper potential.

In our online yoga classes, our teachers will incorporate Pranayama throughout the session including during Asanas. This can take the form of maintain a regular and relaxed breathing pattern through each round of Asanas; taking deep “Full Yoga Breaths” to improve circulation and mental clarity; or stressing key moments to inhale or exale.

Certain positions like Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward Facing Dog) or Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose) are ideal for incorporating Pranayama breathwork as you can expand your chest and ribcage and experience the full release of tension.

Discover new Possibilities in Yoga with Viniyoga

The beauty of Pranayama is that it can be practiced even outside of a classroom setting. Deep breathing is gaining popularity as a way to improve mindfulness and mental health, and with consistent practice you can find ways to use this yogic tool in your day-to-day life.

Get in touch with us for more information about our online yoga classes. Current yoga teachers who wish to deepen their practice can reach out to us about accredited yoga teacher training or private Viniyoga consultations (yoga therapy sessions) with lead instructor Dr. Kausthub Desikachar. Our private and advanced training sessions which will cover many aspects of Viniyoga including Pranayama.