Vinyasa Flow Yoga

The practice of yoga has been traced to India dating back 5000 years. The purpose of yoga was originally purely spiritual. The body poses, known as asanas in the Hindu religion, were intended to condition the body for long periods of meditation. When the practice of yoga migrated to the west, most westerners focused on yoga as a physical discipline to achieve strength and flexibility. Vinyasa flow yoga became a popular form of group exercise.

Vinyasa flow yoga places an emphasis on combining controlled movement with proper breathing techniques. Deep, mindful breathing while performing yoga poses, brings more oxygen to the body through the respiratory and circulatory systems and thus to all vital organs and tissues. Our modern lifestyles and reliance on technology has caused many of us to become more sedentary than our ancestors. Because many of us work at desks in offices rather than in occupations such as farming, our level of daily physical exertion has greatly diminished. Our body’s natural response to heavy exertion is deep respiration. Without the stimulus of physical exertion, we tend to unconsciously take shallow, rapid breaths. We also tend to slouch while sitting, which further reduces lung capacity. Practicing mindful breathing while performing vinyasa flow yoga, helps reverse this detrimental trend.

Mindful Breathing in Vinyasa Flow Yoga

The body was designed to take in oxygen through the nose. Many of us unknowingly breathe primarily through our mouths. The most important first step in mindful breathing is to train yourself to breath through your nose. The body’s nasal passages warm and filter air to optimized the delivery of oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.

The second step in mindful breathing with vinyasa flow yoga focuses on enhanced awareness of correct posture. Good posture increases lung capacity and facilitates deep inhalation and exhalation.

Benefits of Vinyasa Flow Yoga

• Increase strength and flexibility
• Boost energy and immune system
• Relieve stress and tension
• Reduce blood pressure

Proper technique in the practice of vinyasa flow yoga is essential to gain maximum health benefits and prevent unnecessary injuries. You should look for a certified yoga instructor before you try vinyasa flow yoga. You should always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen.