Vinyasa Flow, the importance of transitions in yoga

Conscious TV

September 28, 2020

Before describing the Vinyasa Flow style, it is important to define what a Vinyasa is. Commonly students refer to Vinyasa as the sequence performed between different postures consisting of chaturanga - upward facing dog - downward facing dog. But in reality, this is a mistake.

A Vinyasa is a transitional movement in Yoga that is accompanied by a specific breath. Thus, what is commonly understood as Vinyasa is actually 3 Vinyasas: the first one: exhale in chaturanga, the second one: inhale in urdvha mukhasvanasana and the third one: exhale in adho mukhasvanasana.

Vinyasas are particularly important in the Ashtanga Vinyasa and Vinyasa Flow systems, which is a derivative of the former, as they keep the body warm. The aforementioned sequence of Vinyasas is commonly performed in these styles as it releases the body from the previous posture and prepares it for the next, hence the confusion.

In Ashtanga Vinyasa you do the same sequence until you master it: that is, every day you do the same class, improving the postures. Vinyasa Flow does not have a defined sequence: all classes are different.

Lots of postures and lots of movement. Vinyasa is a demanding and dynamic practice, ideal for athletes and active and energetic people who are looking for an active class.

By Monika Cornilliac, Conscious Television.