Sivananda Yoga is a slow-paced yoga style that focuses more on breathing, spirituality and a positive state of mind. If you need a positive change in your life and want to eat healthier, Sivananda Yoga can be your best friend.
Sivananda Hatha Yoga was founded in the 1960s by Swami Vishnudevahanda (1927-1993). He was a pupil of Swami Sivananda, hence the name he gave to his technique
What is Sivananda yoga?
Sivananda yoga is based on 5 principles:
The right exercise: a regular practice of the postures (asanas), but without harm on the body, the exercise must be practiced gently,
The right breath: you must learn to breathe correctly throughout the practice (pranayama),
Relaxation: it is important to be able to relax, not only to relax the body but also the spirit,
A good way to eat: this type of yoga encourages vegetarianism, a positive way of thinking and the practice of meditation.
Infos about Sivananda yoga?
A typical Sivananda Yoga class features 12 basic postures that seek to increase strength, flexibility, breathing, and ease of meditation. The sequence of 12 poses is also called the Rishikesh series because it comes from this region in the foothills of the Himalayas.
It also includes two breathing exercises and deep final relaxation.
A typical Sivananda Yoga class
A typical class begins with pranayama exercises. No music is played during the class to allow the student to focus on the practice and to integrate singing when the latter is being asked. After warming up with the sun salutations, the focus is on mastering the twelve basic poses in the following order:
inverted sequence
1: Headstand
2: Shoulderstand
3: Plough
4: Fish
Forward & backward bends
5: Sitting Forward Bend
6: Cobra
7: Locust
8: Bow
Twists, standing & balancing poses
9: Half Spinal Twist
10: Crow or Peacock
11: Standing Forward Bend
12: Triangle
A guided relaxation at the end of each class harmoniously disperses the vital energy released during practice, in the whole body. You then feel a global sensation of calm and well-being.
The 12 basic positions have been carefully selected and include inversions, twists, balances and hamstring stretches. A bit of everything in other words. The poses are ideally performed slowly and with control to stretch and strengthen the body as well as to open the chakras. As students master the 12 basic postures, variations can be introduced.
Is Sivananda yoga for you?
Yogis of all levels can practice Sivananda yoga because of its rhythm and “soft” style. It is especially recommended for those who wish to live a holistic yoga experience inspired by the ashram. You will learn not only breathing exercises and asanas, but you will also have the opportunity to practice bhakti and some yogi songs.
The purpose of this practice is to promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The asana system is quite fixed, so you should like to work slowly and methodically to master the prescribed poses. An interest in Indian philosophy also indicates that you will enjoy Sivananda yoga.
There are currently 19 Sivananda yoga centers in 11 countries. these centers typically offer classroom programs, asana workshops, meditation, singing, and vegetarian cooking.
