Sivananda Yoga | Sivananda Yoga Asana

What is Sivananda Yoga?

Sivananda yoga is named after its founder, the yoga guru Swami Sivananda. This popular variation of hatha yoga was taught by Swami Sivananda in India in the early twentieth century. It was eventually popularized in the west by one of his disciples, Swami Vishnu Devananda. The first Sivananda Yoga Center was established in Montreal as far back as 1957. Since the inception of this center in the West, Sivananda yoga has come a long way, and today boasts of 80 teaching centers all over the world.

Why should I opt for a Sivananda Yoga Class?

What differentiates Sivananda yoga from other forms of yoga in the West is its emphasis on a systematic and well documented method of training. More than 10,000 yoga teachers have been taught in Sivananda yoga ranches where they learn how to perform yoga based on the tenets promulgated by Swami Sivananda. All Sivananda yoga teachers have to successfully graduate from a Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Course. Thus, Sivananda yoga is one of the few popular forms of yoga in the West that still retains its authenticity and purity.

Difference between Sivananda Yoga and other forms of Yoga

Unlike its more athletic cousins such as Bikram yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, Sivananda yoga is a more sedate program that lays more importance on proper breathing and relaxation. This gentle approach means that Sivananda yoga is perfect for novices, the elderly, children, or people recovering from serious injuries. Nonetheless, if you are new to yoga, or are suffering from any serious injuries, you should seek the approval of a qualified medical doctor before venturing into any yoga class, or other form of exercise.

How is Sivananda Yoga performed?

Sivananda yoga follows five basic principles that have been integral to the practice of yoga through countless centuries. These five principles are:

Proper breathing
Sivananda yoga lays a lot of emphasis on proper breath control. It encourages yogic breathing exercises (Pranayama) that help the individual gain the complete benefits of full breathing.

Exercise
Sivananda yoga also lays a lot of emphasis on gentle exercises (Asanas). Yogic Asanas are scientifically designed deep stretches that rejuvenate the body and promote the circulation of blood.

Relaxation
Sivananda yoga also lays a lot of importance on relaxation. This is invaluable in this day and age when we are constantly subjected to so much stress.

Diet
Recent scientific studies have begun to confirm what the yogis of ancient India knew thousands of years ago: the best diet is a light vegetarian diet. Sivananda yoga also follows the yogic principles of a vegetarian sattvic (pure) diet.

Meditation
Regular meditation can provide a variety of physical and emotional benefits. The meditation techniques taught in Sivananda yoga will help you to de-stress and focus your mind effectively.