Prana Vashya Yoga is a breath-centered yoga practice which has its origin in Mysore, South India, where it is taught by its author and main teacher Vinay Kumar. It is influenced by yoga research and teaching of Sri T. Krishnamacharya, especially by the strong emphasis on the breath and the concept of “vinyasa”.

Prana Vashya Yoga is recognized by yoga practitioners for its various and complex effects on both physical and psychological levels. The primary series of Prana Vashya Yoga is complex and helps to build tremendous stamina, flexibility and strength. The practice is dynamic and intense with a special focus on deep breath and its linking to the movements. Even gentle breath retentions (antara & bahya kumbhaka) are incorporated into the asana practice, making it ideal tool for preparing body & mind for more advanced yoga techniques such as more intense pranayama and meditation.

Quoting Vinay Kumar on Prana Vashya Yoga:

“Pranayama is such an essential part of yoga, I focused on its relationship to performing the asana and discovered that the asana actually follows the breath and not the other way around if done properly with full awareness. Prana Vashya follows the breath instead of following the movement and maintains the rhythm of the breath throughout the practice. Through breath control, Prana Vashya keeps the attention fixed on the asana, not allowing the mind to wander. Utilizing Kumbhakas (breath locks) in certain movements while performing asana and vinyasa has a very powerful and dynamic effect that develops intense stamina Physically, Physiologically and Psychologically.

This developed capacity can be drawn from the mat and taken into life.”