Prana Vashya Yoga is a breath-centered yoga asana 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 full breath, pranayama 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 focus on deep breath and its relation to the movement. Even gentle breath retentions (antara & bahya kumbhaka) are used during asana practice, making it ideal tool for preparing body & mind for more advanced yoga techniques such as more intense pranayama and meditation.

Vinay Kumar about Prana Vashya Yoga in his own words:

“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.”