Sivananda Yoga

Swami Vishnu-devananda brought this popular style to the west in 1957 at the request of Yogi Swami Sivananda. Sivananda is a form of Hatha yoga that aims to preserve the health and wellbeing of the practitioner, revitalising body and mind by impeding natural decline and naturally taming the body's processes.

Sivananda yoga emphasises relaxation and Pranayama. Swami Vishnu-devananda distilled the complex philosophies of yoga into five key points:
•Breathing (Pranayama)
•Exercise (Asanas)
•Relaxation (Savasana)
•Diet (Vegetarian)
•Meditation and positive thinking (Dhyana and Vedanta)
Classes will last around 60-90 minutes and are flexible. Typically practitioners rest in the Corpse Pose (Savasana) before beginning with front brain cleaning breath (Kapalabhati). Alternate nostril breathing (Anuloma Viloma) may also be included before a set of twelve asanas.

Who is Sivananda yoga for?

This style is suitable for all levels interested in a physical practice combined with elements of practice focused on the more subtle energies.