more from IYM interview with Gary
Asana as a Tool: The Viniyoga Approach . . . .
We use asana as a mirror, to see what’s going on with our
spines, to see if our joints are stable or hyper-mobile, if our
muscles are contracted, weak, or developed asymmetrically, etc. Then, we adapt the forms of asana to improve skeletal
alignment, stabilize hyper-mobile joints, restore muscular
symmetry, strengthen weak muscles, create functional
movement patterns and so on.
Asana as a Tool: The Viniyoga Approach . . .
Our detailed science of sequencing, known as vinyasa karma, enables practitioners to create different sequences for different needs. Finally, we think of using asana in the service of pranayama—to help prepare the mind for meditation, which prepares the heart for prayer.