My Expertise: Hatha Yoga

Viniyoga in the Tradition of T. Kriṣṇamācārya

Auspicious Beginnings

I teach Hatha Yoga in the tradition of T. Kriṣṇamācārya, an Indian Yoga teacher, ayurvedic healer and scholar (18 November 1888 – 28 February 1989). His son, T.K.V. Deśikācar, continued to share the traditional teachings of Yoga worldwide and through the KYM in Chennai, India. And his grandson, Kausthub Deśikācar, continues the tradition today, sharing Viniyoga — the personalized application of Yoga based on the individualized needs of each student.

Viniyoga is the foundation of Yoga Therapy. This healing approach to personalized Yoga includes refining postures, sequencing them optimally, and ascribing therapeutic value to the many tools of Yoga: āsana, prānāyama, meditation, and chanting.

Commonly Asked Yoga Questions

What is Yoga Therapy and what is the difference between it and Yoga?

Do I have to be in strong, flexible, or in shape to practice Yoga?

Yoga Therapy is based on ancient Indian models of healing and is a holistic approach that brings the many layers of the human system into alignment — mind, body, breath, personality, and spirit. Yoga Therapy is applied for health and healing based on the individual needs of the practitioner and is always taught in a one-on-one or small-group setting. Yoga Therapy is always individualized to the person while modern-day Yoga is often taught to many people in large groups. In addition, training to be a Yoga Therapist requires additional hours of study beyond Yoga teacher training and includes the study of bodily systems, common health conditions, and applications of Yoga for health concerns.

You don't have to be in shape, flexible, fit, strong, or good at breathing, fitness, balance, or coordination to practice Yoga. Yoga practice helps you move to more optimal and positive states of body and mind alignment. The definition of Yoga in the Yoga Sutras — the definitive text on Yoga — is the ability to focus the mind in a chosen direction without interruption for a sustained amount of time. If you have an active mind, which most of us do, Yoga practices will support you in slowing down your thoughts and focusing your attention. Feeling good in the body is an added benefit.