🩺All Levels

Viniyoga

Yoga adapted to the individual — not the other way around.

T.K.V. Desikachar

1970s–1980s · Chennai, India

About Viniyoga

Viniyoga is a highly individualized approach that adapts postures, breath and practice duration to suit each student's unique constitution, age, health condition and life stage. It is fundamentally therapeutic and personal, rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach.

✓ Safely adapted for injury, illness or special needs✓ Creates a truly personal yoga practice✓ Addresses specific health conditions therapeutically✓ Integrates all eight limbs of yoga naturally✓ Excellent for aging populations

Yoga Wheel Scores

🤸Flexibility

2/5

Flexibility work is tailored to individual anatomy and goals rather than pursued as a universal aim.

⚡Strength

2/5

Strength is developed as needed for each student's condition and life context.

⚖️Balance

2/5

Balance is addressed therapeutically — improved as part of overall wellbeing.

🌬️Breath

4/5

Breath is the primary tool; the ratio of inhale, exhale and retention is precisely adapted for each person.

🧠Mind

4/5

Integrates yoga philosophy, mantra and meditation as part of a complete personal practice.

History & Origins

Founder

T.K.V. Desikachar

Period

1970s–1980s

Origin

Chennai, India

Viniyoga derives from the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya in Chennai, India, and was systematized by his son T.K.V. Desikachar who coined the term. Desikachar's book 'The Heart of Yoga' (1995) outlined the philosophy. Gary Kraftsow brought Viniyoga to the USA, where it became particularly influential in therapeutic and medical yoga settings.