Terminology
Yin
Yin is a slow paced, more meditative style of Yoga that focuses on releasing stress and tension from the deep connective tissue and joints. Yin postures are passive and enable the body to unfold naturally with the force of gravity. These postures can be held for varying periods of time, typically ranging anywhere from 2-10 minutes.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa is a style of Yoga that places emphasis on flowing through a series of postures or asanas whilst maintaining a focus on breathing technique or Pranayama.
Pranayama
Asana
Asana literally translates as ‘seat’ but the more modern interpretation of the word denotes physical postures or poses.
Namaste
Namaste translates roughly as ‘the light within me bows to the light within you’ and generally said at the end of a yoga class, bowing the head with palms pressed together at the heart.
Prana
Prana translates as 'life energy' or 'life force'.
Mantra
A Mantra is a word, sound or phrase repeated either out loud (chanting) or in the mind - said to increase concentration while meditating.
Drishti
Drishti is a visual referrence or focal point used to develop balance whilst performing Yoga postures.
Om
Om, pronounced 'a-u-m' is a mantra usually chanted at the beginning and end of yoga classes - a tiny word with a multitude of meanings - said to be the origin of all sounds and the seed of creation. Often quoted as the “universal sound of consciousness”.