Vinyasa as Prescription:

In today’s yoga culture, it’s easy to assume that “vinyasa” means a room packed with sweaty bodies flowing through identical sequences. From trendy studio classes to online flows, group vinyasa has become synonymous with energy, synchronization, and performance. But the truth is, this popular image couldn’t be further from how vinyasa was originally developed and taught.

Krishnamacharya—reverently known as the grandfather of modern yoga—never intended for vinyasa to be practiced in large groups. To him, yoga was medicine, and vinyasa was a prescription. Individualized, intentional, and deeply personal.

The Roots of Vinyasa: Not One-Size-Fits-All

Krishnamacharya’s approach drew heavily from Ayurveda and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. He believed movement should be guided by breath, tailored to the student’s age, capacity, and health condition. In his sessions, which were mostly one-on-one, every sequence was created with precision and care—like a doctor crafting a protocol.

Students like B.K.S. Iyengar and T.K.V. Desikachar were given dramatically different practices, even though they studied under the same teacher. Why? Because the body, mind, and spirit of each individual call for unique attention. Krishnamacharya saw yoga not as a spectacle, but as a vehicle for personal healing and transformation.

The Shift to Mass Instruction

With yoga’s global expansion came inevitable commercialization. Big studios flourished, flashy sequences dominated, and packed classes became the norm. Vinyasa, once a quiet and intentional lineage, was absorbed into formats that prioritized movement over meaning.

Classes with even 10, or more participants dilute the personal depth of the practice. Teachers simply cannot assess individual needs, postural tendencies, or breath patterns in that setting. Students often mirror the person next to them rather than tuning into their own rhythm and individual guidance often just isn’t a thing..

Even more concerning: the choice of and sequence of poses in many classes is often chosen for visual impact—how exciting or trendy it looks—rather than for therapeutic relevance. Flow is treated like choreography, designed to impress rather than heal. It’s a far cry from Krishnamacharya’s intent, where every pose had purpose and every breath had meaning.

Reclaiming the Original Vision

Is it too late to return to the roots? —to yoga as a dialogue between student and teacher? Can we move away from the anonymous monologue? Teachers have the opportunity to slow down, assess, and adapt. Personalized sequencing, individualized breathwork, and cultivating presence can all fit within modern frameworks, if we choose to prioritize them.

At Vallarta Breeze Yoga, we’ve embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly. Our class sizes are intentionally kept small, allowing us to offer a boutique experience that honors each student’s path. No one gets lost in the crowd. Every session is personalized—crafted like a prescription to match your breath, your body, and your intention.

Why It Matters

Yoga isn’t just exercise. At its core, it’s svadhyaya—self-study—and dharana—focused attention. In the quiet guidance of a tailored practice, students don’t just move… they transform.

When yoga becomes medicine, it stops being performative and starts being profound. We see healing, resilience, and growth—not just flexibility and fun.

Let us scale down the class sizes. Let us listen to the needs of our students. Let us honor what Krishnamacharya taught: that vinyasa is meant to adapt to the individual — not the other way around.

know this: yoga meets you where you are. The more personal it becomes, the more powerful its effects.

Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into the physical practice of yoga, The Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga Sutras, or would like to explore our blog, we have a wealth of information available for you! Better yet, join us here in the Vallarta Breeze Yoga Puerto Vallarta Yoga studio, or practice with us online! we’re excited to continue this journey with you. See you on the mat!

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