What is Viniyoga?

I had never heard of viniyoga until I researched the topic of relieving lower back pain. Did you know that there is an American Viniyoga Institute?

Viniyoga is actually an individualized approach to yoga. It is an approach to yoga that is adapted for the individual needs of the yoga participant.

A study was conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to determine which of three methods was best in improving function and reducing the symptoms of those suffering from chronic lower back pain. The three methods tested are:

• Viniyoga classes, which also used breathing and deep relaxation exercises.
  
• Stretching or Flexibility classes which used 15 exercises. Each class included 52 minutes of stretching.
  
• Or Reading a Self-care book on the subject.

The result showed that yoga and the stretching exercises were equally effective in reducing symptoms of lower back pain, and each was more effective than a self-care book. Back related function improved, and symptoms were reduced after 12 weeks of either yoga classes or stretching classes.

The test involved 228 adults with chronic lower back pain and lasted 12 weeks. Handouts, CD's (yoga) or DVD's (stretching) were given to the yoga and stretching groups, and these groups were asked to practice at least 20 minutes each day when classes were not scheduled. The self-care group was given a book that gave information on the causes of back pain, and provided advice on exercises, lifestyle changes and how to manage pain flare-ups.

The results suggest that yoga's benefits to reduce lower back pain is largely due to muscle stretching and strengthening rather that yoga's mental components.

Related links for further information on Yoga, Stretching Exercises and the benefits toward reducing lower back pain are:

ScienceDaily - "Yoga Eases Back Pain in Largest US Yoga Study to Date"
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine - "For Low-Back Pain, Yoga More Effective Than Self-Care But Not Stretching"
American Viniyoga Institute
Flexibility Exercises

Charles