Viniyoga is a form of yoga deeply rooted in classical yogic tradition, but has evolved to suit modern needs. Its name comes from the Sanskrit term "Vini" , meaning "appropriate application" or "adaptation", and embodies the fundamental philosophy of this practice: adapting yoga to the individual needs, abilities and circumstances of practitioners. Viniyoga was popularized by the Indian master Tirumalai Krishnamacharya , often called the "father of modern yoga", and his son TKV Desikachar , who further developed this unique approach by placing the individual at the center of the practice.

Krishnamacharya is a major figure in the modern history of yoga. Born in 1888, he studied many branches of yoga, from ancient texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali , the Bhagavad Gita , and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika , to traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda . His teachings have influenced many modern yoga styles, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, and Viniyoga. Krishnamacharya believed that yoga should be individualized —that is, adjusted according to each person's age, physical condition, needs, and goals. This personalized approach is the heart of Viniyoga.

However, it was with TKV Desikachar that Viniyoga took off as a distinct style in the 20th century. Desikachar, trained directly by his father Krishnamacharya, developed Viniyoga in the 1970s with a particular emphasis on the adaptability and therapeutic progression of yoga practice. While his father was primarily a traditional teacher, Desikachar sought to adapt ancient yoga principles to modern reality, recognizing that each individual has unique needs and that a "one-size-fits-all" approach did not suit all practitioners. He also emphasized the therapeutic dimension of yoga, incorporating breathing practices, meditation, and postures tailored to injuries and physical limitations.

Viniyoga is therefore rooted in the teachings of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras , where the emphasis is on the idea that yoga should be progressive and personalized . Patanjali describes yoga as a method for mastering the fluctuations of the mind (chitta vritti nirodha), and the principles of Viniyoga follow this philosophy by ensuring that each practitioner advances at their own pace, according to their abilities. Viniyoga also draws on the teachings of Samkhya , an ancient Indian philosophy which considers the universe to be composed of prakriti (matter) and purusha (consciousness), and that yoga is a tool for harmonizing these two forces through introspection and body awareness .

Another major influence in the development of Viniyoga is Ayurveda , the traditional medical system of India, which emphasizes balance between body and mind. In Viniyoga, this holistic approach is reflected in the way postures and breathing techniques are tailored to each practitioner's individual constitution (called dosha in Ayurveda), their energetic needs, and their overall health. This integration of Ayurveda allows Viniyoga to be more than just a physical practice: it becomes a tool for healing and overall well-being .

Viniyoga gained international recognition through the Krishnamacharya Institute of Yoga in Chennai, India, founded by Desikachar. This institute continues to teach Viniyoga following the principles of individualized adaptation and progression. Teachers trained in this approach now spread these teachings throughout the world, particularly in the context of therapeutic yoga , where Viniyoga is used to help people overcome specific health problems, such as chronic pain, stress, anxiety, or respiratory disorders.

One of Desikachar's greatest contributions to the modern world of yoga is his 1995 book "The Heart of Yoga." This book presents the essential principles of Viniyoga and was one of the first modern texts to propose an individualized and therapeutic approach to yoga. In it, he describes the practice of yoga not as a rigid series of postures, but as a path of transformation that must be tailored to the individual . This text has influenced thousands of yoga practitioners and teachers around the world, reinforcing the notion that yoga is a personalized tool for improving both physical health and mental well-being .

In summary, the origins of Viniyoga are based on the teachings of Krishnamacharya and Desikachar, as well as classical texts such as the Yoga Sutras . Viniyoga is distinguished by its adaptive approach, where yoga is not a uniform discipline, but a flexible tool that allows each practitioner to find their own path to physical well-being , mental peace , and spiritual fulfillment .