We live in stressful times and more of us are looking for ways to deal with these stresses. Many who have practised Yoga become aware of its power to promote energy and wellbeing, through the practise of postures (asana) and the use of the breath (pranayama). From this can come a sense of balance (missing when we are stressed or upset), and we are better able to deal with the conflicts and distractions which inevitably arise in all our lives.

At a deeper level, Yoga offers a powerful tool for understanding more about our relationship with the world; a way of moving beyond the everyday self towards a deeper understanding of our habitual and restricting patterns of thought and behaviour.

aYs (Association for Yoga Studies) was originally known as Viniyoga Britain. Viniyoga means the appropriate application of Yoga techniques to the needs of the individual. These include asana, pranayama, counselling, chanting, meditation and the study of texts. The spirit of Viniyoga respects differences in age, culture, religion, philosophy and occupation, as well as physical and mental health.

The tradition of Viniyoga in our time comes from the teaching of the late Professor T Krishnamacharya, his son, T K V Desikachar and grandson, Kausthub. Viniyoga Britain (now aYs) was originally formed by Paul Harvey, a student of T K V Desikachar, to respect the spirit of this unique teaching and to translate it for the West.