Aetna, the American Viniyoga Institute and e-Mindful collaborated to conduct a pilot study on mind-body approaches to stress reduction. The pilot showed significant reductions in stress as compared to the control group. The Viniyoga Stress Reduction Program will be offered in additional Aetna worksites this spring and summer. Data collection will continue to further the understanding of how mind-body approaches can positively impact health and wellness.  ..

"Viniyoga has taught me that asana is just setting the table - setting the table for pranayama, for meditation, for personal growth. It is such a wonderful banquet.” - Dr. Laura Gervais, Chiropractor and Acupuncturist, Cheyenne, WY ..

"The gift of asana practice is to support optimal development, restore us to wellness, open us to wholeness, bring us to presence and deepen self-awareness." Excerpted from Mirka Scalco Kraftsow's Viniyoga Home Study Course.  ..

The yoga tradition is rooted in Patanjali’s teachings which are, in turn, rooted in Vedic revelation. The Yoga Sutra-s of Patanjali represent a very unique text in human history because it is more like a science of mind and a science of religion, which is at the same time non-sectarian and not secular. Yoga philosophy was never secular because yoga didn’t exist in Vedic times separate from religion. It was connected to the whole spiritual journey, which traditionally was in the context of all world religions. Today we make the distinction between religion and spirituality, which is understandable, but traditionally there was no distinction. Religion was the science of spirituality. ..

Patanjali uses the word twice in the Yoga Sutra. One sutra [2.33] says, “Vitarkabadhane pratipaksha bhavanam.” That’s a very simple sentence. It means that when we have afflicted thinking, then “Pratipaksha bhavanam”: Contemplate and take another view—look at the situation from another perspective. In another sutra [2.34] Patanjali says if you have negative thinking that comes from anger, greed, or delusion, whether you’re actively in it or just thinking about it, the fruit will be unending suffering and ignorance. Therefore, “Pratipaksha bhavanam”: Take another view, reframe your perspective on the situation. ..