Jivamukti Yoga is a method that integrates physical asanas, spiritual teachings, and ethical practices, founded by Sharon Gannon and David Life in 1984. The practice is dynamic and incorporates elements of Vinyasa Yoga, emphasizing flowing sequences, alignment, and the integration of yogic philosophy. Here is a list of common poses you might encounter in a Jivamukti Yoga class:
Warm-Up Poses
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
- **Urdhva Hastasana** (Upward Salute)
- **Uttanasana** (Standing Forward Bend)
- **Ardha Uttanasana** (Halfway Lift)
- **Adho Mukha Svanasana** (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
- **Phalakasana** (Plank Pose)
- **Chaturanga Dandasana** (Four-Limbed Staff Pose)
- **Urdhva Mukha Svanasana** (Upward-Facing Dog Pose)
- **Bhujangasana** (Cobra Pose)
Standing Poses
- **Utkatasana** (Chair Pose)
- **Virabhadrasana I** (Warrior I Pose)
- **Virabhadrasana II** (Warrior II Pose)
- **Virabhadrasana III** (Warrior III Pose)
- **Utthita Trikonasana** (Extended Triangle Pose)
- **Utthita Parsvakonasana** (Extended Side Angle Pose)
- **Parivrtta Trikonasana** (Revolved Triangle Pose)
- **Parivrtta Parsvakonasana** (Revolved Side Angle Pose)
- **Prasarita Padottanasana** (Wide-Legged Forward Bend)
- **Parsvottanasana** (Pyramid Pose)
- **Ardha Chandrasana** (Half Moon Pose)
- **Garudasana** (Eagle Pose)
- **Vrksasana** (Tree Pose)
- **Natarajasana** (Dancer Pose)
Balancing Poses
- **Bakasana** (Crow Pose)
- **Eka Pada Bakasana** (One-Legged Crow Pose)
- **Eka Pada Koundinyasana I** (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I)
- **Eka Pada Koundinyasana II** (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Koundinya II)
- **Vasisthasana** (Side Plank Pose)
- **Astavakrasana** (Eight-Angle Pose)
- **Tittibhasana** (Firefly Pose)
- **Parsva Bakasana** (Side Crow Pose)
### Core Strengthening Poses
- **Navasana** (Boat Pose)
- **Ardha Navasana** (Half Boat Pose)
- **Chaturanga Dandasana** (Four-Limbed Staff Pose)
- **Phalakasana** (Plank Pose)
- **Dolphin Plank Pose**
- **Forearm Plank Pose**
### Forward Bends
- **Uttanasana** (Standing Forward Bend)
- **Paschimottanasana** (Seated Forward Bend)
- **Janu Sirsasana** (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend)
- **Upavistha Konasana** (Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend)
- **Padangusthasana** (Big Toe Pose)
- **Padahastasana** (Hand-to-Foot Pose)
### Backbends
- **Urdhva Mukha Svanasana** (Upward-Facing Dog Pose)
- **Bhujangasana** (Cobra Pose)
- **Salabhasana** (Locust Pose)
- **Dhanurasana** (Bow Pose)
- **Ustrasana** (Camel Pose)
- **Setu Bandhasana** (Bridge Pose)
- **Chakrasana** (Wheel Pose)
### Twists
- **Ardha Matsyendrasana** (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)
- **Parivrtta Utkatasana** (Revolved Chair Pose)
- **Parivrtta Trikonasana** (Revolved Triangle Pose)
- **Parivrtta Parsvakonasana** (Revolved Side Angle Pose)
- **Marichyasana** (Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi)
### Inversions
- **Sirsasana** (Headstand)
- **Salamba Sirsasana** (Supported Headstand)
- **Sarvangasana** (Shoulder Stand)
- **Halasana** (Plow Pose)
- **Pincha Mayurasana** (Forearm Stand)
- **Adho Mukha Vrksasana** (Handstand)
### Hip Openers
- **Anjaneyasana** (Low Lunge)
- **Eka Pada Rajakapotasana** (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose)
- **Baddha Konasana** (Bound Angle Pose)
- **Malasana** (Garland Pose)
- **Lizard Pose** (Utthan Pristhasana)
### Cool Down Poses
- **Savasana** (Corpse Pose)
- **Supta Baddha Konasana** (Reclining Bound Angle Pose)
- **Supta Padangusthasana** (Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose)
- **Ananda Balasana** (Happy Baby Pose)
- **Balasana** (Child’s Pose)
### Additional Elements in Jivamukti Yoga
– **Pranayama**: Breathing exercises such as Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath) and Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing).
– **Meditation**: Incorporating meditation practices for mental clarity and relaxation.
– **Chanting**: Including Sanskrit chants and mantras.
– **Philosophy**: Integrating teachings from classical yoga texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita.
– **Music**: Often using music during classes to enhance the practice experience.
Jivamukti Yoga classes often include a blend of these poses along with spiritual teachings, chanting, and music to create a holistic and immersive yoga experience.