Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga incorporates props such as chairs, straps, blocks, pillows and sandbags which help compensate for a lack of flexibility and allow people to more comfortably assume the poses.Created by B.K.S. Iyengar, Iyengar Yoga is a softer style of yoga which focuses on bodily alignment. Like many other yoga styles, Iyengar has its roots in Hatha yoga. It is ideal for individuals who are just beginning yoga or for those who haven’t exercised for awhile or are troubled by back or joint problems.

The Iyengar method of Yoga is initially learnt through the in-depth study of asanas (posture) and pranayama (breath control).

Mr Iyengar has systematised over 200 classical yoga Asanas and 14 different types of Pranayamas (with variations of many of them) from the simple to the incredibly difficult. These have been structured and categorised so as to allow a beginner to progress surely and safely from basic postures to the most advanced as they gain flexibility, strength and sensitivity in mind, body and spirit.

The Iyengar style focuses on great attention to detail, precise alignment and symmetry of postures, and meditation. The props serve a second purpose by helping Iyengar yogis achieve the best possible pose. Poses are also held longer, unlike Ashtanga yoga which involves constant motion from one pose to the next, and poses are repeated many times. Pranayma can only be attempted once a certain level of mastery has been achieved with the poses. Iyengar yoga can be beneficial for toning muscles, easing chronic pain, and eliminating tension.

An added benefit is that although the therapeutic aspects of asanas and pranayama have been known for centuries, Mr Iyengar’s unrelenting emphasis on correct anatomical alignment and methods of working have refined the therapeutic aspects of Yoga. Thus practice of Iyengar yoga will often result in eliminating aches and pains, improve posture etc. but Iyengar Yoga can also be used to treat many ailments, including extremely serious medical conditions, under the supervision of a suitably experienced teacher. The other two key aspects of asana practice in the Iyengar system are correct sequencing in which there is a powerful cumulative effect achieved by practicing asanas in particular sequences. The concept of timings means postures are held for considerable lengths of time to let the effects of the poses penetrate deeper within the individual .

In practice Iyengar Yoga focuses particularly on three aspects. Correct body alignment allows the body to develop harmoniously in an anatomically correct way so that the student suffers no injury or pain when practising correctly. As all bodies are different and people have different weaknesses and strengths. Mr Iyengar has also developed the use of props to help the body into the correct positions required. Props are objects like wooden blocks, chairs, blankets and belts that help one adjust or support oneself in the different postures so that one can work in a range of motion that is safe and effective.