Iyengar Yoga is characterised by several qualities, most prominent of which are precision and alignment, timing of the poses, sequencing of postures and the use of props.
The invention of props has been one of the gifts of our beloved Guruji BKS Iyengar’s genius.
Yoga props are simply objects that are used to aid the practice of yoga poses. These range from simple household furniture like bed, dining table, bathroom stool to the more specialised blocks, belts, chairs and bolsters.
With props as tools, people of all ages and health conditions can perform the asanas with ease and proper alignment, and thus experience numerous physical, mental and spiritual benefits from yoga.
There are many advantages of using yoga props in our practice-
1. Alignment-
The true mechanics (alignment) of a pose can be learnt through using props. This can be a very direct and dynamic way to stretch and strengthen the right muscles, to control the movements of the body, to bring life to dull areas and to create space where there is none. While performing asanas with proper alignment, the practitioner tends to achieve more benefits from the practice than he/she otherwise would.
2. Staying Power and Stability-
Props also support staying power in a pose. Increased duration in a pose develops physical stability, mental peace and concentration. As we stay in a pose, unnecessary thinking is diminished and we experience more restfulness and tranquillity. Vital energies that would normally be lost in sustaining a posture can be channelised to observe the breath and thus expand consciousness.
3. Breathe deeply and Relaxation-
One of the key aspects of yoga is the breathing practice. Sometimes we tend to forget to breathe deeply while doing a pose. Appropriate use of props provides the alignment and stability while maintaining the position of the body in a yogasana. As a result we are able to breathe deeply, which in turn stimulates the Vagus nerve and activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System- this instantaneously releases all stress and tension leading to a sense of calmness and overall relaxation of the body.
4. Alleviate and Overcome Fears-
Props can be used to face, alleviate and overcome our fears (specially while practising inversions or backbends). For example, learning to do Sirsasana (headstand) at the wall or Sarvangasana (shouldstand) on the chair will help the beginner to do the pose without the fear of falling. Once the above mentioned poses (and others) are done with the help of props, the practitioner starts developing the much needed stability, alignment and balance. As they improve with time, the props can be eliminated and the poses can be done independently.
5. For students with injury, ailments or limitations, the use of props grants the ability to do poses that they would otherwise be unable to do. However with the help of props, they are able to relieve their suffering and begin to heal.
6. As a bonus, correct yoga postures also stimulate the production of good neurochemicals in the brain (dopamine and endorphins), thereby boosting one’s mood and productivity, removing fatigue and energising the body.
In summary, props certainly encourage the yoga practice to be more versatile and doable for people of all ages, shapes and situations. Not only they provide us the capacity to transform poses, but also they help to add motivation and interest to a regular practice. Indeed, props play the role of ‘True Friends’ in our practice of yoga.