What Is / Why Iyengar Yoga
What is Iyengar Yoga ?
Iyengar Yoga, named after and developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, is a form of Hatha Yoga that is characterized by great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment. .
Iyengar Yoga often makes use of props, such as belts, blocks, bolsters, benches and blankets etc. as aids in performing asanas. The props enable students to perform the asanas correctly, minimizing the risk of injury or strain, and also allowing elderly, injured, tired or ill students to enjoy the benefits of many asanas via fully supported methods. No one is too old, too stiff or out of shape, all that is required is keen willingness to learn and a genuine curiosity about the subject .
Why Iyengar Yoga ?
Safety first :
Yoga is like a knife. It heals but if used wrongly, it injures. Iyengar yoga is safe. It uses devices called props that are born of seven decades-backed research by Padma Vibhushan Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. It ensures that the benefits of the various poses are realised without injury to the body. From very simple to complex actions, the props aid and support the body.
For example, for something as simple as to bend down, it will hurt if you have a bad back, injured at some point of time or simply weak. Infact, if you bend in rush, in such a situation, you run the risk of injuring it. The props help support the forward extension and help you achieve it. Over time, your spinal muscles develop and you are able to do the same without the Prop.
Strong tried and tested technique :
Yoga is practised all over the world. However, it is lyengar yoga that strands out for its strong emphasis on technique. This technique gives Mental and physical benefits.
For example, in Iyengar yoga, standing on your head is not Sirsasana. The technique begins before you ‘take off’ and carries through well after you are vertically aligned. Only then are the benefits realised.
The technique is about precision, detailing and sequencing and involves extensive use of props to avoid injury and build the weak parts of the body.
How do we teach?
To implement the technique and use of props, our teachers are trained and skilled continuously.
Iyengar yoga cannot be just taught through oral instructions alone by teachers. For, the teachers can teach only what they experience themselves. That is the litmus test they pass every day.
“Confidence, clarity and compassion are essential qualities of a teacher.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Specific therapeutic Intervention – Medical classes:
We are all born healthy. However, our daily life and activity sometimes takes a toll on our body and mind. Hence, some of us have injuries. Globally, Iyengar yoga is known for its high yield therapeutic intervention. Both for the mind and the muscular-skeletal system. This is a highly skilled intervention. Our teachers are trained to deal with various health ailments through non invasive intervention.
Take back home:
Yoga is about freedom and Iyengar yoga enables you to enjoy it in various dimensions. It starts with the ability to take back home the technique and props and practice by yourself. To do self practice without injury and enjoy the benefits – mental and physical well being, a hallmark of Iyengar yoga.
A Calming Mind
The primary focus of Iyengar yoga is alignment. Holding poses for a longer period of time supported by props create stamina in the muscles. Its more ideal for those who have physical limitations. The belief is achieve balance in the body, so it can calm the mind.
‘Alignment leads to enlightenment.’
Each Iyengar class is different
Iyengar classes are typically planned out to concentrate on an area of the body, or particular actions and movements of the body. The asanas for that class will be carefully chosen and sequenced by the teacher to allow the student to more fully and deeply experience and explore the body. This also facilitates the possibility of touching on slightly more challenging and/or advanced poses towards the end of the class. Attempting advanced asanas otherwise would be difficult and can lead to injuries without careful preparation and guidance.
The class ends with a cooldown. The savasana performed at the end of an Iyengar yoga class is nothing like you have experienced before it is deeply relaxing and will refresh and rejuvenate you.
Be in This Moment!
During an Iyengar Yoga class the teacher will be giving you many instructions to perform the asana correctly. This will encourage you to concentrate on body and breath. you will not have any time to think about anything else and will remain in the moment.
“There is only now”