What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, a direct disciple of T. Krishnamacharya. Iyengar yoga is characterised by precision and alignment in the execution of the postures (asanas), sequencing of the asanas towards a desired result, timing in the length of time the asanas are held for maximum benefit, and the use of props if required to help a student gain the maximum benefit from each asana.
Iyengar yoga concentrates on postural alignment and body awareness. This is not just for the alignment of one body part with another, but also for the proper functioning of the human being. If the body is aligned with precision then the breath is aligned with the same precision. If the breath is balanced then the mind, emotions and senses become balanced.
What makes it unique?
Iyengar Yoga focuses on three aspects: alignment, sequencing and timing.
Alignment means maintaining the intended pose while respecting the body’s boundaries. Iyengar yoga encourages the use of props to assist students within an asana without putting them at risk of injury. Effective alignment can then help to achieve balance between body, mind and breath.
Sequencing refers to the order that the postures are practiced to enable a safe and structured progression of the poses, along with the ‘opening’ and balance of the physical and emotional body.
Timing: unlike Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar yoga poses are held for longer periods of time. When stability has been achieved in a pose, it’s then possible to safely intensify the depth of the posture. This helps to help develop strength and flexibility, along with sensitivity and awareness between the body and mind.
What are the benefits?
Mr. Iyengar started practicing yoga because he had poor health as a child. With daily practice, his health and strength improved and he experienced great benefits in his own body. This enabled him to develop an extensive knowledge of anatomy and a therapeutic approach to the practice.
Mr. Iyengar recognised that all bodies are unique and have different strengths and weaknesses. He, therefore, advocated the use of props – blocks, chairs, belts, and blankets, etc. – to help students to gain the correct alignment suitable for their individual body. This ensured that asanas could be practiced safely and harmoniously.
A regular Iyengar yoga practice can help to:
improve physical and psychological health
release emotional tension
reconnect with your body and breath
increase your energy
alleviate postural/structural problems
increase focus and concentration
bring intelligence and clarity to all parts of the body and mind.
“Iyengar yoga comes directly from the most classical Hatha yoga tradition, but it has evolved into a very precise and clear method that is easily understood by the modern practitioner. Lots of attention is paid to the technical alignment of the poses to keep the mind drawn inwards, but also focused and connected to reality.”