What is Iyengar Yoga?

Posted on July 16, 2009 in Latest News

Iyengar Yoga is created by Yogacharya B.K.S.Iyengar (Guruji) who teaches yoga in a unique way. Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga and is considered a powerful tool in relieving the stresses of the modern-day life and promoting total well-being of the individual.

It integrates all the eight aspects (astanga) of hatha yoga namely: Yama, Niyama, Asanas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi. 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.

This yoga is characterized by great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment. Mr Iyengar pioneered the use of “props” such as cushions, benches, blocks, straps, and even sand bags, which function as aids allowing beginners to experience asanas more easily and fully than might otherwise be possible without several years of practice. Props also allow tired or ill students to enjoy the benefits of many asanas via fully “supported” methods requiring less muscular effort.

Standing poses are emphasized in Iyengar Yoga. They are said to build strong legs, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination and balance, ensuring a strong foundation for study of more advanced poses.

How Iyengar Yoga is different
Three aspects can be considered when comparing Iyengar yoga to other yoga processes: Technique, Sequence and Timing:

Therapeutic aspects of Iyengar Yoga:
The practice of Iyengar yoga will often result in eliminating aches and pains, improve posture etc. It can also be used to treat many ailments, including extremely serious medical conditions, under the supervision of a suitably experienced teacher.
Yogacharya B.K.S.Iyengar is a living legend who taught yoga in distinctive way to all his students. Iyengar did not intend to create a discrete branch of yoga called “Iyengar Yoga” – this was a name applied to his style by his students.

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