Iyengar yoga is a style of yoga that places a strong emphasis on proper alignment and the use of props to help students achieve correct posture. This approach was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, who is considered one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century. In this article, we’ll explore the principles of Iyengar yoga and the benefits of this style of practice.
Who is B.K.S. Iyengar?
B.K.S. Iyengar (Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar) was a renowned yoga teacher and founder of the Iyengar Yoga style. He was born on December 14, 1918, in Bellur, India, and began his yoga practice at a young age to improve his health. He later became one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century, with students from around the world seeking his guidance.
Iyengar is known for his emphasis on precise alignment and the use of props in yoga practice. He believed that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, could benefit from the practice of yoga. Iyengar wrote several books on yoga, including “Light on Yoga,” which is considered a classic text on the subject.
Iyengar passed away on August 20, 2014, at the age of 95, but his legacy lives on through the Iyengar Yoga community and the thousands of students he taught over his lifetime.
Principles of Iyengar Yoga
One of the defining features of Iyengar yoga is its focus on proper alignment. Students are taught to pay close attention to the details of each pose, with the goal of achieving the correct alignment of the body. This not only helps prevent injury but also ensures that students receive the full benefits of each pose.
To help students achieve proper alignment, Iyengar yoga makes extensive use of props such as blocks, straps, blankets, and bolsters. These props allow students to modify poses to suit their individual needs and abilities, and can be especially helpful for those with injuries or physical limitations.
Another key principle of Iyengar yoga is the use of sequencing. Students progress through a carefully designed sequence of poses, with each pose preparing the body for the next. This approach ensures that students develop a strong foundation in the basics of yoga practice, and can progress safely and effectively.
Benefits of Iyengar Yoga
The emphasis on proper alignment and the use of props in Iyengar yoga offer a range of benefits for students. Some of the key benefits of this style of practice include:
Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion
- Iyengar yoga is an excellent way to improve flexibility and range of motion. The use of props allows students to modify poses to suit their individual needs, which can be especially helpful for those with limited flexibility.
Reduced Risk of Injury
- By focusing on proper alignment, Iyengar yoga helps reduce the risk of injury. Students are taught to pay close attention to their body’s alignment in each pose, which can help prevent strain and injury.
Improved Balance and Stability
- Many of the poses in Iyengar yoga require a strong sense of balance and stability. By practicing these poses regularly, students can improve their balance and stability, which can be helpful in everyday life.
Increased Body Awareness
- The focus on alignment and the use of props in Iyengar yoga help students develop a greater awareness of their bodies. This can help students identify areas of tension or weakness, and work to improve their overall physical health.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
- Like many styles of yoga, Iyengar yoga emphasizes deep breathing and relaxation. This can be especially helpful for reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting overall mental and emotional well-being.
Getting Started with Iyengar Yoga
If you’re interested in trying Iyengar yoga, it’s important to find a qualified and experienced teacher. Look for a teacher who has completed Iyengar yoga teacher training and is certified by the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS).
When you attend your first class, be sure to let your teacher know if you have any injuries or physical limitations. They can help you modify poses as needed to ensure that you practice safely and effectively.
Conclusion
Iyengar yoga is a style of yoga that emphasizes proper alignment and the use of props to help students achieve correct posture. By focusing on alignment and sequencing, Iyengar yoga offers a range of benefits for students, including improved flexibility, reduced risk of injury, and increased body awareness.
If you’re interested in trying Iyengar yoga, be sure to find a qualified teacher and let them know of any injuries or limitations you may have. With regular practice, Iyengar yoga can help you build a strong foundation in yoga practice and improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So why not give it a try and see for yourself the transformative power of Iyengar yoga?