Iyengar Yoga: Facts about It

Iyengar Yoga is a practice including advanced study of Yoga poses (asanas) and breathing patterns (Pranayama) named after the yogi who suggested it, Mr Ieyngar.

The three main facts about Iyengar Yoga that distinguish it from other Yoga systems are the combination of special technique, correct sequencing and proper timing. On the other hand, just as any other Yoga methods, Iyengar Yoga stresses the inextricable connection between the body and mind, so it is no use training one’s muscles without paying any attention to mental development, and on the contrary, simply sitting and meditating is unlikely to help reach the  perfect consciousness if one’s flesh is not fit and ready.

So, Iyengar Yoga offers its practitioners to take the following steps. First of all, the wide variety of Asanas and Pranayama forms are systematized and arranged in such a way that the students pass gradually from the simplest exercises to most complicated ones becoming more flexible, strong and healthy. At that, it is intended that the progress entails minimum amount of pain, stress or injury and maximum of comfort and safety.

For this purpose, Iyengar Yoga features a number of facilities that help perform the exercises correctly at the initial stages. These props include belts, balls, wooden or plastic blocks, etc. (For example, the beginners can ensure right posture alignment with the help of marking on the mats.)

Secondly, Iyengar Yoga presupposes a certain sequence of exercises to be performed during classes. This not only reduces the physical load on the practitioners without affecting the benefits of Iyengar Yoga, but also enhances its positive effects. The same refers to the determination of time required for achieving best results: it is important to take the pose and remain in it for a while to make the most of Iyengar Yoga.

By the time Iyengar Yoga student masters their body well, they can proceed to combining asanas with breathing. It has been proven by much statistical research that the ability to control one’s breath, prolong and regulate it, helps prevent and cure many diseases affecting all processes in the organism: meditation in action that is done in Iyengar Yoga gets one to listen to their body on the whole and understand what it is telling.

As a result, prana, or life-force can flow through the body without obstructions and the person feels calm, free and full of energy.