Learn More About Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar is a new form of yoga created by B.K.S. Iyengar. This yoga form is distinguished from other yoga styles by its use of props like belts, blocks, blankets, straps, pillows, chairs, and bolsters, etc. as aids during performing the asanas or postures. Iyengar yoga is based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga in Yoga Sutras as expounded by Patanjali. Regular practice of Iyengar yoga improves your health by increasing your strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, concentration, and meditation.

The concept of using various props is comparatively new in yoga and the striking feature of Iyengar yoga. The purpose of using these props is to help its practitioners attain perfect postures and proper body alignment without feeling any physical discomfort. The asanas in Iyengar may seem difficult for the beginners. So, if you are doing yoga for the first time in life, you will find these props very helpful to practice the yoga postures.

Iyengar yoga also puts great emphasis on perfect body alignment. Through regular practice, you can create a balance between your body, mind, and soul which is crucial for one's overall health and well-being. It is also a powerful tool to relieve modern-day life-stress and to achieve a healthy lifestyle. It gives you control over your restless mind, increases concentration and as a result you can focus on your work or study more. It also teaches you to be disciplined and promotes total physical and spiritual well-being.

Along with symmetry and body alignment, breathing technique and meditation are also important in Iyenger yoga. All the poses or asanas in Iyengar are retained for a longer duration compared to other forms of yoga. This helps to bring calmness to your mind. The weak areas of your body and mind are opened and strengthened through practicing the sets of Iyengar yoga, and consequently, your body attains a perfect alignment.

Here's a list of what Iyengar yoga does for your body:

  • Tones up your muscles
  • Strengthens & develops your muscles
  • Enables you to get rid of tension & stress
  • Increases your concentration & focus
  • Bring calmness and mental peace
  • Increases flexibility of your body
  • Makes you feel more energetic through proper breathing & meditation
  • Gives you more control over your body and mind
  • Alleviates chronic pain
  • Creates a perfect balance between your body, mind & soul
  • Helps you attain a perfect spiritual state of mind

There are different poses in Iyengar yoga which include:

  • Standing
  • Sitting
  • Supine
  • Twists
  • Inversions
  • Forward Bends and
  • Backward Bends

All these poses are emphasized in this yoga to build strong legs, increase general vitality, improve blood circulation, increase body coordination and balance - all of which ensures a strong foundation for a healthy body.

The latest yoga form in Iyengar can be described as meditation in action. This form of yoga not only helps you to build a strong body but also helps you to attain a peace of mind. Studies have shown that practicing this yoga regularly can also cure some mental depression. So, if you want to lead a healthy lifestyle, include Iyengar yoga in your daily work-out regime.