Iyengar Yoga, named after and developed by B. K. S. Iyengar, is a form of Hatha Yoga
that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of posture
and breath control. The development of strength, mobility and stability is gained through the
asanas. B.K.S. Iyengar has systematised over 200 classical
yoga poses and 14 different types of Pranayama ranging from the basic to advanced. This helps
ensure that students progress gradually by moving from simple poses to more complex ones
and develop their mind, body and spirit step-by-step. Iyengar Yoga often makes use of props, such
as belts, blocks, and blankets, as aids in performing asanas. The props enable students
to perform the asanas correctly, minimising the risk of injury or strain, and making the
postures accessible to both young and old. Iyengar Yoga is firmly based on the traditional
eight limbs of yoga as expounded by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras.
Focus A form of Hatha Yoga, it focuses on the structural
alignment of the physical body through the development of asanas. Through the practice
of a system of asanas, it aims to unite the body, mind and spirit for health and well-being.
This discipline is considered a powerful tool to relieve the stresses of modern-day life
which in turn can help promote total physical and spiritual well-being.
It can be said that Iyengar differs from the other styles of yoga by three key elements:
technique, sequence and timing. Technique refers to the precision of the body
alignment and the performance of pranayama. Sequence means the sequences in which asanas
and breathing exercises are practiced. Following the specific sequence is important in achieving
the desired result, because only the combination of certain poses and breathing techniques
can ensure the expected positive effect. Timing is the third key element which defines
the time spent in each pose or pranayama. Iyengar Yoga is characterized by great attention
to detail and precise focus on body alignment. Iyengar pioneered the use of "props" such
as cushions, benches, blocks, straps and 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 elderly, injured, tired or ill students to enjoy the
benefits of many asanas via fully "supported" methods requiring less muscular effort.
Unlike more experiential approaches where students are encouraged to independently "find
their way" to the asanas by imitating the teacher, an Iyengar Yoga class is highly verbal
and precise, with misalignments and errors actively corrected. Iyengar teachers complete
at least two years of rigorous training for the introductory certificate. They may complete
subsequent intermediate levels and senior levels of certification, potentially entailing
a decade or more of training. Healing effects
Iyengar also targeted various ailments, diseases, and disorders with his practice. Chronic back
pain, immunodeficiency, high blood pressure, insomnia, depression and menopause have specific
programs of yoga associated with them. Iyengar worked with those who had myocardial infarctions.
The asanas are designed to be adjusted based on a person's stage of recovery.
See also
B. K. S. Iyengar References
External links B.K.S. Iyengar's Official website
BBC World Service article and programme by Mark Tully
Iyengar among TIME's top 100 people Interview with Iyengar on CNN
Denver Post article Interview with BKS Iyengar by IBNlive news
channel Interview with BKS iyengar by Noa Zweig, Pune
2012