About Iyengar Yoga
What is Yoga?
The Practice
Asana
Pranayama
What distinguishes Iyengar Yoga from other styles of yoga?
What can I expect in an Iyengar Yoga Class?
 
What is Yoga?
The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “Yuj” meaning to yoke, join or unite. This implies integrating all aspects of an individual; body with mind and mind with soul – to achieve a happy, balanced and spiritual life.

In the West we generally practice Hatha Yoga, meaning ‘determined effort’. Practice of yoga has enabled the body to be healthy and free from stress and illness. Thus, to a certain extent, yoga in the West is closely related to the idea of living a good and healthy life. It stands in contrast to the acquisitiveness and high pace of modern life and can provide the student with a framework for making sense of their life.

As Mira, Shyam and Silva Mehta have so succinctly summarised: “From the psychological viewpoint, yoga sharpens the intellect and aids concentration. It steadies the emotions and encourages a caring concern for others. Above all, it gives hope. The practice of breathing techniques calms the mind, its philosophy sets life in perspective. In the realm of the spiritual, yoga brings awareness and the ability to be still. Through meditation, inner peace is experienced. Thus yoga is a practical philosophy involving every aspect of a person’s being. It teaches the evolution of the individual by the development of self-discipline and self-awareness. Anyone, irrespective of age, health, circumstance of life and religion, can practise yoga.” (Yoga: The Iyengar Way, p8).

B. K. S. Iyengar

B. K. S. Iyengar
 
Sources: Yoga: The Iyengar Way by Silva, Mira and Shyam Mehta (Publisher Dorling Kindersley, 1990). Light on Yoga by: BKS Iyengar (Publisher HarperCollins, 1991).
 
The Practice
The Iyengar method of Yoga is initially learnt through the in-depth study of asanas (posture) and Pranayama (breath control). Mr. Iyengar has systematised over 200 classical yoga asanas and 14 different types of Pranayama from the simple to the incredibly difficult. These have been structured and categorised so as to allow a beginner to progress surely and safely from basic postures to the most advanced as they gain flexibility, strength and sensitivity of the mind, body and spirit.
 
Asana
In practice, Iyengar Yoga focuses particularly on correct body alignment to allow the body to develop in an anatomically correct way, so that the student suffers no injury or pain when practising correctly. As all bodies are different and people have different weaknesses and strengths, Mr. Iyengar has also developed the use of props to help the body into the correct positions required.  Props are objects like wooden blocks, chairs, blankets and belts that help adjust or support the different postures so that the asana is safe and effective.

An added benefit is that although the therapeutic aspects of asanas and Pranayama have been known for centuries, Mr. Iyengar unrelenting emphasis on correct anatomical alignment and methods of working have refined the therapeutic aspects of Yoga. Thus practice of Iyengar Yoga will often result in eliminating aches and pains as well as improving posture etc.

 
Pranayama
Pranayama is started once a firm foundation in asana has been established, as physically the student requires the alignment, flexibility, lung capacity and training necessary to sit and breathe correctly while practicing. Pranayama gives numerous physical benefits including toning the circulation, digestive and nervous, plus respiratory systems, activating the internal organs and creating a feeling of energy and calmness.
 
What distinguishes Iyengar Yoga from other styles of yoga?
The Iyengar method of Yoga may be said to define itself as different from other styles of Yoga by 3 key elements, namely technique, sequence and timing:

Technique means that in practice one learns ever-finer adjustments in the alignment of how to perform asanas and Pranayama.

Sequence refers to the sequences, in which asana and Pranayama are practiced, e.g., by varying the order of the postures, the mental and emotional effects of the practice can be intensified.

Timing refers to the length of time spent in asanas or Pranayama. Postures cannot be done swiftly or without awareness. It takes time to move into a posture and become stable. When this has been achieved, the next step is to remain stable for some time to intensify the depth of the posture and so extract its benefit. Otherwise the potential effects and benefits remain small compared to what is possible.

In summary, one can begin to see how Iyengar Yoga is far from merely “stretching and deep breathing”. With practice and understanding, one realises that asana is as different from stretching or gymnastics, as Pranayama is different from merely deep breathing.

 
What can I expect in an Iyengar Yoga Class?
You will be introduced to the basic asanas which will include standing poses, sitting poses and recuperative poses. All the asanas have Sanskrit names, which the teacher will use – don’t worry, you are not expected to pick it all up straight away.

The teacher will show you how to use yoga props, such as belts and blocks, to help you achieve the postures to the best of your ability.

As all the asanas have different effects on the body, beginners start by building up strength and stamina, to improve muscular tone, flexibility and alignment. Practising the postures reduces tiredness and soothes the nerves. It also trains and disciplines the mind so concentration is improved. Yoga is therefore a great help if you suffer from stress!

Yoga should always be practised on an empty stomach, so leave 3-4 hours after a main meal or 2 hours after a light snack. Wear clothes that do not restrict your movement in any way. Most people wear shorts or leggings and a T-shirt. Yoga is always practised in bare feet.

If you are menstruating, there are certain poses that are not suitable, so please consult the teacher before the class begins. The teacher may give you some alternative postures to perform during the class.

 
 Back to Top