Iyengar

One of the most important branchs of yoga, Iyengar Yoga was created by B.K.S. Iyengar, the person after whom this particular type of yoga is named. The main feature that sets iyengar yoga apart from other types of yoga is its specified use of props. These props are generally inclusive of belts and blocks. The function that these props fulfill during the practice of iyengar yoga is the function of aids while performing the iyengar yoga poses (also known as asanas in the yogic language). The foundation for this type of yoga is the traditional eight limbs of yoga, which is elaborated in detail by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras. This very description stresses firmly on the development of physical and mental strength, stamina and increasing the degree of flexibility and balance.

In other words, Iyengar Yoga for you is another form of Hatha Yoga, whose main focus emphasizes strongly on the structural alignment of the physical body with the support of the development of asanas. It is through the implementation of the system of iyengar postures (asanas) that Iyengar yoga tends to fulfill its objective of enabling the union of the body, mind and spirit. The opinions about Iyengar yoga, from a general standpoint, are very positive. For starters, it is considered quite a powerful and effective tool to contribute towards the reduction of stresses that are the parcel and package of everyday life activities. This, in turn, can play its part in helping to establish absolute physical and spiritual health and well being.

Basically the special aspect of Iyengar yoga is the huge level of concentration that is paid to a detailed and in-depth focus on the human body alignment. Every certified Iyengar yoga teacher is aware of the fact that this particular branch of yoga is the first branch of yoga to have employed the use of ‘props’, which include objects such as cushions, blocks, straps, benches and sometimes even sandbags. These props go a long way in allowing beginners (the people who are new to the practice of iyengar yoga) to get more conveniently accustomed to the experience of Iyengar asanas (iyengar yoga poses).

Without the support of these props, it would take a much longer period of time, perhaps even several years, for beginners to get acquainted with the iyengar poses. In addition to that, these props also allow exhausted and sick iyengar yoga students to enjoy the great benefits of the different poses that are practiced during iyengar yoga as the usage of these props require a much lesser intensity of muscular effort. There are several benefits of the standing poses in the course of practicing iyengar yoga. These standing poses play an important role in building strong legs and enhance the general level of vitality along with improving blood circulation, coordination and balance.

This, in turn, establishes a powerful base of progressing further in the study of Iyengar yoga. Generally Iyengar yoga teacher certification for the introductory level takes about 2-5 years while a higher level of certification takes a longer period than that, perhaps a decade. There is also a meaningful role of Aikido (which is a Japanese martial art) in the practice of Iyengar yoga. Together Aikido and Iyengar yoga essay the promotion of harmony between the mind, body and spirit as the main emphasis of Aikido is on the principle of joining with an attack and channeling the energy of the attacker, as opposed to meeting force with force. Besides Aikido consists body throws and joint-locking techniques, which are very effective and quite compatible with the course of practice followed in Iyengar yoga.

All in all, there are three elements that distinguish Iyengar yoga from all other styles of yoga, which are namely technique, sequence and timing.