Find inner balance with iyengar yoga

The history of iyengar yoga 

Iyengar yoga is a discipline that has profoundly impacted modern yoga practice. Indeed, its unique approach emphasizes alignment, precision and in-depth exploration of postures allowing yogis to acquire a developed awareness of their bodies and minds. To understand the importance of this practice, delve into its history and how it works. As a result, you will be able to judge whether iyengar yoga is a practice favorable to your well-being. 

The place of yoga in the life of BKS Iyengar

It all started with BKS Iyengar who grew up in the state of Karnataka in India. A sick and sickly child, he is confronted with health problems early. Then, when he was 16, he had the opportunity to start practicing yoga under the tutelage of his brother-in-law, who is none other than the famous Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, considered the founder of modern yoga. These sessions mark a real turning point in the life of the young Iyengar since yoga allows him to overcome health problems as well as develop a certain physical and mental strength. 

The development of iyengar yoga with BKS iyengar 

After which, bks iyengar a dedicated his life to the development and teaching of iyengar yoga, taking into account the teachings of his brother-in-law, his yogi master. Furthermore, even if its remarks were taken into account, bks has refined its approach by integrating accessories that was close to his heart like blocks, straps, blankets, so that practitioners could perform postures with precision and safety. Later, in the 1960s, bks taught abroad, notably in Europe and the United States, which contributed to the popularization of practice beyond Indian borders. 

Its evolution today

In 2014, bks died at the age of 95, leaving behind him a legacy for life in the world of yoga. Moreover, his teaching expanded thanks to the numerous books he wrote such as 'Light on yoga' which became essential references for practitioners of iyengar yoga. Today, many instructors are trained in the Iyengar method and continue to to transmit in the studios.

 The principles of iyengar yoga 

Iyengar yoga is based on several principles. This style of yoga contains a methodical approach with attention to detail and focuses on thebody alignment within the framework of postures. Furthermore, these aspects cannot be possible without the fundamental principles that underpin iyengar yoga. 

Precise body alignment

When precise body alignment is discussed, this refers to how the body is positioned during each asana. Alignment includesadjustment of different parts of the body, such as the feet, spine, legs, shoulders, head and pelvis to ensure a stable posture. If alignment is requested, it is to have a equitable distribution of body weight and an fluidity in the circulation of energy through the body. 

How is body alignment taught? Teachers use clear verbal instructions and visual demonstrations to help students understand what changes to make for accurate alignment. Obviously, each adjustment et adaptation are personalized so that everyone can benefit from the practice according to their flexibility and his strength. 

The presence of accessories

The use of props plays key roles in yoga practice. First of all, accessories help practitioners to overcome physical difficulties such as stiffness or injury. For example, a block can be helpful in bringing the ground closer to the hands, allowing beginners or people with physical limitations to perform the posture correctly. 

Secondly, each body is unique, which is why the presence of accessories is favored to personalize practice for everyone. But, they are not reserved for beginners or injured people, it is recommended for advanced people in order todeepen the discipline giving them the opportunity to explore asanas from new angles. 

The duration of the postures

Iyengar yoga is a special practice, particularly at the level of the duration asanas. The positions are not simply static postures but a dynamic discovery of body and mind. Compared to power yoga or to warrior yoga, yogis are encouraged to stay close 30 seconds to several minutes in one posture. 

Not to mention that this principle brings benefits. Indeed, by sitting in one posture for an extended period of time, yogis can experience new physical sensations. In addition, this allows développer une meilleure conscience du corps et d’appréhender les réactions physiques, which promotes deep understanding of oneself. 

The effect of the extension on the mental and physical

Ensuite, rester bloquer dans une posture pouvant aller jusqu’à quelques minutes peut amener votre cerveau à se sentir impuissant ou agité. C’est pourquoi, le iyengar yoga cultive une mental stability. Furthermore, this stimulus strengthens there concentration et soothes mental agitation. 

Additionally, the practice allows your body to gently open and adjust gradually in the asana. The extension of postures allows yogis to achieve a more precise alignment and Daccess subtleties and variations of posture which are not easy to access during short-term practice. 

Additionally, a prolonged period of a posture can bring out buried emotions. This is why iyengar yoga gives the possibility of release these emotions. 

Finally, the practice encourages one to cultivate perseverance and some patience. 

The sequence of postures

Another essential aspect of the practice is the sequence of postures which serves to guide practitioners through a journey of different postures. This passage helps prepare the body and mind for the next challenges of performing the asanas. The sequence of postures emphasizes the order of passage in which the asanas are practiced. 

Furthermore, the sequence has general guidelines which are as follows: 

• Warming up

• Standing postures

• Inversion postures

• Front and back bends

• Twisting postures

• Relaxation postures

Conscious breathing

In Iyengar yoga, breathing is seen as an essential thread in the correlation between body and mind. Thus, the practice offers a variety of conscious breathing techniques, here are a few : 

• Alternate breathing

• Victorious Breath

• Glowing Skull Breathing

• Bee breathing

The course of a session

An iyengar yoga session usually begins with a few moments of centering and of concentration. Yogis should sit in a comfortable position, take a few deep breaths to calm the mind and connect to the practice. 

Then, to prepare the body and mind for the postures, warm-up exercises and breathing techniques are done at the start of the session to balance energy and purify the respiratory system.

The session continues with standing asanas. During this exercise, practitioners perform postures such as mountain and warrior in order to strengthen legs, improve balance and develop a strong core. 

There are also the seated asanas which include postures like seated forward bend and seated twist. These asanas are valuable since they stretch the back, legs and hips and improve flexibility and mobility of the spine. 

End of session

The practice continues with inversion postures since they promote blood circulation to the brain, brings a feeling of lightness and of relaxation as well as a stimulation of the nervous system.  

Then, the practitioners exercise back flexion and extension asanas For to strenghten et soften spine. 

Subsequently, the asanas end with a deep relaxation with corpse posture. Yogis relax completely on their backs, releasing all physical and mental tensions. 

Finally, the session ends with a few moments of centering and of gratitude. Yogis sit in a comfortable position focusing on their breaths. 

The benefits

The iyengar yoga method offers a range of benefits for the body, mind and soul that significantly enrich life. 

Firstly, the first benefit concerns the attention given to thebody alignment in each posture using precise instructions and adjustments made to correct the posture. Thanks to this, the spine is properly aligned as well as the joints and muscles, reducing the risk of injuries and muscle strains. 

Second, this type of yoga combines static postures with conscious breathing techniques to stretch the body. In particular, standing postures strengthen the muscles of the trunk and legs, while flexion and extension postures improve the flexibility of the spine. So, strength and flexibility are developed. 

Virtues through asanas

Then, pranayamas help regulate the nervous system and relaxation postures provide a feeling of deep relaxation. These elements give rise to the reduction of stress and anxiety. 

As said previously, each posture requires alignment and constant breathing. For this, deep concentration and presence of mind are necessary. Iyengar yoga develops concentration and mental clarity. 

Furthermore, iyengar is based on specific postures which aim to correct alignment and strengthen the muscles. Regular practice helps relieve back pain and other chronic pain. 

Additionally, iyengar yoga encourages better posture through development of body awareness. 

The mental benefits

During an iyengar yoga class, practitioners are invited to anchor themselves in the present moment, observing their thoughts and emotions for a deep inner exploration. In this sense, self-awareness is developed. 

Regular practice of the discipline stimulates blood circulation, promotes better digestion and improves the function of internal organs. These factors make it possible to strengthen the immune system. 

Finally, deep relaxation helps calm the mind and relax the mind for a quality and restorative sleep. 

The important points of iyengar yoga

As seen previously, iyengar yoga was created by bks iyengar to address health problems and improve physical and mental strength. Until 2014, this man taught this form of yoga in Europe and the United States, particularly in the 1960s. It is a type of yoga that differs from traditional yoga due to its integration of accessories so that the Practitioners can perform postures safely and accurately.  

In addition, this yoga is special because it is based on Fundamental principles which are the following: 

• Precise body alignment

• The presence of accessories

• The duration of the postures

• The sequence of postures
• Conscious breathing 

Then, a yoga class takes place in this way: 

• Moments of centering and concentration

• Warming up

• Standing asanas

• Seated asanas

• Inversion postures

• Back flexion and extension asanas

• Deep relaxation
• Moments of centering and gratitude

The benefits of iyengar yoga 

Finally, regarding the benefits about iyengar yoga, here is what you need to remember: 

• Body alignment

• Development of strength and flexibility

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Improves concentration and mental clarity

• Relieves back pain and other chronic pain

• Expansion of body awareness

• Better self-awareness

• Strengthening the immune system

• Restorative and quality sleep

Align your body at POSES

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But, concretely, what are the sessions made up of? Those are 50-minute sessions where you rediscover transitions, yoga postures and movements. Better yet, you will discover the Pulse sequences ®. Enough to work your body with bodyweight exercises, of muscle strengthening and isometries immersed in the dark listening to exclusive playlists POSES. 

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