What's different about Iyengar Yoga?
I'm often asked what makes Iyengar different to other styles of yoga. It was developed by BKS Iyengar, who was born in India and is regarded as the world's leading teacher of yoga, He is attributed with bringing yoga to the western world. Now in his 90's he is still teaching at his institute in Pune and yoga is practised in over 40 countries around the world.
The therapeutic benefits of yoga have been known for centuries, but Iyengar has dedicated his life to the study of yoga - how the postures work and the effect they have on the body. Iyengar yoga focuses on precision in the movements, correct alignment of the body and safety in each posture. The emphasis on proper alignment of the bones and joints leads to a better balance in the body with less stress on the muscles and more stability with less effort. It also improves circulation and creates inner space (in the joints). All this creates a balanced flow of energy which leads to health and well-being.
Body alignment is more than remembering a list of points for each posture - it's about developing a body awareness that reaches into all aspects of life.
Iyengar yoga teaches body awareness. Beginners often turn their head when then want to turn their spine, but with practice body awareness develops into an understanding of how everything is connected. Then adjustments can be made without disturbing the rest of the body and maintained in the body memory. This helps areas of the body which are blocked and is one of the reasons Iyengar yoga is so successful in promoting wellness.
Iyengar also developed the use of props (mats, belts, blocks, blankets etc.) to assist the students perform the asanas (postures) safely and without injury and to obtain the maximum benefit according to their ability.
Iyengar yoga isn't just a set of postures developed long ago, but something which involves exploration, discovery and understanding through practice.
The practice of Iyengar yoga is exacting - the attention to alignment brings both mind and body into harmony and balance.
