Yoga is steeped in thousands of years of history and tradition. Over time, performance has evolved, new styles have developed and approaches have been modified. However, some disciplines are still performed in the same way as when they were invented. Iyengar yoga is one of them. This therapeutic practice alone represents a deep-rooted history, unique characteristics, health benefits and much more. That’s why it’s considered one of the most beneficial styles. Created by BKS Iyengar, this form of yoga is now practiced in over 90 countries worldwide.

So to understand what’s so special about this discipline, this article explains it all.

The origins of iyengar yoga

The history of Iyengar yoga dates back to the early 20th century in southern India. A man by the name of BKS Iyengar was living in conditions that didn’t always allow him to stay healthy. In fact, a flu epidemic was spreading throughout the province at the time, making him very frail. As a result, he often fell ill. Nevertheless, he showed a deep interest in the practice of yoga. At the age of 16, BKS Iyengar learned a few postures to improve his health. The creator of iyengar yoga was later taught in Pune in 1943, where he developed his own method.

But the fateful moment came when one of his famous students suggested that he go to the West to teach yoga. And so, from 1952 onwards, he travelled the world to pass on his own style. Throughout his career, he trained a large number of teachers and organized conferences. In 2014, BKS Iyengar bowed out at the age of 96, leaving behind him a practice that continues to attract followers around the world.

What is iyengar yoga?

As you may have gathered, it’s a style of yoga founded by BKS Iyengar. He drew inspiration from his own difficult childhood. The method was originally conceived as a means of curing the tuberculosis he suffered from. But beyond this purpose, he wanted everyone to have access to yoga, whatever their vulnerability.

The iyengar style is based on hatha yoga, which generally refers to a gentle practice. It emphasizes precision in every movement. Each asana in iyengar yoga aims to achieve perfect alignment to create a balance between body and mind. In addition to helping yogis gain flexibility and strength, the practice can also prove useful in managing certain health problems. These include chronic back pain, internal organ dysfunction, muscle stiffness…

Therapeutic yoga also advocates a “right” way to perform yoga postures. Practitioners are guided to concentrate on the nuances of each asana during an iyengar yoga session. This is done until perfect alignment is achieved. On the other hand, there are over 200 asanas. This means that the number of combinations is wide open. What’s more, it’s not just about postures. It’s also about the way they’re practiced, the length of time they take and the order in which the sequence is performed. However, these can vary according to the weather, the time of day, the yogi’s state of health, level and possibly state of mind.

Who is iyengar yoga for?

The iyengar style was created to be accessible to all. It therefore takes no account of a person’s age or physical condition. Whether a practitioner is ill or disabled, a child or an adult, this form of yoga could bring many benefits.

What’s more, it offers a simpler approach, since the physical and bodily aspects are emphasized rather than the spiritual. By respecting the body and executing each posture correctly, it seems easier to make progress. In iyengar yoga, the teacher constantly adapts the postures to the yogi’s situation. To avoid injury, he will focus on each individual’s ability.

In short, iyengar yoga is for everyone. It can be applied on a daily basis or added as a complement to a regular practice. Whatever the case, the body’s potential will not be the same after having performed the various postures that this discipline brings together. In fact, it’s the best way to help your body regain its original alignment.

What makes iyengar yoga therapy so unique?

Iyengar yoga focuses mainly on three aspects: alignment, sequence and timing.

Alignment: this means maintaining yoga positions while respecting the body’s limits. The use of yoga props is encouraged to help students in an asana without exposing them to the risk of injury. Effective alignment can then achieve a perfect balance between body, mind and breath.
Sequence: refers to the order in which postures are performed. It should allow for a secure and structured progression. In iyengar yoga, it also promotes openness and balance in the physical and emotional body.
Timing: unlike vinyasa yoga, asanas are held for longer. Once the posture is stable, you can confidently increase its intensity as you go along. This helps develop strength, flexibility, sensitivity and self-awareness.

Movements can be performed standing or seated. It’s up to the teacher to find the right solution for each student. And, as with all training, the more time passes, the greater the level of difficulty. In iyengar yoga, the postures are named in Sanskrit, an Indo-European language still used by some scholars today. But what makes this style of yoga so special is undoubtedly the precision of each movement. As this is a very rigorous practice, the teacher will detail the steps to be taken to progress progressively advance in the practice.

On the other hand, there are no dynamic sequences. However, jumps are essential for moving from one posture to another. They also help to bring momentum and energy into the body.

ACCESSORIES FOR PRACTISING IYENGAR YOGA
Aware that every body is different, Iyengar introduced the use of yoga accessories such as :

blankets;
blocks;
bricks;
straps;
bolsters;
etc…

They are generally used as an aid and support to achieve the correct postures. In terms of clothing, shorts and a T-shirt are traditionally worn during the session. The shorts should be long and rather slim-fitting, so that the joints can be seen better. This allows the instructor to assess the body’s alignment. The iyengar yoga outfit must also be designed to avoid the risk of slipping in positions where the body is supported on the legs or heels, for example.

However, you don’t have to wear anything special. A pair of cotton leggings or an elastic bra, for example, might be just the thing. In short, everyone can dress as they like, as long as they feel comfortable attending an Iyengar-style yoga class.

What to expect at your first session

In practice, the sequence of an iyengar yoga class is the same no matter which institution you choose. The yoga positions used are practiced in the same way. This means you can walk into any iyengar yoga therapy class and be immediately integrated. However, each teacher will choose a series of postures for a specific class. A beginners’ class will focus on standing asanas. This is to learn the basic principles of how to properly adjust and align the body. These should be studied before moving on to more advanced positions.

On the other hand, the practice of iyengar yoga is original. It focuses on the body and the muscles. In the meantime, students must be careful with the movements they perform, respecting their own limits. At first glance, it may appear to be a leisurely form of yoga, but the alignment and contraction exercises sometimes demand stamina. As a result, aches and pains may appear the day after the first session.

What’s more, all iyengar instructors undergo rigorous training. They are all certified. After several years’ study, they can quickly identify each individual’s needs during an iyengar yoga class. Their experience will also help determine which yoga props to use. So you can expect a session to include excellence in technique and sequencing, through a methodical and safe progression of asanas.

In addition, a qualified teacher will provide clear demonstration and explanation. But also individual corrections and adjustments if necessary. He’ll be able to help you relieve back pain and other functional disorders. And with postures that can change as your potential evolves.

THE IYENGAR YOGA CLASS
Generally speaking, the session begins in a seated position. For a brief moment, the teacher may encourage participants to chant the mantra Om. The exercises are then performed in standing and seated positions, alternating them with a pause. If a position has not been properly executed, the teacher will not hesitate to reposition the person. Finally, iyengar yoga therapy ends with a period of relaxation.

It’s important to remember that meditation here takes place in the postures. In fact, it’s the movements that contribute to the relaxation of body and mind. An iyengar yoga class generally lasts an hour and a half.

What are the benefits?

Although most often used to soothe back problems, iyengar yoga can also be used to treat other ailments. With the asanas it includes, for example, it can be useful in cases of :

high blood pressure;
musculoskeletal disorders of the neck;
immunodeficiency;
poor circulation;
dyspepsia;
neurological disorders;
chronic depression;
etc…

What’s more, with its limitations on fast movements and long pauses, the student is less likely to suffer muscular injuries. This is where iyengar yoga requires the use of props. This allows beginners to develop without pain or effort. This therapeutic yoga also focuses on the body as a whole, rather than on individual parts. As such, it plays a major role in toning the body. Similarly, this practice works wonders for people in jobs that require a lot of sitting.

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. A sense of self is one of the main reasons why many yogis have turned to iyengar yoga. When you do an asana, you’re working on yourself. You learn to clear your head and stay in the present moment. Many equate it with meditation, given its calming effect and the resulting mental equilibrium.

That’s all there is to it! Now you know what’s so special about this discipline. So, if you’re tempted by the iyengar style, don’t hesitate to sign up at your nearest yoga center.