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Iyengar Yoga
The Iyengar method of Yoga is a system of over 200 classical yoga Asanas
(postures) and 14 different types of Pranayamas (breath control techniques)
in varying degrees of difficulty. These postures and techniques have been organized
in such a way that one can progress safely from the very beginner to the most
advanced stages. As one progresses towards the advanced levels of Iyengar Yoga,
one can expect to see gradual improvements in:
· Flexibility
· Strength
· Mental focus
· Emotional sensitivity
· Harmony within the mind, body and spirit
Iyengar yoga focuses particularly on the following three aspects:
Correct body alignment allows the body to develop harmoniously so that
the student experiences no discomfort, pain or injury while practicing Iyengar
yoga. If necessary, props (such as wooden blocks, chairs, blankets or belts)
can be used to help achieve new or more difficult postures without straining
oneself. This emphasis on proper alignment means that Iyengar yoga can often
cure aches and pains and improve posture overall.
Correct sequencing. The asansas must be practiced in specific sequences
in order to achieve overall cumulative effects on the body and the mind.
Correct timings. Postures are held for specified lengths of time, often
a minimum of several minutes, to allow the individual to reap all the physical
and mental benefits of a particular pose.
Another important aspect of Iyengar Yoga is Pranayama, or “breath control.”
Pranayama is a technique that focuses on the connection between the body, mind,
spirit and breath, and allows the student to achieve the alignment, flexibility,
lung capacity and training necessary to sit and breathe correctly while practicing.
Pranayama also allows for the toning of the circulatory, digestive, nervous
and respiratory systems. It also simultaneously energizes and calms the body.
Finally, it prepares the individual for a meditative state. As the individual
relaxes his or her mind by focusing on his or her breath, he or she becomes
able to abandon sense, feeling and prejudice, and simply to meditate.
Iyengar yoga is based on the principle of interconnectedness: every aspect
of the individual, from the skin to the soul, is in some way connected. Thus,
intense practice of Iyengar yoga can lead to intense changes in the mind and
spirit as well as the body.
Iyengar yoga also has a heavy “meditation in action” component. One not only
performs a posture; one meditates on a posture. One learns
to increase awareness and penetrate deeper into the body to achieve more comfortable
postures. As one achieves more comfortable postures, one can also meditate deeper.
Thus, Iyengar yoga leads to a highly beneficial circle between physical strength
and meditation.
Though focusing on many of the same ideas as other disciplines of yoga (meditation
and connection with the Higher Self, for example), Iyengar yoga differs from
other types of yoga through 3 aspects:
· Technique: fine adjustments in the alignment during asanas and pranayama
· Sequence: specific order in which asana and pranayama are performed
· Timing: length of time spend in asana or pranayama
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