Iyengar Yoga was named and developed by B.K.B Iyengar who is one of the few people responsible for bringing modern yoga to the west.
Through the practice of a system of asanas, it aims to unite the body, mind and spirit for health and well-being.
Iyengar Yoga is form of Hatha Yoga that focus on three aspects : Alignment, Sequencing and Timing.
- Alignment means maintaining the intended pose while knowing your body’s limit. The use of props are to assist students into an asana without putting them at risk of injury. Effective alignment can then help to achieve the balance between mind, body and breath.
- Sequencing refers to the order of the postures to ensure a structured flow along with the stretches and balancing of the physical and emotional body.
- Timing. When stability has been maintained in a pose, the intensity of the depth of the posture will be increased to help develop strength, flexibility and connection of awareness between the mind and body.
Iyengar Yoga is suitable for everyone and anyone!
Mr. Iyengar recognized that everyone is different and have different strength and weakness, therefore, he introduce the use of props like blankets, chairs, blocks, belts, etc. to help students achieve the correct alignment for their body according to their limits. This also ensures asanas can be practiced safely and correctly, minimising the risk of injury or strain, making the posture accessible to both young and old.