Asana and Pranayama
Yoga, in the tradition of BKS Iyengar, stresses the development of strength, durability and exact posture in combination with flexibility, balance and relaxation. At its core, are the yoga poses, called asanas, which are combined in a variety of sequences and with varying emphasis during practice. In addition, breathing techniques are practiced through which the life energy can be felt and guided.
The basis for all the asanas in Iyengar Yoga are the standing poses. Through these, one learns the postural principles of the forwards bends, twists, backbends, regenerative and inverted poses.
Props
Yoga props are used in the practice of Iyengar Yoga. BKS Iyengar developed them, revolutionising the art of yoga and laying the foundation for therapeutic yoga. With the help of walls, blocks, belts and chairs, asanas can be extensively explored and experienced.
Physical hindrances, whether due to age, injury or sickness, can be overcome and the asanas practiced in a more appropriate manner. In this way, Iyengar Yoga is a method in which everyone in a class can practice the asanas according to their individual needs.
Meditation in Motion
The style is characterised by precise body work, which is challenging and energetic and leads to deep concentration. The body’s strengths are balanced through precision in asana practice. Iyengar’s approach is that the movements of the smallest parts of the body not only increase precision, but also introduce new qualities and dimensions to the asanas. In this way, every asana becomes a holistic experience: meditation in motion.
Background
Iyengar calls upon the writings of Patanjali, the compiler of the Yoga Sutras which describe the eight steps of the path of yoga. His own writings are concerned with a precise and clear description of the asanas and pranayamas along with philosophical themes.
In more recent books, BKS Iyengar introduces his therapeutic use of yoga in treating a wide range
of sicknesses and injuries and which he has been studying and refining for many years.