I will try to answer it and reflect its substance here, it is in any case the yoga that I have studied for 10 years and from which I draw mainly inspiration for my teaching of Yoga Alignment.
First of all, where does Iyengar Yoga come from?
This yoga was created by Mr. BKS Iyengar, his little name, who began to develop this method in the 1930s in India. Himself suffering from a serious illness, his goal was to create a yoga accessible to all, by adapting the postures to the abilities of each person .
In a few words, Iyengar yoga is distinguished by its emphasis on precise body alignment , the use of supports (such as bricks, straps, chairs, blankets, ropes, also called "props" in yogic jargon and a bit daunting when you don't know them very well) and the attention to detail in each posture.
According to the teachings I have been able to follow, notably with Billy Konrad , this approach allows everyone, regardless of their level or physical limitations, to practice in complete safety .
By focusing on the precision and holding of postures, Iyengar yoga develops strength, flexibility and endurance, while promoting a better understanding of one's body and mind (quite an art...).
But what type of practitioners are attracted to this Yoga?
Students drawn to Iyengar are often looking for more than just physical exercise.
(Although some of us do this by chance, as I did, or following the recommendation of a health professional after a physical or emotional injury).
The real question in the second case is rather why do we stay there?
I would say that the majority of us are motivated by a desire to learn and understand in depth, in other words, a real quest for meaning!
This learning process involves careful exploration of each posture, attentive listening to one's body and a commitment to a process of personal development (this is the real key).
Unlike a consumerist approach (which I don't like as you know), where we seek quick results or an immediate experience, Iyengar yoga students engage in a patient and thoughtful practice .
What does this imply?
We learn to adjust the body, control breathing and meditate on the effects of each posture.
This process of continuous learning encourages a deeper connection with oneself , thus promoting lasting well-being and personal transformation .
From an anatomical point of view, what is it?
In Iyengar, precise alignment and the use of supports (as explained previously) helps distribute forces in a balanced way throughout the body.
This helps to avoid excessive tension on certain joints or muscles, thus promoting better posture and harmonious distribution of loads.
Anatomical work focuses on stretching and strengthening specific muscle groups, improving joint stability and mobility .
Focusing on alignment engages the deep postural muscles, which helps strengthen the core and protect the spine.
Through its detailed and structured approach, it aims to optimize these bodily functions , or the way the body functions as a whole.
This includes joint mobility, muscle strength, balance, coordination, and even internal functions like blood circulation and breathing .
For example, improving muscle flexibility and strength provides better support for joints, which can improve range of motion and reduce pain.
Additionally, focusing on breathing and alignment can improve blood circulation and tissue oxygenation, contributing to better overall health.
Basically, it works to harmonize and strengthen all these bodily functions for better vitality.
I sometimes talk to you about a therapeutic approach:
The therapeutic practice of Iyengar yoga has similarities with disciplines such as osteopathy or physiotherapy, particularly in the emphasis placed on body alignment, joint mobility and muscle strengthening.
These disciplines all seek to improve bodily function , reduce pain, and promote better overall health.
Iyengar yoga, with its structured and progressive approach , can complement these treatments by helping to maintain the benefits obtained, improving body awareness and encouraging autonomy in maintaining physical health (this aspect is important, you must remain the main actor of your healing in all circumstances, learn techniques and adapt them to your needs, but no magic pill).
Additionally, its focus on precision and safety can help prevent injuries and rehabilitate the body after injury.
This methodical and therapeutic approach attracts those who seek to understand their body in depth and to correct imbalances (again, quite a program, quite an effort, we never said it was easy, but very beautiful stories at the end).
And from an emotional point of view then?
The structured work of Iyengar yoga, with its careful attention to alignment and body awareness, can also have a profound impact on one's emotional and mental state .
First, focusing intently on specific postures helps to calm the mind , distracting one from daily concerns.
Then, by improving breathing and focusing on the breath, this yoga can activate the parasympathetic nervous system , which induces a state of deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety .
Finally, by building self-confidence through the progressive mastery of complex postures, it can promote a feeling of well-being and accomplishment.
By combining these elements, it offers a path to increased emotional and mental balance.
Making the connection between physical consciousness and psychic and emotional knowledge is very interesting (at least from my point of view).
By developing a particular attention to one's body, one learns to recognize and understand the signals that the organism sends (this is where one must maintain one's curiosity and desire for investigation, remember it is a quest, a great departure on a journey).
This heightened body awareness can reveal tensions or pains linked to emotions or mental states.
By listening to our bodies, we can better understand how stress, anxiety or other emotions affect our physical state.
This mind-body connection helps us develop a better understanding of our emotional reactions and thought patterns (understand before deconstructing).
Thus, bodywork becomes a means of exploring and regulating our inner world, thus promoting a deeper emotional and mental balance through a holystic approach.
And if we continue to dig into the layers of the onion, from a philosophical point of view?
Iyengar yoga draws on traditional yoga teachings , attention to alignment and precision of postures reflects the principle of discipline (tapas - a key element of yoga), it encourages mastery and self-knowledge and harmony between body and mind.
Rigorous practice and attention to detail encourage patience, perseverance and humility.
By working to align the body, we also learn to align the mind, develop concentration and cultivate mindful presence.
The philosophy of yoga is integrated into the movement through lived experience, without the need to explain it verbally (perhaps ultimately one of the most important points).
In addition, this yoga emphasizes respect for individual limits (a must in our times and the excesses of the field of well-being), which reflects the yogic principles of non-violence (ahimsa) towards oneself and others, as well as the use of supports to adapt the postures to each individual, respecting the limits of one's body and avoiding forcing ( we can never repeat it enough).
The emphasis on breathing and presence in each movement evokes the practice of concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana), steps toward spiritual fulfillment .
This approach promotes an attitude of compassion and acceptance, encouraging a more balanced and harmonious life.
Overall, it offers a path of inner transformation , cultivating values that go well beyond physical practice (yoga at all times including outside the confines of the mat and that is not an easy thing).
Thus, every posture and every breath becomes a living expression of the philosophy of yoga, allowing practitioners to embody the philosophical principles in their physical practice.
Iyengar yoga, by its methodical nature, invites practitioners to deep introspection (remember that tiny muscle in the back right that you didn't know existed), which reflects the concept of svadhyaya (or self-study).
Each adjustment and each posture is an opportunity to observe one's reactions, one's limits and one's progress, promoting a better understanding of oneself.
Additionally, Iyengar yoga encourages the practice of detachment (vairagya).
By working on challenging postures and accepting the ups and downs of the practice, students learn to detach themselves from immediate results and focus on the journey .
This reflects the idea of acting without attachment to the fruits of action, a central teaching of the Bhagavad Gita.
Finally, the progressive structure of Iyengar yoga, which begins with the basics and progresses to more advanced postures, teaches the value of gradual effort and progress , reflecting the idea that personal growth is a continuous journey .
This journey, experienced through the body, becomes a metaphor for the spiritual quest, thus integrating philosophy into every aspect of the practice.
And now all that's left is...if you want to come and experience this path with me, I teach from Monday to Friday in person and on Zoom , in groups and individually or therapeutically depending on each person's needs.
Great practice and see you soon on a yoga mat.
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