There are several reasons that may help us choose IYENGAR yoga for regular practice:
Acessible
Iyengar yoga is accessible to anyone, independently on age or physical conditions.
High Teaching Standards
All Iyengar yoga teachers undergo a rigorous programme of training and they need at least three years of training, an indicator of clarity, depth and understanding.
Safe
The Iyengar yoga method emphasizes precision and alignment and pays particular attention to anatomical details. In classes, the rhythm of each student is respected and the practice is adapted to each physical condition.
Integrated mental and physical practice
Iyengar yoga practice has been described as meditation in action. Yoga means union. Union between body and mind, mind and intelligence and the union of body, mind and intelligence with the soul. In this way, yoga seeks the integration of the body with the mind trough a conscious practice that transports us to a state of internalization/meditation.
Levels and practice progression
The Yoga practice is progressive. First, it is important to build a stable, step-by-step foundation and as the student gains awareness and inner space he will naturally evolves.
Beginner students start to learn standing yoga poses. Why? Because it´s necessary to build a good foundation, like when we build a house that needs good support. That way, by grounding the feet and learning how to do it, you can create awareness and muscle activation of the legs.
Then the message is sent to all parts of the body allowing access to the spine. Standing postures help to create agility in the hips, pelvic area, concentration and focus so that the student proceeds in the practice by advancing to other groups of postures such as forward trunk extensions, backbends, inversions, twists, arm balance, moving to a more advanced level in a safe way.
Use of Props
Yoga Props such as blankets, belts, bricks, ropes, bolsters, chairs may be used to improve your understanding of poses and to intensify the work.The props can also be use to support the body, to give sense of direction, perception and a deep understanding of a posture.
Variety
Yoga Props such as blankets, belts, bricks, ropes, bolsters, chairs may be used to improve your understanding of poses and to intensify the work.The props can also be use to support the body, to give sense of direction, perception and a deep understanding of a posture.
Therapeutic method
Master Iyengar is also a pioneer in the therapeutic yoga applications for the treatment of many medical conditions and physical problems.
The therapeutic method has three important phases: reduction of inflammation, recovery and reeducation.
It is beneficial in relieving muscle problems and pain, for example helping in the recovery from cancer, depression, fatigue, hypertension, menopausal symptoms.