Title - Iyengar yoga poses

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What is yoga? An introduction:
The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word yuj
which means bondage or union, and is often interpreted to
mean the union of the body with the mind . Yoga is an ancient
Indian discipline which is not merely an exercise regime . It
synchronizes the body with the mind and spirit by leading the
one who practises it to inner peace &and well being .
The 2000 year old legacy, left behind by the Indian sages is
said to have been first compiled in the form of the Yoga
Ssutras, by the great sage Patanjali .

The Yoga SSutra serves as a guide book for all yYoga gurus. It
consists of the eight limbs of yoga-: the yamas (restraints),
niyamas (observances), asana (postures), pranayama
(breathing), pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), dharana
(concentration), dhyan (meditation), and samadhi (absorption).
Practise of the third limb , asana , has been overtly popularized
all over the world and hence, there is the misconception that
yYoga is just an exercise regime . In reality, asanas consist of
physical postures that provide the body with the strength and&
stamina needed for practising meditation.
What is Iyengar yoga? http://goo.gl/Of4Xb

"The practice of yogasana for the sake of health, to

keep fit, or to maintain flexibility is the external
practice of yoga. While this is a legitimate place to
begin, it is not the end.
Even in simple asanas, one is experiencing the three
levels of quest: the external quest, which brings
firmness of the body; the internal quest, which brings
steadiness of intelligence; and the innermost quest,
which brings benevolence of spirit. ~ Yoga Guru B.K.S.
Iyengar
( 14th Dec. 1918 ~ 20th Aug. 2014 )

The late yYoga gGuru B. K. S. Iyengar is accredited with the

creation of Iyengar yoga which is really a form of Hatha
yYoga that stresses on the importance of correct posture (
asana ) and breath control ( pranayama ). iIt also emphasises
the importance of correct timing , technique &and sequencing
as highlighted in the Yoga Sutras and the eight limbs. These
are followed with great austerity by all practitioners of
Iyengar yoga poses.
Iyengar Yoga poses consist of approximately 200
traditional yYoga postures and about 14 variations of the of
Pranayama . The postures and breathing exercises are made up
of easy yoga poses which evolve into more complex and&
advanced postures . This form of yYoga warrants the
practitioners gradual progression towards well being ,
self realization and peace of mind .
How areis Iyengar yoga poses practised ?
Students of Iyengar yoga are aware of their limitations , they
are taught to work around these and perform easy yoga steps
initially. This ensures the safety of the asanas ( postures ).
Students of Iyengar yoga poses use a wide range of props ,
these may be as varied equipments such as, rugs or belts
&and even blocks. The props ensure accuracy and are
accorded a great deal of importance in this form of yYoga as
they also diminish the danger of injury and aid students ,
both young and& old to perform the asanas with a great deal
of precision and ease.
In this form of yYoga, students are taught to hold their postures
for a slightly longer lenghth of time as compared to other forms
of yYoga. This helps to extend stiff muscles ,and increases
their flexibility. andIt thus helps students them to concentrate
on their awareness.
Initially , standing yoga postures are taught to first timers .
tThey are gradually taken through a range of easy yoga
poses which consist of sitting &and reclining postures ,
twists, turns, backbends , forward bends etc. Students are

taught to align their body properly in order to maintain perfect

balance.
Once athe student of Iyengar yYoga poses is strong
enough to sit or lie for long periods without interruption, they
are taught breathing techniques ( Ppranayama ) . Relaxation is
accorded paramount importance at all stages of Iyengar
YYoga, as it helps to stimulate, energize, and relax the body
and the mind.

What are the benefits of Iyengar yoga?

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Iyengar yoga poses have the following benefits and lessen
the anxiety and suffering that emanate from the following
ailments :
- cChronic back pain:
Iyengar yoga poses help to increase the strength & flexibility
of the lower abdominal and back muscles of the body . The
postures improve the alignment and create an awareness
about the body . The student learns to stand tall and straight
with the help of his strengthened because the muscles and
stops slouching or slumping.

Iimmunodeficiency:

People suffering from immunodefiency disorders are taught to

shift their focus away from the body with the help of Iyengar
yoga poses . A deeper consciousness is developed through
these poses . Certain Iyengar yoga poses also strengthen
the immune system by drawing out the relaxation responses
of a patient towards the physical and psychological stress
created ion the immune system.

- Hhigh blood pressure:

Iyengar Yoga poses helps to lower blood pressure and
decreases the heart rate which is advantageous for high blood
pressure patients or for those who have suffered a stroke.
- Iinsomnia:
Insomnia is a stress related disorder that is triggered off by a
number of factors such as hormonal changes, physical or
emotional problems, and certain medications. Iyengar yYoga
poses come in handy in such cases since its breathing &and
relaxation techniques (Ppranayama) aid in calming and
relaxing the body, as well as, the mind .
- Ddepression :
Iyengar yYoga poses helps the body and the mind to work
in harmony and thus, aids in avoiding depression . This is
accomplished by incorporating physical postures , breathing
exercises and meditation into the regime.
- hHeart disease:
Research shows that relaxation techniques are extremely
effective in managing of heart diseases and reduce the
possibility of cardiac events in the future . They also improve
the condition of the heart and& the autonomous nervous
systems.

Mmenopause:

A woman experiences a remarkable surge as well as an ebb of

energy that can be both unnerving, as well as, cathartic
during menopause . According to the philosophy of Iyengar
yYoga, at this stage the woman should be urged to take a
complete break ( physical &and mental ) from her daily routine
and spare time for herself .

Iyengar yYoga , guides the woman through the spiritual and

her spiritual and physical journey that is menopause , with the
help of its various postures and& relaxation techniques.

Some important Iyengar yoga poses to heal the

mind, body and soulfor curing:
Yoga as taught &and popularized by the Late Shri. B.K.S.
Iyengar can be used for curing a number of ailments such as
chronic back pain , heart disease, high blood pressure , physical
and mental hormonal fluctuations during menopause, insomnia,
immunodeficiency syndromes & depression . Some of the
Iyengar yYoga poses that are specially designed to relieve
the symptoms of the following ailments are :
cChronic back pain:
The Adhdo mukha Svanasana ( Upward dog) and Utkat
asana (chair pose) help to strengthen the lower back and build
core strength in the abdominal muscles.
iImmunodeficiency :
With the help of the various meditation and breathing
techniques of Iyengar yYoga you can then let go of your pain
and choose to focus your attention on the sensations that are
responsible for relief and& relaxation.
hHigh blood pressure:
Iyengar yYoga pPoses such as the like Adho Mukha
Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
(Bridge Pose ) , & Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand) &
and Sirsasana (Headstand) regulate the flow of blood &and
help to keep blood pressure in check..
Insomnia :
Forward bends such as Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend),
Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend),

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose), Janu

Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Pose), and Paschimottanasana
(Seated Forward Bend), stimulate the relaxation response by
helping the nervous system and brain to remain composed.
The Salamba Sarvangasana (Supported Shoulder stand) when
performed at bed time relaxes the body and readies it for
undisturbed sleep .
dDepression:
The relaxation techniques have a placating effect on the mind
&and body and help to keep stress factors that cause
depression at bay.
hHeart disease:
Easy yoga poses such as the Shavasana ( Ccorpse pose )
Mmakarasana , the Vvajrasana series and Aanulom Vvilom (
breathing techniques/ Ppranayama ) reduce the number of
angina symptoms , decrease the narrowing of arteries and
increase the level of tolerance .

and for mMenopause:

Iyengar yYoga poses such as the Salamba Sirsasana
(Headstand), Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand), and
Halasana (Plow Pose) improve the hormonal balance . These
poses are specially designed to cater to the needs of the
woman experiencing menopause.

Summary and conclusion:

Based on the principles of Patanjalis Yyoga Ssutras , Yoga
Iyengar yoga poses are safe and& easy to follow. and They
can also be performed by one and all.
Iyengar yoga is a combination of all the eight elements of
yoga which promotes the philosophy that we are all connected

to one another &and ultimately to the universe . As the Guru

himself once said , it helps to get the physical body in line
with the mental body .