The Iyengar Yoga Method, developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, described in his bestselling 1966 book Light on Yoga, emphasizes detail, precision, and alignment in yoga postures.
Beginning students, or those with physical limitations can perform the asanas correctly with the help of props such as belts, blocks, and blankets.
The practice of Iyengar yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, who was a direct disciple of T. Krishnamacharya. Together with Pattabhi Jois (who developed Ashtanga yoga), he was instrumental in introducing this practice to the West.
Iyengar Yoga was established with the 1975 founding of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India - dedicated to his late wife. In 1983, the first foreign institute was opened in Maida Vale, London, titled the Iyengar Yoga Institute (IYI). After 20 years of service, IYI underwent a reconstruction which was completed in 1994 and inaugurated by B.K.S Iyengar himself in 1997. Even before this time, evening classes on the subject were available through the Inner London Education Authority since 1968 evaluated annually by Iyengar himself.
The first Iyengar Yoga Institute in America was founded in San Francisco in 1976 by Mary Dunn, Judith Lasater, and other pioneers. When Mr. Iyengar visited the area that same year, he kickstarted a trend that would be followed by several more institutes. These were opened in Los Angeles (1984) and New York (1987). Subsequently, national Iyengar Yoga Associations have been established across numerous countries worldwide, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico Netherlands, Poland, Russia, South Africa Spain, Sweden Switzerland, and New Zealand.
Three main aspects of Iyengar yoga
Alignment, sequencing, and timing are the three aspects of Iyengar Yoga.
Since Iyengar was a child with poor health, he started practicing yoga. Due to daily practice, his health and strength improved, and he experienced great benefits within himself. Consequently, he developed a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and a therapeutic approach to yoga.
In recognition of the uniqueness of all bodies and their strengths and weaknesses, Iyengar advocated the use of props – such as blocks, chairs, belts, and blankets – to help students gain the appropriate alignment appropriate for their bodies. As a result, asanas could be practiced safely and harmoniously.
