Yoga asanas (poses) and pranayama (awareness/regulation of the breath) aim to reach all the muscles, nerves and glands of the body to promote physical and mental health.
Iyengar yoga uses the ancient techniques of yoga, as understood and practised over many years by Yogacharya Sri B.K.S Iyengar of Pune, India. In his many world renowned books he systemised over 200 postures and breathing techniques and their philosophical anatomical background.
He showed how the various parts of the body can be positioned correctly so that each individual part, as well as the physiological system can function to their best potential. The Iyengar yoga method challenges our intelligence, as the mind is directed to focus on awareness in the posture and breath. Body and mind are stretched beyond their everyday limits and begin to act in union.
The idea of meditation in Action is a keynote of the Iyengar Yoga system. Being totally aware and absorbed in the poses as they are being done is meditation: body, mind and breath communicate at a subtle level and are harmonized. The Iyengar Yoga method is not just a sophisticated form of physical exercise and deep breathing. It is a spiritual practice aimed at integrating the body, mind and breath to help direct you to the inner self.