Benefits of Iyengar Yoga
Yoga helps to strengthen the body as well as providing a relaxing oasis in our hectic and stressful world. Below are some of the benefits of Iyengar yoga.

• Relief from Pain

• Prevention of Pain

• Improves Sleep

• Increases Energy

• Reduces Backache

• Stronger muscles and bones

• More flexibility for reaching, bending, grabbing

• Quicker recovery from surgeries and procedures

• Can lesson Anxiety and Depression

One of the hallmarks of Iyengar yoga, named for Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar, is an emphasis on alignment so that the asanas are done in a manner that is safe and healthy for your joints. It is a safe method of exercise for people at any age, for pregnant women, and people with physical limitations.

Iyengar Yoga is particularly beneficial for those with injuries or medical conditions requiring special attention. We give modifications so that you can still experience the benefits of yoga. But please be sure to check with your health care provider to see if yoga is appropriate for you.

How is Iyengar Yoga different?
Iyengar yoga was developed by one of the world’s most acclaimed yoga masters, B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India. In more than 60 years of dedicated practice and teaching, he has revitalized an ancient subject and established its importance for modern people.

Firmly based in Ashtanga yoga as defined by Patanjali, Iyengar yoga teaches strength and stamina, flexibility and balance, concentration and meditation.

Iyengar yoga is most famous for its emphasis on correct postural alignment and the use of props to achieve better alignment for a safe and effective practice.

Beginning with yoga asanas, the method is orderly and progressive. The yoga postures are adjusted to meet the conditions and needs of every student. In each pose, parts of the body are acted upon with intent and precision. As the yoga student progresses, increasingly minute levels of anatomical layers are explored. Additionally, breathing practices are undertaken and philosophical concepts are studied, deepening the practice and improving physical, psychological and spiritual states.

About B.K.S. Iyengar
One of the foremost teachers of yoga and known throughout the world is B.K.S. Iyengar. His first book, Light on Yoga, published in 1966, is considered a standard in the practice of yoga and has been translated into 18 languages.

Iyengar went on to write 14 books on asana, pranayama, and philosophy of yoga and to open his own yoga institute in Pune, India in 1975. Since then, hundreds of thousands of students have traveled to India to study with Mr. Iyengar.

IYNAUS
The Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS) is a non-profit organization committed to study, teach, disseminate and promote the art, science and philosophy of yoga according to the teachings and philosophy of B.K.S. Iyengar. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. All certified Iyengar teachers in the Untied States are members as well as students of Iyengar yoga. There are approximately 1200 members, including 530 certified teachers.

The Association oversees teacher-training guidelines and holds annual certification assessments. It maintains and enforces a code of ethics for its teachers. The Association also produces a biannual newsletter, makes available Iyengar yoga books, tapes and CDs from India, and sponsors workshops and national conventions. IYNAUS maintains an archive of material written by and about B.K.S. Iyengar as well as photographs, audio and video.

A note about Hatha Yoga
Many people refer to any type of yoga as Hatha Yoga. The word "yoga" originates from the Sanskrit root yuj which means Union. On the spiritual plane, it means union of the Individual Self with the Universal Self. Yoga is the union of the body, mind, emotions and intellect.

Hatha means Moon (Ha) and Sun (Tha). Hatha yoga is the practice of harmonizing these two currents in the body. In particular, hatha yoga focuses on the physical aspects of yoga practice.