Long Holds in Supported Positions
Holding an asana for a long period of time lets the effect of the asana ‘seep’ in. Supported positions that make possible long holds are one of the boons of the methodology developed by shri BKS Iyengar. They calm the nervous system, and are conducive for a meditative and breath-centric practice. This sequences is also […]
Exploration of Breath in Different Supported Asana Positions
The concept of the Prana is difficult to understand and even more difficult to explain. What can be said with certainty is that: the breath can be used as a starting point to understand the rhythm of the Prana, and that Asanas are like a laboratory that provide opportunities for breath to be express naturally […]
Pranayama/ Breath-focussed class: Alternating Actions during Inhalation and Exhalation
Hip Stiffness: Deep Dive into Baddhakonasana
Stiff/ ‘tight’ hips, are connected to lower back pain, wearing out of the hip socket, arthritis of the knee, menstrual discomfort etc. To maintain the overall health of the hips, it is important to include many kinds of hip actions in our practice. Asanas like baddhakonasana and supta baddhakonsasana, upavistakonasana and padmasana, are often referred […]
Active Practice on a Hot Day
A hot day can make us feel lethargic and dull. At the same time, physical activity can leave us feeling exhausted. This session gives some ideas about how to do an energising practice on a hot day – employing some strategies like use of supports, selecting asanas that open the pelvic area, resting the head, […]
Knee Health: Further Diagnostics, and Ways to Improve Knee Health through Asanas
More ways to diagnose health of knees, and using asanas to strengthen knees while preventing knee pain This can be done as a stand-alone session, but we recommend attempting the session Knee Health: Simple Adjustments to in Asana Practice to Improve Knee Health before trying this session. Level: Beginner, Experienced Beginner, Gentle Duration: 60min Props […]
Use of Chair in Asana Practice: Inversions, Restful Asanas and Pranayama
Long stays in restful/ quiet asanas, a regular practice of inverted (upside down) asanas, and a gradual introduction to the powerful practices of pranayama, are characteristics of Iyengar Yoga. Here, we look at how the chair can be used in a variety of ways, especially in combination with other props like blankets, bolsters and belts, […]
Aligning and Strengthening Legs in Seated and Supine Positions
Options for gaining strength and intelligence in using the legs in supported seated and supine positions. Level: Gentle Duration: 45min Props used: yoga strap, a stack of firm, folded blankets/ bolster for seat, a sturdy chair, access to a wall
The Wings of Virabhadrasana I: Role of the Arms
In this session, we start with activating the legs in supine positions, work with the arms in isolation, in dynamic actions. The two are then integrated into into virabhadrasana I Level: Experienced Beginner, Intermediate Duration: 60min Props needed: none Part of the following Short Courses: Deep Dive – Virabhadrasana I (Short Course, Level – Experienced […]
Supporting the Back through Arm and Leg Actions – A Gentle, Supported Practice
A series of quiet asanas in seated, standing, and supine positions, to understand the relationship between the limbs and the trunk. We focus on broadening/ spreading actions at the lower limbs (legs), and the upper limbs (arms). This activates the upper and the lower back, while ensuring there is no narrowing/ pinching Although this can […]
