Yoga

What Is Yoga?
The word ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’ meaning to bind, attach or join. Yoga is the union of the mind, body and soul and a way of developing harmony. It is also the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. Yoga is a system of Indian philosophy, believed to date back to between 500 and 200 BC. The physical postures, known as ‘asanas’ comprise one of eight stages of the path of yoga which ends with Samadhi, the state of super-consciousness in which the individual aspirant becomes one with the Universal Spirit.

How Can Iyengar Yoga Help Me?
Different types of asanas have different effects, for example forward bends calm the mind whilst back bends are stimulating and invigorating. Asanas benefit the body and mind holistically, bringing relaxation, self-awareness, improved energy, and an enhanced sense of well-being.

The carefully graded system of asanas makes it suitable for all levels of fitness and ability. Different degrees of flexibility are fully expected and everyone works at their own level. Students will progress from basic to more challenging asanas whilst still working at their own pace.

What Happens During An Iyengar Yoga Class?
Classes will last one to one and a half hours and will focus on learning the physical postures, the asanas. Usually around half of the class will be standing poses, with the other half comprising seated, supine and inverted poses. Classes always end with a period of guided relaxation in Savasana, ‘corpse pose’.

What Are The Qualifications And Codes Of Practice?
Iyengar Yoga teachers have all practised yoga for several years and will have undergone a minimum of two years assessed teacher training. Iyengar yoga teachers are bound by the Iyengar Yoga Association (UK) Code of Practice and are committed to the Iyengar method which means they do not ‘mix methods’ from other disciplines or activities. Iyengar yoga teachers must attend regular classes and workshops for continuing professional development and specialised training, as well as maintaining their own personal yoga practise.

Where Can I learn More?

Visit http://www.eightyoga.co.uk/ or email Diane at info@eightyoga.co.uk

To read more about the Iyengar Yoga method you may also visit the Iyengar Yoga Association website http://www.iyengaryoga.org.uk/

DR DIANE BAMBER