Iyengar Yoga - The Perfect Compliment to a Healthy Lifestyle

   

     As a registered nurse, Iyengar yoga practitioner for over 20 years and a mom of three, I understand that health and wellness really is at the forefront of a beautiful life.  Iyengar yoga, and yoga in general, but specifically Iyengar yoga, was created as a modality and alternative therapy for health.  B.K.S. Iyengar created a methodical system for healing the body through specific poses.  In his book, "Light on Yoga,"  B.K.S. Iyengar defines yoga as union or communion of the mind and body.  Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke.  Yoga is the union of our will with the will of God.  In Indian philosophy, yoga is just one of six orthodox systems.  In Indian philosophy, everything is permeated by the Supreme Universal Spirit.  When we are united with the spirit of God, we can secure our liberation. 
     The asanas are the part of Yoga that helps keep the vehicle of the body working properly.  Without a firm foundation, a house cannot stand.  When practicing the poses, one needs to build character with yama (ethical disciplines) and niyama (rules of conduct) or else yoga becomes just acrobatics and it's true potential is not reached.  Throughout the book, B.K.S. Iyengar details various poses with details on how to perform them properly.  The poses range from standing, sitting, inversions, forward bends and backbends.  Certain poses are recommended to help with certain physical ailments.  There are poses for menstrual cramps, migraines, hypertension (high blood pressure), asthma, hypotension (low blood pressure) and various other ailments.  Another book I recommend regarding Yoga for health is "B.K.S. IYENGAR YOGA The Path to Holistic Health."  This book is a more colorful version that is larger with bigger pictures and much easier to follow. 
     The benefits of yoga include: increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, increased energy, weight reduction, cardio health, improved athletic performance and protection from injury.  With all those benefits, incorporating yoga into your daily routine is very beneficial. 
     Yoga is best practiced in the morning or late evening.  In the morning, the asanas do not come easily as the body is stiff but the mind is fresh and alert.  Yoga in the morning helps the body become less stiff and more flexible as you move into each pose.  In the evening, yoga calms the body and spirit allowing you to sleep better at night.  This is especially important for those men and women with insomnia. 
     I hope you are able to check out those two books and even pick up a video on yoga to do at home.  Hope you enjoy your practice and listen to your body throughout the day.  You might need a mid-day yoga practice.  Stay safe and healthy!