What are Iyengar Yoga Props?

26 gennaio 2023

Iyengar yoga is a type of yoga that emphasizes the use of props such as blocks, straps, blankets, and bolsters to aid in the alignment and performance of postures. The props are used to help students achieve proper alignment and deepen their understanding of the postures. They also can make postures more accessible to students with injuries or limitations. The use of props is considered an important aspect of Iyengar yoga, as it allows students to progress in their practice at their own pace, regardless of physical limitations.

Here is a list of some common Iyengar yoga props and their uses:

Yoga blocks: These are used to support the hands, feet, or back in postures where the student is unable to reach the floor.
Yoga straps: These are used to help with flexibility, especially in postures where the student is unable to reach their feet or hands. They can also be used to help with alignment.
Yoga blankets: These are used to cushion joints, provide support, and add warmth to the body during relaxation postures.
Yoga bolsters: These are used to support the back and help with relaxation postures.
Yoga chairs: These are used to provide support for seated and standing postures, especially for students with limited mobility.
Yoga walls: These are used to provide support for inversions and other postures where the student is unable to balance.
Yoga mats: These are used to provide cushioning and traction for postures and to help with alignment and balance.

"Props help to perform the āsana-s with ease… The student understands and learns āsana faster on props as the brain remains passive. Through passive brain one learns to be alert in body and mind. Props are guides to self-learning. They help accurately without mistakes.", (extract from 70 Glorious years of Yogācharya B.K.S. Iyengar, page 391)

Another important Iyengar yoga prop: Ropes

Yoga Kurunta, also known as Yoga of the puppet or Yoga of the ropes, is a form of yoga that uses ropes and pulleys attached to the ceiling to assist with alignment and deepen the understanding of postures. This form of yoga was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, who was a student of T. Krishnamacharya, and is considered an advanced form of Iyengar yoga. The ropes and pulleys are used to support the body and create resistance, which helps the student to maintain proper alignment and deepen their understanding of the postures. The ropes can be used to help with balance, alignment, and to deepen the stretch in postures. It's helpful for students with injuries or limitations and it's also considered a therapeutic form of yoga.

Using Iyengar yoga props while recovering from an injury

When using Iyengar yoga props while recovering from an injury, it's important to work closely with a qualified Iyengar yoga teacher to ensure that you are using the props correctly and safely. Here are a few general guidelines for using props when injured:

Start with basic props: If you are new to using props, start with basic props such as blocks and straps. These props are easy to use and can help you achieve proper alignment in postures.
Use props to support and protect the injury: Use props to support and protect the injured area while performing postures. For example, use a block to support the hands if you have an injured wrist or use a bolster to support the back if you have an injured spine.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body and avoid pushing too hard. Use the props to help you maintain proper alignment and deepen your understanding of the postures, but also listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.
Be patient: Healing from an injury takes time. Be patient with yourself and allow your body to heal. Remember that the use of props can help you progress in your practice at your own pace, regardless of physical limitations.
Work with a qualified teacher: It's important to work with a qualified Iyengar yoga teacher who is experienced in working with students with injuries. They will be able to guide you in using the props correctly and safely and adjust the postures according to your needs and abilities.