Iyengar Yoga is a unique type of yoga with many therapeutic uses – sometimes known as “the medical yoga.” Here’s why it’s so beneficial…

While yoga is an ancient practice, it has evolved over the centuries into many different forms and types. From popular types of yoga such as Hatha and Vinyasa, many other branches have developed their own special techniques and practices. For example, Iyengar Yoga is a branch of Hatha yoga which utilizes many different props to help people of varying levels of fitness and ability to achieve the benefits of yoga.

Many of the poses done in Iyengar yoga are standing poses, which may be easier for those with various physical impairments.

Iyengar yoga has also developed a reputation as being especially therapeutic for those with certain medical conditions – thus earning its recent nickname, “medical yoga.”

Here is a bit more info about this uniquely beneficial form of yoga:

Using belts, blankets, cushions, benches, straps, sandbags, and blocks helps students develop strength, mobility, and stability while reducing the risks of injury. Iyengar has classified and categorized over 200 asana and 14 pranayama (breathing techniques) into a linear progression so that beginners can advance to more challenging asana and pranayama in a safe way. The progression allows students to steadily gain flexibility and confidence, as well as sensitivity in the mind, body, and spirit. Inyengar yoga has a reputation for improving aches and pains, improving posture, and even treating serious medical conditions.

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Many clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals have incorporated Iyengar yoga into their recovery programs and physical therapy. Chronic backache, immunodeficiency, high blood pressure, insomnia, depression, and menopause all have specific Iyengar yoga programs associated with them (that is, particular Iyengar yoga sequences, timing, and techniques all developed specifically for the physical and emotional symptoms of these ailments). Generally, Iyengar yoga is useful in physical therapy because it helps with the manipulation of inflexible or injured areas of the body.

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Medical studies are also being conducted in using Iyengar yoga to help with more serious mental illnesses, such as major uni-polar depression. So far, results typically yield reduced depression, anxiety, and anger. Many medical professionals also insist that yoga is a cost-effective and easy way to produce many positive emotional, psychological, behavioral, and biological effects in patients.

Read More about Iyengar Yoga at Yoga.com…