BKS Iyengar's 97th Birthday: Google Celebrates with Animated Yoga Poses

Jasleen Sethi, Modified: December 14, 2015 15:08 IST

Yoga is a mirror to look at ourselves from

within. - B.K.S Iyengar
The benefits of yoga are not only restricted to
be perceived at body level. Yoga offers us all
rounded fitness physically, mentally and
spiritually. The origins of yoga are considered
to date back to the pre-Vedic Indian traditions.
The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word yoga
is to add, to join, to unite or to attach
from the root. Modern life has brought many
benefits but also many hazards. For every sort
of challenge (physical or mental), a different
type of yoga is available to eliminate and
reduce its effects.
Among the numerous branches of yoga, the Google Doodle today celebrates one particular type of yoga which can be practiced by all and is
known as Iyengar yoga. Named after Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar (Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar), it is one of the oldest forms of
yoga. The Google Doodle marks the 97th birth anniversary of the Indian yoga guru. The interactive doodles shows the yoga teacher in some
of his famous poses within Google's logo.
Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga which lays emphasis on precision and alignment in all postures (asana). B.K.S Iyengar has
systematized over 200 classical yoga asanas and 14 different types of pranayamas (breathe control). Many of the pranayamas have
variations to them and they range from basic to advance. The unique feature of this yoga is that it includes the use of various props which
help the practitioner to achieve perfection in the postures.
Iyengar yoga became famous for adding yoga props to the yoga session. These props range from belts, cushions, sandbags, blocks,
wooden gadgets, blankets, ropes, etc. and also help to minimize the risk of strain or injury. This is the feature which enables person of any
age group to access this type of yoga.
The Asanas
Following are some easy and interesting Iyengar Yoga asanas with the help of props:1. Paripurna Navasana
This pose means full boat. In Iyengar yoga this pose can be done by the beginners with the help of props like chair or a block.

This posture helps in Strengthening the core muscles of the abdomen and hip flexors
Improving alignment by stretching the spine
Strengthening the lower back muscles
Toning the small and large intestines
Improving digestion

Stimulating the kidneys, thyroid and prostate glands, and intestines

2. Paschimottasna
In Paschimottanasana, you are folded upon yourself into a naturally introverted state. This pose requires patience and discipline. This asana
means intense stretch of the waist. This posture can be achieved with the help of cushions.

This posture helps in Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression
Stretches the spine, shoulders, hamstrings
Stimulates the liver, kidneys, ovaries, and uterus
Improves digestion
Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort
Soothes headache and anxiety and reduces fatigue
Therapeutic for high blood pressure, infertility, insomnia, and sinusitis

3. Viparita Dandasana
This asana is the combination of Sirs asana (headstand) and Urdhva Dhanurasana (upward facing bow pose). This pose can be achieved
with the help of props like mats, chairs and cushions.

This posture helps in Reduces abdominal fat

Strengthens shoulder muscles

Tones internal organs

Revitalizes central nervous system

4. Bharadvajasana
This posture in Iyengar yoga is performed on a chair. It helps in Stretches the spine, shoulders, and hips
Massages the abdominal organs
Relieves lower backache, neck pain, and sciatica
Helps relieve stress
Improves digestion
Especially good in the second trimester of pregnancy for strengthening the lower back
Therapeutic for carpal tunnel syndrome
Increased flexibility to the back, knees and shoulders

5. Supta Virasana
Supta Virasana is a reclined version of virasana where the upper body reclines backwards, so that the back rests on the floor. The arms rest
on the floor to either side of the trunk, with the palms facing up. This pose in Iyengar can be done with the help of cushions or blankets kept
underneath the practitioner.

The major benefits of this asana are Stretches the abdomen, thighs and deep hip flexors, knees, and ankles

Strengthens the arches

Relieves tired legs
Improves digestion
Helps relieves the symptoms of menstrual pain

Apart from the above, there are numerous asanas practices with props in Iyengar yoga. Each asana has its own benefits which help to treat
physical and mental conditions.
How is Iyengar Yoga different from other forms?
The Iyengar yoga differs from the other forms of yoga in the following ways. The postures are more complex as practitioners hold the
asanas for a longer period of time. Only after mastering asanas, one can move forward to the pranayama. In some asanas, props are used
for the effective achievement of postures. According to the principles of Iyengar yoga, by varying the sequence the effect of asana can be
intensified.

Tags: Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Google Doodle, BKS Iyengar

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