It’s one of the ancient systems of Indian philosophy. It is a science that unites and balances all aspects of life – physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual.
In the famous treatise “Yogasutry” the Indian philosopher Patanjali defines yoga “yogah cittavritti nirodhah” – Yoga is a restraint on the movements of consciousness.
Regular practice of asanas (yogic positions) and pranayama (breathing exercises) brings countless benefits to the body and mind:
- strengthens and makes the body more flexible
- fills it with energy
- gives you relaxation
- increases self-confidence and self-awareness
- rejuvenates body cells
- cures stress
- strengthens the immune system
- regulates metabolism and hormone secretion
- optimises pressure
- teaches concentration, humility and patience
To put it simply, yoga helps to live.
Yoga is not a set of difficult physical exercises for athletes, it is an exercise of the mind through the body. The awareness of the body allows us to achieve a higher awareness of our energy and thought processes, so that we eventually realize how the nervous system functions and we become more sensitive to the “dormant” part of the brain – the unconscious.
B.K.S. Iyengar (born 14 December 1918 – died 20 August 2014) was one of the most prominent yoga authorities and teachers in the world, recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential personalities of the 20th century. Author of classic yoga textbooks – “Light of Yoga”, “Light of Pranayama”. He has been practicing for more than 70 years, and thanks to his method called Iyengar Yoga, millions of people around the world have started practicing yoga. Unbelievable precision and personalization of the message are characteristic features of this kind of yoga. But what made yoga so popular according to B.K.S. Iyengar’s message are its therapeutic applications. Thanks to the use of help (e.g. blankets, blocks, belts), an experienced teacher can not only adjust individual positions to the abilities of the adept, but also treat his or her ailments.