Welcome to the Cambridge Iyengar Yoga Institute
The Cambridge Iyengar Yoga Institute (CIYI) is dedicated to the practice and teaching of Iyengar Yoga. If you are looking for an Iyengar Yoga class in the area, please see our comprehensive list of dedicated Iyengar Yoga teachers.
You will also find details of workshops and events put on by the CIYI itself or by our teacher members. If you are interested in training to become an Iyengar Yoga teacher, you can find details on the Cambridge Iyengar Yoga Centre website. Click here if you would lke to become a member of the CIYI.
You will also find details of workshops and events put on by the CIYI itself or by our teacher members. If you are interested in training to become an Iyengar Yoga teacher, you can find details on the Cambridge Iyengar Yoga Centre website. Click here if you would lke to become a member of the CIYI.
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar Yoga is based on the system of Yogacharya BKS Iyengar. Having devoted his whole life to the practise of Yoga - BKS Iyengar has created a style that is both systematic and safe and one which is based on accurate positioning and alignment. As a practitioner you are guided through a progressive system of postures which are modified according to your capacity and ability and aided with the use of special props. The extensive use of props is unique to the Iyengar method and it allows the teacher to help students to work to their maximum capacity.
The poses have a powerful effect not only physically but psychologically. Over time and with continuous practise, one will gain strength and flexibility, stamina and balance, poise and composure, inner peace and serenity. Please visit www.bksiyengar.com for more information about Iyengar Yoga.
The poses have a powerful effect not only physically but psychologically. Over time and with continuous practise, one will gain strength and flexibility, stamina and balance, poise and composure, inner peace and serenity. Please visit www.bksiyengar.com for more information about Iyengar Yoga.
The Benefits of Yoga Practice
Human beings are made up of three components: body, mind and soul. Corresponding to these are three needs that must be satisfied for a contented life: the physical need is health; the psychological need is knowledge; and the spiritual need is inner peace.
Modern society faces problems which affect all these aspects. Today’s lifestyle, with its technological wonders, is a mixed blessing. Convenience and speed are obtained at some cost to physical health. Labour saving devices minimize physical exertion, resulting in stiffness and muscular weakness. A sedentary life causes backache, neck problems, heaviness in the limbs, and difficulty in walking or running. The extensive use of the visual media leads to headaches and eye strain.
The mental anxieties of a competitive world deplete inner resources, inviting stress related problems such as insomnia and digestive, respiratory and nervous disorders. If pressures are not balanced with time for quiet reflection, the quality of life is impaired.
Yoga helps in all these problems. At the physical level, it gives relief from countless ailments. The practice of the postures strengthens the body and creates a feeling of well-being. From the psychological viewpoint, Yoga sharpens the intellect and aids concentration. It steadies emotions and encourages a caring concern for others. Above all, it gives hope. The practice of breathing techniques calms the mind. Its philosophy sets life in perspective. In the realm of the spiritual, Yoga brings awareness and the ability to be still. Through meditation, inner peace is experienced.
Thus Yoga is a practical philosophy involving every aspect of a person’s being. It teaches the evolution of the individual by the development of self-discipline and self-awareness. Anyone, irrespective of age, health, circumstances of life and religion can practice Yoga.
Modern society faces problems which affect all these aspects. Today’s lifestyle, with its technological wonders, is a mixed blessing. Convenience and speed are obtained at some cost to physical health. Labour saving devices minimize physical exertion, resulting in stiffness and muscular weakness. A sedentary life causes backache, neck problems, heaviness in the limbs, and difficulty in walking or running. The extensive use of the visual media leads to headaches and eye strain.
The mental anxieties of a competitive world deplete inner resources, inviting stress related problems such as insomnia and digestive, respiratory and nervous disorders. If pressures are not balanced with time for quiet reflection, the quality of life is impaired.
Yoga helps in all these problems. At the physical level, it gives relief from countless ailments. The practice of the postures strengthens the body and creates a feeling of well-being. From the psychological viewpoint, Yoga sharpens the intellect and aids concentration. It steadies emotions and encourages a caring concern for others. Above all, it gives hope. The practice of breathing techniques calms the mind. Its philosophy sets life in perspective. In the realm of the spiritual, Yoga brings awareness and the ability to be still. Through meditation, inner peace is experienced.
Thus Yoga is a practical philosophy involving every aspect of a person’s being. It teaches the evolution of the individual by the development of self-discipline and self-awareness. Anyone, irrespective of age, health, circumstances of life and religion can practice Yoga.
