To begin with, Iyengar Yoga is learnt through the thorough study of Yoga poses(asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama).

Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar has organized in excess of 250 classical yoga Asanas and several different types of breathing exercises from the easy pranayamas to the extremely difficult ones. They have been arranged and classified in such a way that the beginner can advance surely and safely from basic practices to more advanced ones as they increase their flexibility, strength and sensitivity in mind, body and spirit.

When it comes down to it, Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga concentrates particularly on 3 aspects. Right body alignment lets the body develop pleasantly in an anatomically right manner so that the practitioner experiences no pain or injury while practising. Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar has also improvised the use of props to assist the body in doing the poses properly.

Even though the therapeutic benefits of Yoga poses and breathing exercises have long since been established Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar’s constant stress on right body alignment and working techniques have advanced the therapeutic aspects of Yoga, particularly in the West. As a result the practice of Iyengar Yoga will often bring about cures, especially from aches and pains, enhance body posture etc. Further, taking a cue from the natural results, Iyengar Yoga is now widely used to treat many a variety of ailments.

Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar starts teaching the student Pranayama once has established a firm foundation in asana. This is because, physically the student needs the alignment, flexibility, lung capacity and training so important for sitting and breathing properly while doing pranayama. Pranayama has innumerable benefits including toning up the digestive, circulatory, nervous and respiratory systems, activating the internal organs and developing a feeling of energy and calmness. Above all it also puts the mind and senses under the control of the individual and makes prepares him for of meditation.