Arthritis |
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I have been practicing yoga since 1970 but had accumulated
numerous injuries from my life as a professional dancer. The discovery of
Iyengar Yoga was a brilliant physical therapy, it helped me to heal my back
and knees. I have been able to reverse two "irreversible" medical conditions,
"advanced osteo arthritis" in my whole neck and spine and a "torn meniscus" in
my knee. Of course dietary changes help, but that is part of yoga also.
- Joni Yecalsik
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Asthma |
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As the result of infantile pneumonia, I had suffered from severe asthma throughout my childhood. I used an inhaler regularly to alleviate acute attacks which would come on as a result of cold, allergies or exercise. I was also prescribed an internal drug (Theophylline) which I took every twelve hours for many years. Within a year of beginning yoga practice, I was able to discontinue the internal medication and cut back significantly on using my inhaler. Now, I rarely use my inhaler. In fact, when I looked at the date on my most recent inhaler, I found that it has been three years since I refilled the scrip. My sincerest thanks and blessings go out to Guruji and his methods without which I would still suffer from the dehabilitating effects of asthma.
- J. Jackson ; Rock Climbing guide, counselor, yoga instructor
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Back Problems |
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In 2001 I was suffering from slipped disc and sciatica. The pain was unbearable and I was bedridden for over 6 months. I tried various forms of medicine but none worked. Doctors recommended surgery. Then I was referred to an Iyengar Yoga teacher - Mr.Amrish Modi. His immense dedication, belief in the curative and therapeutic power of Iyengar Yoga, and hard work paid rich dividends. Very soon I was again restored to full health. I used to wonder whether I would be able to ever walk again. Now I play tennis, jog, exercise, swim and do everything I thought I might never again get to do. I am indeed immensely grateful to Guruji and to his disciple - AmrishBhai. Iyengar Yoga is now a part and parcel of my life. My wife was highly impressed on seeing my speedy recovery and she is also now doing Iyengar Yoga. It has indeed changed our lives for the better. Jai Iyengar Yoga!
- Paramjit Singh Ghai
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Burns |
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A year ago, I was involved in an accident where all four of my limbs were severely burned by nitric acid. The lessons I learned through Iyengar yoga were an integral part of my healing process. I used pranyama to get through the terrible time, and often pictured myself in warrior II looking out toward my recovery. Less than a month after the accident, I returned to asana.
-Annie G.
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Height Gain |
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Clearly every student who practices consistently gets taller, but I had one student, who had basically good posture, who gained an incredible 1 1/4 inches in height after only 8 months of regular classes (3x/week).
-C. Leeby, Certified Iyengar Teacher
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Knees |
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I was told I would need knee surgery and did Iyengar yoga therapeutics and healed both knees 99%.
-Emma B., Certified Iyengar Teacher
A year after I began attending Iyengar Yoga classes, a friend who came to class a lot got in a bicycle accident and tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Upon the advice of our teacher, Stephen Norvell, she came back to class soon thereafter and he began giving her special arrangements in the poses with various props. Her doctor was so impressed with her recovery that he began coming to classes.
-C. Leeby, Certified Iyengar Teacher
I have been practicing yoga since 1970 but had accumulated numerous injuries
from my life as a professional dancer. The discovery of Iyengar Yoga was a
brilliant physical therapy, it helped me to heal my back and knees. I have been
able to reverse two "irreversible" medical conditions, "advanced osteo
arthritis" in my whole neck and spine and a "torn meniscus" in my knee. Of
course dietary changes help, but that is part of yoga also. - Joni
Yecalsik
I broke my right leg from the knee down (spiral break) with an additional
break in right ankle, a freak ski accident.
I was told 20 years ago that I should fuse the ankle by an orthopedic surgeon.
Eighteen years ago I came across Iyengar Yoga, and it's made all the difference.
Two years ago I climbed up and down the Trail of the Grand Canyon and I continue
to climb high mountains in Colorado and New Mexico! Iyengar Yoga has kept me
“moving” and given me the knowledge of inner stillness, peace, and the union of
heart and mind which is of
course the most important gift. - Rose Marie Lopez
I have a student who had a gap between the two feet of three inches, (knees
together). After three years of regular Yoga courses with helps (once a week),
she could join the feet and the knee problems were gone. I was astonished
myself.
- Silvia Schmitt, certified Iyengar Instructor
I originally came to my first Iyengar yoga classes in search of support for a
bad knee injury. Now, with over 10 years of dedicated study and practice, the
amazing core strength and stability that I have gained is only surpassed by the
profound sense of inner peace that I have experienced during this same time
period. I gratefully attribute my excellent health and vitality to the teachings
and mastery of Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar. Thank you, Guruji, for your lifetime of
gifts.
- Michael Kelley
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Osteoporosis |
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I was diagnosed with a severe case of osteoporosis at age 40 -
ten years ago. I was advised to start on Fosamax and begin a weight lifting
program, I did both. Three years ago I stopped lifting weights completely but
stayed on the drug. I wanted to experiment on myself to see if my yoga
practice was really
all I needed. My last bone denesity test ('04) showed that my bones have
improved from osteoporosis to osteopenia - and I have gained half an inch in
height! If my practice improves my kyphosis I will never experience the pain
that both my
mother and grandmother have - and for that I am forever grateful to BKS
Iyengar and my teachers.
- Donna Moresco, Atlanta GA
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Runners |
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Having run several marathons before coming to yoga, I had a litany of problems--tight hamstrings and hips, bad knees, chronic back pain. I remember struggling in my first class, every pose was a challenge. The teacher provided helpful individual instruction. Even after that first class, I started to feel liberated in my body. One of the fundamental lessons for me has been that it is possible to concentrate without holding tension, a principle that I try to incorporate in the rest of my life. Iyengar certified teachers undergo extensive training and are always trying to improve their teaching.
-Oliver James, New York, NY - marathon runner
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Teacher Accounts |
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I have students who have reported relief from chronic sciatica, low back pain, knee problems. . . Just last
week a brand new student reported relief from plantar fasciitis after only 2 classes!
-Emma B. certified Iyengar teacher
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