“Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

I had the privilege of being invited as the expert for a three-day Iyengar Yoga Workshop at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Ministry of Ayush, New Delhi, under the inclusive theme Yoga Samavesh. Each day ran from 12 pm to 3 pm and brought together 50+ bright minds from AIIA — mostly Ayurvedic doctors pursuing their MD.

The workshop was graced by the Director of AIIA, Prof. Dr. Manjusha Rajagopala, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Ramavtar Sharma, Associate Professor, PG Department of Swasthavritta, inaugurated the sessions and encouraged everyone to integrate traditional, structured practices into daily life for sustainable well-being. I am grateful to both for their trust and support.

Why Iyengar Yoga for Ayurveda scholars

Iyengar Yoga is precise, methodical and deeply therapeutic. Its emphasis on alignment develops sharper observation skills, which pairs beautifully with the Ayurvedic approach to individualized care. When we place the body well, the breath settles, the mind becomes steady and the nervous system starts to restore balance.

What we covered over three days

Day 1: Introduction to Iyengar Yoga
We explored the fundamentals of alignment through standing asanas. Simple tools like a belt or a block helped everyone feel stability in the feet, clarity in the legs and space in the spine.

Day 2: Working with props intelligently
Chairs, bolsters and the wall supported safe spinal extensions and shoulder work. The idea was to use props to access correct action without strain, not to make things “easy.”

Day 3: Restorative focus for mental quiet
Set-ups with bolsters and blankets introduced the group to supported forward extensions and gentle inversions alternatives like Viparita Karani at the wall. The room felt noticeably more quiet by the end.

Clearing a common misconception

Many participants shared that their view changed from “Iyengar Yoga is only props” to “props are a method to teach precision and make practice accessible.” That shift was a highlight for me. Props are not the goal. They are a means to awaken correct action, protect joints and help the breath flow without disturbance.

Outcomes we observed

• 50+ participants engaged fully across all three days

• Noticeable improvement in body awareness and steadiness of breath

• Strong interest from the group to continue learning Iyengar Yoga regularly

• A shared understanding that alignment is not rigidity but a pathway to freedom and mental wellness

Gratitude

My heartfelt thanks to Prof. Dr. Manjusha Rajagopala, Dr. Ramavtar Sharma and the entire AIIA team for their hospitality and for championing authentic, inclusive yoga education under Yoga Samavesh.

If you represent a medical college, university or wellness institution and would like to host a structured Iyengar Yoga workshop, I would be happy to collaborate. Let us make yoga precise, therapeutic and truly accessible to all.