Volume 3 Issue 8

August, 2002

A

Private Road

One of the things I adore about the Iyengar teachers I have worked with is their commitment to the individual.  In emulating their teacher, Guruji Iyengar, they become adept at seeing every student in the room.  Iyengar instructors are able to call out an instruction which specifically applies to a student furthest from them.  They can see a student in front of them and give a touch in guidance.  Even with this individual attention, there are times when it is not enough.  Guruji has given therapeutic sequences of asana and pranayama to many students over the years.  He has published therapeutic sequences in his book, Yoga, The Path to Holistic Health.  However, he is quick to inform us that these sequences are not universally applicable.  Every student has different needs.  It’s always best to check with a teacher to see which sequencing  meets your specific requirements.  Guruji has been heard to tell a student, “I will show you how to manage your problem as long as you do not go back and teach this sequence as a remedy for others.”  So it is that, even with all the information available to us from books and other media, it is ultimately the teacher who gives appropriate guidance.

I had never had a private session with any yoga teacher until 1990.  That spring my son, his girlfriend and our friend, John, headed out one Sunday to hike in the Grand Canyon.  Before we got too far it was apparent that there was going to be too much snow to make it the Canyon and back, so we turned around, picked up our dogs, rented skis, and went to the mountains to cross country ski.  About two miles into the woods I fell head over heels down a hill.  Even before I realized the pain I was in, I was rolling on the ground grasping my knee.  John stood over me and laughed, he was sure I was just messing with him.  The dogs were dancing and wanting to play.  Once he realized the trouble I was in, he began making suggestions such as, “Try to stand on it.”  That was not a good idea. John went to find help.  He sent my son and his girlfriend back to stay with me.  The pain lessened after about twenty minutes and I was able move on.  The dogs frolicked, my son and girlfriend walked along as I hobbled, using ski poles as crutches in knee-deep snow.  It was nearly two hours before John and the sheriff came to gather me up and take me to the emergency room.  There I was just one of many.  In my knee, two of four ligaments were completely torn.  There was also some meniscal damage.  Surgery for reconstruction followed about a month later. 

My surgeon told me to expect 90% return for my knee.  I rehabilitated with the assistance of a physical therapist, an acupuncturist, and two of my yoga teachers.  My teachers spent time with me in private session and on the phone.  My therapists’ and teachers’ help kept me moving forward in healing both mentally and physically.  They gave me the courage to face the pain of healing and rehabilitation as well as support in the difficult times when I lost faith I would get to the 90% return predicted by my surgeon.  I  initially believed my healing would be miraculous:  rapid and complete.  Coming to terms with the actual time and demands of rehab  challenged my faith.  My healers were always there for me.  They pulled me from the  mire of self-pity and the harm it can cause. 

At my first yoga workshop after the injury I was among many students in line before the first session waiting to explain our problems to our teacher.  He checked on me often and gave instructions specific to my needs. In general, instructions for one side in a posture will be very similar to the second.  While in  standing postures with the front leg bent, such as warrior, I needed to work in a very different way with my left leg bent than when the right leg was bent.  During a workshop, such as this, I may receive very detailed information about my specific situation.  In a private session I can learn how to take that adjustment further in my practice.  I receive sequences that best suit my strengths and weaknesses, and  develop a deeper relationship with my teacher.  

As you progress in asana, more detail is required.  The more your teacher works with you the more precise the instruction you receive.  You must align the bones by working intelligently with  supporting muscle and connective tissues.  This opens the body for improved circulation of fluids and energy.  It’s this circulation that brings nutrition and takes away waste from every cell in the body.  Improved circulation removes stagnation and reduces over-stimulation.  Physiologically, each cell becomes healthy  and able to provide support to the body’s systems.  The physical body becomes quiet and calm.  As the body is  quiet so is the mind.  As the mind is quiet we are better able to listen to our hearts.  We are better able to align our lives with our true purpose. 

This is no small feat.  Every distraction in our lives has the potential to turn us away from our course to happiness.  In a private session attention is dedicated to you, your path, where you are in the present, and how you can move within the constraints about you.  You are encouraged in actions that allow you  to avoid future pain and that support, rather than hinder, you in your physical, mental and spiritual healing. 

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Menstrual Sequence

During menstruation we practice a sequence which is calming and supportive to this process.  In addition, the sequence alleviates some of the  symptoms associated with menstruation.  But,  symptoms are not the same for all of us.  Because of this, variations to the general sequence are given depending upon what menstrual problems we have, if any.  The general menstrual sequence can be augmented with the following for the problems indicated:

• For heaviness in the head due to tension begin with supported Uttanasana (standing forward bend) and/or supported Adho Mukha Savanasana (dog pose)

• For heavy bleeding or pain begin with Utthita Trikonasana (triangle) and/or Ardha Chandrasana (half moon)

• For women with low blood pressure, lack of energy or emotional upset begin with Viparita Dandasana (inverted staff) over a backbender or chair

These recommendations obtained from Geetaji Iyengar.  For further information refer to Yoga: A Gem for Women by Geeta Iyengar.  For supported pose detail see Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health by B.K.S. Iyengar.

Menstrual Sequence Guide available from:

The Yoga Place, 1200 Selke Road, La Crescent, MN  55947

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