Yoga & ropes are nothing new!
Paintings dating back to the 17th century through the 19th century depict yogis hanging from trees in inversions as well as swinging for more active work to create heat in the body (tapas). Like monkeys!
Some History
BKS Iyengar observed these past yogis in his studies and named this Yoga ‘Kuruntas’ – puppet yoga.
While using the wall ropes in the practice of yoga asana we become like puppets suspended by ropes.
In Pune, India these ropes have been used for many decades in the Iyengar Institute, hanging from the ceiling and attached to the wall. It was in the 1980s that Gita Iyengar included a section in her book “A Gem for Women” on Yoga ‘Kuruntas’. She explains the benefits which include “gaining agility, lightness of the body, speed in movements and alertness in the brain”.
They allow those to invert that may need extra support, want to hold longer, focus on balance and alignment, as well as those with medical conditions that are too weak to hold a pose that will be overall beneficial for their condition.
In Pune and most Iyengar classes around the world, the ropes are used in medical classes as well as regular classes. These classes can be a fully directed ropes class, as an addition included in a regular class, or to enable a student to modify when needed.
There are hundreds of various ways to use the ropes for inversions, back bending, forward bending, twisting, standing poses. I continue to find new ways to create space, stretch in various areas, and create strength.
Be curious and experiment, find new ways to enrich your practice! Safety is paramount so best to investigate under the supervision of a well-trained Iyengar teacher.
This sequence includes:
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana ( Upward Dog Pose )
Chest Opening Pose
Utkatasana ( Chair Pose )
Adho Mukha Svanasana ( Downward Dog Pose )
Uttanasana ( Forward Bend )
Utthita Trikonasana ( Triangle Pose )
Virabhadrasana II ( Warrior Pose )
Utthita Parsvakonasana ( Extended Side Angle Pose )
Parvottanasana ( Intense Side Stretch )
Parivrta Trikonasana ( Twist Triangle Pose )
Supta Tadasana with Ropes and Wall ( Reclining Mountain Pose with Ropes and Wall )
Makarasana with Ropes and Wall ( Crocodile Pose with Ropes and Wall )
Prasarita Padottanasana ( Wide Leg Forward Bend )
Salamba Sarvangasana ( Shoulder Stand )
Halasana ( Plow Pose )
Viparita Karani ( Legs up the wall pose )
Savasana ( Corpse Pose )
