Lecture: Aligning with Change: Iyengar Yoga’s Adaptations for Women’s Life Cycles

Over the past century, yoga has undergone a remarkable transformation in how it addresses the needs of female practitioners. What was once a practice primarily developed by and for male bodies has evolved to recognize and accommodate the unique physiological changes women experience throughout their lives.

This evolution raises fascinating questions about how yoga traditions balance innovation with adherence to classical teachings. How do we honor traditional wisdom while acknowledging its limitations? How can we create practices that genuinely support women’s changing bodies without reinforcing limiting gender stereotypes?

The Iyengar tradition has developed sophisticated adaptations for women across three major life phases: menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These adaptations aren’t just occasional modifications—they form an integrated approach to female practice throughout life. What’s particularly fascinating is how these adaptations use props and modifications to transform classical postures, making them accessible and beneficial during times of significant physiological change.