How does the use of props, such as blocks or straps, enhance a yoga practice? What poses are commonly modified with props?

The use of props in yoga practice can be extremely beneficial for students of all levels and abilities. Props like blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters, and chairs can help students to access poses more safely and effectively, enhance alignment and stability, deepen stretches, and provide support for the body during relaxation.

Here are some of the ways that the use of props can enhance a yoga practice:

1. Improved alignment: Props can help students to achieve proper alignment in yoga poses, which can help to prevent injury and enhance the benefits of the practice. For example, a block placed under the hand in triangle pose can help to bring the ground closer to the student, allowing them to maintain proper alignment in the spine and hips.
2. Increased accessibility: Props can make yoga more accessible to students of all levels and abilities, including those with injuries, limited mobility, or physical limitations. Straps, for example, can be used to help students with tight hamstrings reach their feet in forward folds, while chairs can be used to support students with balance issues or to make poses like downward dog more accessible.
3. Deeper stretches: Props can also be used to help students deepen their stretches in yoga poses, allowing them to access deeper layers of the body and release tension and tightness. Bolsters and blankets can be used to support the body in restorative poses like reclined bound angle pose, while blocks can be used to provide support and extension in poses like pigeon pose.
4. Increased relaxation: Props can also be used to support the body during relaxation poses like savasana, allowing students to fully relax and release tension in the body and mind.

Some common poses that are commonly modified with props include:

1. Downward dog: Blocks can be used under the hands to bring the ground closer to the student, allowing them to maintain proper alignment in the spine and hips.
2. Forward folds: Straps can be used to help students with tight hamstrings reach their feet in forward folds, while blocks can be used to bring the ground closer to the student and support the head in seated forward folds.
3. Pigeon pose: Blocks can be used under the hips or hands to provide support and extension in pigeon pose, allowing students to access deeper layers of the hips and release tension and tightness.
4. Restorative poses: Bolsters, blankets, and other props can be used to support the body in restorative poses like reclined bound angle pose and supported bridge pose, allowing students to fully relax and release tension in the body and mind.

Overall, the use of props in yoga practice can enhance the benefits of the practice, making it more accessible, safe, and effective for students of all levels and abilities. By incorporating props into your yoga practice, you can deepen your stretches, improve your alignment, and enhance your overall physical and mental wellbeing.