--- title: "Supported Inversions and Restorative Yoga | Iyengar Method" description: "Master supported inversions and restorative poses with precise Iyengar yoga techniques. Learn how to use props for safe, effective home practice with Madhava." canonical: https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga/online-pranayama-classes/supported-inversions-restorative-poses last_updated: 2025-09-06 --- # Supported Inversions and Restorative Yoga Tribe Verified · 45+ years of Iyengar yoga lineage By [Madhava R](https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga) · Live online classes via Zoom · ₹500 per month (estimate) Part of [Online Pranayama Classes](https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga/online-pranayama-classes). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga/online-pranayama-classes/gallery) Inversions and restorative poses are essential for immunity and recovery. I teach you how to use props like chairs, ropes, and blocks to hold these poses with precision and safety. ## Photos and videos - ![Chair Sarvangasana, or supported shoulder stand, is a cornerstone of the Iyengar method. The chair provides support to the back, allowing for a longer, more beneficial hold.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5ada63e7-15fa-4c8e-8614-8dd8feeec3b7) - ![A variation, Eka Pada Sarvangasana, performed with the support of a chair. This single-leg variation adds intensity while the prop ensures stability and safety.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6b6972e2-27e4-4e2f-b99b-edc307af56b2) - ![This is another view of a supported shoulder stand using a chair and blankets. The props are arranged to protect the neck and allow the chest to open fully.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8e177d65-bd98-49a7-8218-7f2ab129df0d) - ![Viparita Karani using a chair. This variation provides a deeper backbend and opening of the chest compared to performing it only against a wall.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7eee5dc4-6573-4b42-8887-29fbbf0826d1) - ![A simple yet effective setup for Viparita Karani using a wooden brick for support. This is a key restorative pose we practice at the end of class.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/703054d1-fb19-41fd-bf23-eda447f3545d) - ![The classic execution of Viparita Karani, using hands to support the lower back. This builds arm strength and control while providing restorative benefits.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fe71b678-25f0-4279-9782-49c33d887d78) ## About Supported Inversions & Restorative Poses You will notice in these images that I use chairs and wooden bricks extensively. This is not about making yoga 'easy'; it is about alignment. When you are fully supported, you can hold the pose longer, allowing your nervous system to calm down and your body to recover. In my class, you will learn exactly how to set up these props so that your neck and spine are protected while you reap the full benefits of the inversion. People often think inversions require brute strength, but in the Iyengar method, they require intelligence. Using props like chairs in Chair Sarvangasana or bricks in Viparita Karani is not a shortcut—it is a way to unlock the pose for your specific body type. When you practice supported inversions, you are essentially reversing the flow of gravity. This helps in circulating blood to the upper body and head, boosting immunity and calming the mind. However, without correct alignment, you risk injury, particularly in the neck and lower back. That is why I spend time teaching you the setup. If you do not have the right angle or support, the pose loses its therapeutic value. In my sessions, we focus on: - Prop setup: Learning to place the blanket and chair correctly so you do not strain your neck. - Controlled entry: Moving into the pose with awareness, not momentum. - Holding with stability: Using the support to breathe deeply, which is where the real recovery happens. These poses are vital for students who are stiff, recovering from injury, or simply looking to manage stress levels. If you have been hesitant about doing shoulder stands because of neck pain, props will change your experience entirely. ## About Madhava R I am Madhava, and I have spent 45 years following the path laid out by my Guruji, Dr. B.K.S. Iyengar. I do not teach generic yoga; I teach the precise, disciplined Iyengar method. If you are serious about understanding how to use props to correct your posture and build immunity, I am ready to guide you. [See all of Madhava R's services](https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga) ## More from Online Pranayama Classes by Madhava R - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga/online-pranayama-classes/featured) - [The Iyengar Lineage](https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga/online-pranayama-classes/the-iyengar-lineage) - [Preparatory Seated Postures](https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga/online-pranayama-classes/preparatory-seated-postures) - [Working with Props for Precision](https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga/online-pranayama-classes/working-with-props-for-precision) ## More services by Madhava R - [Online Iyengar Yoga Classes](https://mytribe.in/madhava_r__yoga/online-iyengar-yoga-classes) ## Similar work from other experts - [Inversions: Headstands & Shoulder Stands](https://mytribe.in/iyengar_yogamandala/therapeutic-yoga-sessions/inversions-headstands-shoulder-stands) by Amina Sarkar Bharat Ram · Therapeutic Yoga Sessions · Online sessions & in-studio at Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi - [Supported Yoga Practice with Props in Santacruz](https://mytribe.in/bodytemplemumbai/specialized-yoga-programs/supported-practice-yoga-with-props) by Body Temple Yoga Studio · Specialized Yoga Programs · Online and at studio in Santacruz West, Mumbai - [Mastering Advanced Poses with Props](https://mytribe.in/nirmalayog/accessible-yoga-for-all-levels-abilities/mastering-poses-with-props) by Nirmala Yoga · Accessible Yoga for All Levels & Abilities · Visit Studio in Rajajinagar - [Prop-Assisted Yoga for Precision and Healing](https://mytribe.in/yogatute/therapeutic-yoga/the-art-of-props-safe-deep-practice) by Yogatute Health · Therapeutic Yoga · Available online and at studio in Chamrajpet - [Therapeutic Yoga & Prop-Assisted Practice](https://mytribe.in/triyangayogashala/multi-style-yoga-instruction/assisted-therapeutic-yoga-using-props-for-deeper-practice) by Rakshith Setty · Multi-Style Yoga Instruction · Online, Studio in Malleshwaram & Outdoors at Cubbon Park - [Props & Alignment: Safe Yoga for Every Body](https://mytribe.in/vandanayadavyoga/yoga-and-fitness-training/props-alignment-the-iyengar-influence) by Vandana Yadav · Yoga and Fitness Training · Online classes available; Studio sessions in Bandra West and travels to clients across Mumbai ## Book To book Madhava R, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaskara%20Madhava%20Sir%2C%20I%20saw%20the%20Supported%20Inversions%20and%20Restorative%20Poses%20gallery.%20I'm%20interested%20in%20learning%20how%20to%20use%20props%20safely.%20Can%20you%20tell%20me%20when%20the%20next%20batch%20starts%3F)