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Provide an example of how a prop might be used instead of our hands to generate one of the 8 effects named by Prashant Iyengar in has article on ‘why do we use props’.
The use of a strap across the balls of both feet in urdhva prasarita padasana (holding) brings a feeling of lightness in the legs that enables one to stay longer in the pose (physical and mental stability) and learn where the source of action is (sensitivity). I chose this asana and prop use as this combination has been one of the most profound in terms of helping me to understand how to ‘switch’ off the abdominal muscles, avoid arching the lumbar, and to learn how to innervate the legs from the hip flexors. Pulling back on the belt, with elbows to the side, also helps with understanding the shoulder blade action to stabilise this asana from the upper body in supine position. I don’t recall teachers at the school providing adjustment in terms of holding/pressing students’ ankles, things, pelvis, etc. for this asana. Perhaps this is due to the effectiveness of this combination in providing feedback and enabling students’ to explore the holding progression independently?
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