Yoga, Tips Towards Physical Health.

Here are few more tips for improved yoga practice, enjoy

Level

While doing yoga, the practice of postures and pranayama will vary according to the level and experience of the student. The basic poses should be practised on a regular basis and should never be forgotten. One method is to vary the type of postures done each day, for instance, standing poses one day and sitting poses the next. Always include inverted poses. Beginners should concentrate more on standing poses.

Individual Needs

In home practice you have to be sensitive to your own needs and to be aware which postures are helpful in different circumstances. For example, standing poses are invigorating, whereas forward bends are calming. This is one approach to practice. The other is to discipline yourself to do a particular programme irrespective of personal inclination. The first approach makes you sensitive and the second develops will-power. Both need to be learnt. Where there is a health problem for which a certain group of postures are prescribed, then this particular programme should be adhered to.

Structure

Yoga practice should have a structure. A basic guide is to start with simple poses or those which allow the body to stretch; then to continue with the main group or groups of poses selected for that day, and to end with relaxing poses that allow the work done to be assimilated by the body.

Self-discipline

Practising at home requires and develops self-discipline and an independent understanding of the postures. It is a good idea to begin by remembering some of the postures and instructions given. The building up of correct habits will give a firm foundation in yoga, leading to confidence in practice and greater knowledge.

Repetition of Postures

It is usual to repeat some of the postures when practising, such as standing poses, sitting poses and twists, so long as this does not cause fatigue. However, do not repeat the inverted postures and recuperative positions.

Timings in the Postures Guidance is given in the Asana section for the timing of each posture. In the beginning do not stay long in the postures, until they become familiar and you gain stamina. Do not strain to hold a posture. Gradually increase the time spent in each so that the postures – as well as your health – improve.

Breathing in the Postures Do upward movements with an inhalation, downward movements with an exhalation. That is, start a movement at the beginning of an inhalation or exhalation, and conclude it at the end of the same breath if possible. Do not hold the breath in the postures.

Menstruation

Women should not do inverted poses during menstruation as these interfere with the natural outflow of blood. There is a whole range of postures which are suitable at this time – see Asanas for Menstruation.

CAUTION

This course is not intended for those suffering from the following conditions:

• Cancer or benign tumours

• Detached retina

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy including petit mal

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• HIV

• Meniere’s disease

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)

• Physical handicaps

• Pregnancy

• Recent post-operative conditions In such cases, please seek the advice of an experienced teacher

To be continued in yoga series.

Thanks for reading.