Important considerations while practicing Yoga
Yoga is yogam or the process of attaining the oneness of body and mind. It is also the process through which the emotional and spiritual levels of an individual become one and consequently, Yoga helps in improving the holistic health of an individual.
There are many individuals who think it is a herculean task to practice various postures in Yoga and they often find reasons to avoid doing Yoga. But in fact, Yoga is not that tough and can be easily practiced if one is persistent and patient. What matters is how Yoga is practiced. If an individual is able to bring down his concentration completely to the body while practicing Yoga, he or she can gain maximum from it. Proper knowledge about what is being done and what are its benefits is extremely necessary and this is the reason why it is always advised to take the guidance of a trained Practitioner when one is initiated to Yoga.
At what age can one start practicing yoga?
Yoga is usually prescribed to individuals who are at least 10 year old as it is extremely difficult for small children to patiently sit down to practice. Yoga is beneficial only if the individual is interested and not if it is imposed on him or her. Thus, if the parents want their children to practice Yoga, it is important that they be able to create an interest in them. This could be done using games or any such activities. For example, postures which are named after various animals like Marjarasanam (cat), Shalabhasanam (butterfly) and Ushtrasanam (Camel) can kindle the interest of small children.
In fact Yoga is extremely beneficial for children as it will improve the flexibility of their body and can enhance their memory power. Hyper active children could be calmed down with Yoga and lethargic children could be made more active with Yoga.
When should one practice Yoga?
Though Yoga could be practiced in the morning or evening, it is always desirable that Yoga is done early in the morning after the toilette when the stomach is empty. Do make sure that Yoga is not practiced right after food. It is advised that one practice Yoga at least after 3 hours after the intake of food.
Can every asana be practiced by every individual?
When one practices yoga, it should be done after knowing one’s body. The flexibility of the body, stamina, and health conditions play an important role and have to be considered while doing Yoga. It is also important to start with easy asanas and slowly move on to complex asanas. A small warm up session before Yoga is always desirable. Hence it is always advised that one consult a trained practitioner while doing Yoga.
Does Yoga improve the immunity power?
According to the Indian tradition, diseases are caused when there are obstacles for the smooth flow of energy to the various parts of the body. Yoga cannot cure all the diseases but can enhance the smooth flow of energy to various parts of the body and consequently improve the immunity power.
Diet regulations while practicing yoga
It is always advised that one control the intake of food while practicing yoga by avoiding fatty foods, fried foods and sweet foods. It is not desirable that one eats whenever one wants to but rather according to affixed time table. Gulping down food whenever one feels like is not a healthy practice. Increase the intake of water and include vegetables, fruits, leafy vegetables, curd, buttermilk and ghee on the diet. Just because yoga can burn calories, it is not advisable that one eats a lot and then practice yoga to compensate that.
Before doing Yoga:
- Choose a place with fresh air and proper air circulation for practicing Yoga. Do not sit on the bare floor while practicing Yoga. Use a mat or bed sheet.
- Do not wear tight clothes while doing yoga. Rather, use clothes that help easy movement and those which do not obstruct smooth breathing and blood circulation.
- Practice yoga on both sides of the body and also in both directions (clock-wise and anti-clock-wise). Remain in the yoga posture for at least 10 seconds before relaxing.
- Smooth and concentrated breathing is essential for yielding the best effects of Yoga.
