FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON YOGA
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient science that originated in India 5000 years ago; the word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word Yuj which means to bind or to Yoke. The Patanjali Yogasutra defined Yoga as “ Yujyate anena Iti Yogah” which binds individual consciousness to universal consciousness.
Why is the practice of Yoga is necessity?
As humans, we deal with the external world and are constantly exposed to various physical and mental stress. If not managed, the accumulated stress will bring numerous ailments and affect the function of the human system.
Yoga is not merely a physical exercise. It involves basic principles like Yama (Moral commandments) and Niyama (Self-development routine), which builds character and subsequently allows the mind to be calm.
The asana or physical postures held for a specific duration improves flexibility, enable the organs to function effectively, builds muscle and core strength, and pranayama is a technique to regulate breathing and thereby nourish each cell by enhancing the uptake of oxygen.
Yoga is a must to keep ourselves free from both physical and mental ailments.
What is the ideal time to Practice Asana and Pranayama?
The best time to practice the asana or pranayama is either early in the morning or late in the evening. Asana should be preferably be done on an empty stomach. Hence it is better if done first thing in the morning or late in the evening when the gap between the food intake and the asana practice is at least four hours.
Why should there be a gap between the meals and the practice of Asana?
As asana involves movement of the physical body like forwarding bending, twisting and binding, backbends and inversions, there is a high chance’s that we may throw up the food or get constipated when we miss maintaining the time gap between the meals and asana.
A gap of four hours was a must when a person had consumed a heavy meal or a minimum of one hour for a light meal.
How should I breathe while practicing the asana?
In all the asana, the breathing should be done only through nostrils and not in the mouth. Always ensure to breathe slowly and rhythmically and avoid rapid breathing.
Where and how should I practice Yoga?
Practice asana in a place where there is adequate ventilation and free from noise or any disturbance. Always practice the asana on the mat as it provides traction in posture or safety and avoids the energy dissipating from the body.
What are the important points to consider before and after the asana session?
Always start the asana with a gentle stretch to warm up the muscle before doing any of the intense stretching asanas holding for a long duration. The suryanamaskar is an excellent way to stretch the body before attempting the asana and always end the asana by lying down in Shavasana for at least 10 to 15 minutes as this will remove fatigue.
Can women practice asana during menstruation?
Avoid asanas that are intense during the menstrual period. Also, the inversion postures like sirshasana and Sarvangasana must be avoided.
Some posture can be practiced during the most challenging cycle days like Badda konasana, Upavista konasana, Janusirasana, and Paschimottanasana.
At what age can children start the practice yoga?
Children of age 5 years can start mild pose or gentle stretch, and the minimum age to do any intense stretch or advanced pose must be at least 8 years.
Can Yoga help me to reduce weight?
The common reason nowadays for weight gain is due to a sedentary lifestyle. People gain weight when the calories consumed are more than expended.
One must make an effort to lose weight holistically by maintaining a proper diet and do a workout without straining much.
Yoga helps to reduce weight holistically that is safe and effective. Asanas of various intensities help burn calories and boost metabolism. It also works on every muscle and strengthens them.
What would be the strength of each class? Do we get individual attention?
The strength of each class ranges from 12 to 20. The instructor makes an effort to explain all the postures with demonstration and proper technique and will be able to correct the posture of pupils.
All the doubts and clarification can be discussed at the appropriate time before or after the session.
Do I need props or any equipment to practice Yoga?
Yoga is a simple workout that does not need any expensive equipment, and your body weight is used as resistance while attempting the asana. Some props are economical, like bolsters, yoga straps, and yoga blocks that can be used to modify the pose.
Can I practice yoga with a health condition?
When you have a medical condition or injury, ensure you have discussed it with your yoga teacher before starting the practice. It is always advisable to take feedback from your doctor about any pose or movement which must be avoided.