Health and Wellness do not come by yoga gimmicks or dietary fad, but are a result of correct & comprehensive solutions which are unique to every person!
Yoga of all is based upon a profound philosophy of life and consciousness. It is not a system of mere practices devoid of any theoretical background. One needs an understanding of yoga philosophy in order to practice yoga effectively, without causing damage by doing it the wrong way. While theory without practice cannot take us far, practice without any theory has its limitations as well.
When we speak of the philosophy of yoga, I am not referring to any mere intellectual, academic or meticulous discipline. I perceive it as a philosophy that shows us how to understand the world and ourselves within our own awareness.
Yoga is a lifestyle which very scientifically spans its scope from the first thing you do, think & consume in the morning to the last thing you do, think & consume in the night. It is very much a practical philosophy of self-observation and inner inquiry. We learn it through applying it in our daily lives.
With International Yoga day just 2 days away, here are some tips before you start Yoga regime for best of health.
1.Find a good yoga teacher
It is much easier and more enjoyable, to learn yoga, with all its detailed and subtle physical and mental aspects, from an experienced, qualified, real-three-dimensional-living-breathing person, rather than from a book or video. Especially at the beginning, a teacher’s presence and ability to actually see you and respond to what you are doing, is essential for building your confidence that you are doing yoga properly. It helps to get the best without any side effects.
2.Respect your body’s intuitions and limitations
Don’t push yourself to do anything that feels dangerous or wrong for you. Talk to your teacher and a health professional if you are pregnant or have particular injuries such as to the knees or spine, or any serious medical condition. Find out which poses to avoid at certain times, and which will be beneficial for you. Be aware of indications your body gives you relevant to your specific circumstances. The asanas in particular, are to be done calmly in an unhurried manner without exertions, stress or strains. The movements should be slow, rhythmic and non-jerky.
3.Modify postures for your body
The perfect pose we may see in a book or see a teacher demonstrate may be a long way from what our own body can currently achieve. A good yoga teacher will show you how to ease your own body carefully towards the ideal posture bringing attention to the principle of the inner stretch with the right breathing pattern while getting in, during and out of postures.
4.Don’t compare yourself with others
Look inwards to your own progress; there will always be more flexible people around in your yoga class. Appreciate the subtle progress of your own practice, the best part of it is on the inside, in the unity of your own body, mind and spirit.
5.Eating & drinking with yoga
Drink only small amounts of water beforehand and do not drink during practice. Avoid alcohol, sugar or caffeine before yoga. Don’t have a heavy meal just before or while doing yoga asanas, wait for at-least 2 to 3 hours after eating heavy meals. Have the right nutritious diet during the course and make it a habit.
6.Wear loose but comfortable clothing made of natural fabric
You will stretch your body in all directions and so you don’t want to wear anything that will dig in or restrict your movement. But at the same time wear clothes that won’t slip or that might make you lose concentration and at times give a jerk in attempt to take care of slipping clothes. Use clothes made from natural fabric or hosiery that will absorb the perspiration.
6.Communicate with your teacher!
Many yoga teachers will observe and assist individual students during a class. Unless a teacher knows your yoga practice very well and is fully aware of any historical injuries that you have had, it is risky for them to try to forcefully adjust your posture by moving your body beyond your natural limitations into a posture; this may cause injuries, so don’t be afraid to say no.
7.The right sleep
A well-rested body responds to yoga better so ensure you get sound sleep the night before and start early in the morning. Get up early in the morning and then attend to your nature’s call, wash your teeth thoroughly, do tongue cleaning and take a bath and then start your yoga.
8.The surroundings
Yoga practice should be done in a neat and clean room. If possible keep the windows open to let in fresh air and sunlight while carrying out yoga asanas. It is helpful in to do your yoga practice in a fixed place, if possible where early morning tender sunrays fall.
9.The mat requisite
Ensure that before you start your yoga spread a yoga mat or blanket on a levelled flooring. Use the mat exclusively for yoga and not for any other purposes during the day.
10.Do not hold your natural urges
During the practice of Yoga asanas, the impurities and wastes accumulated within the internal organs of the body is generally directed towards the urinary bladder. So many people experience an urge to pass urine after doing Yoga. You should not hold the urine back forcefully for a very long period. Also, try not to repress sneezing, coughing, farting etc. If you feel dehydrated or thirsty, you can sip can little water as well.
- No AC or strong fan to dry the sweat
During Yoga asanas practice if you experience sweats it is better if you let it dry automatically in the air. If you experience too much perspiration, then gently wipe with a soft cloth.
- Preferably set a regular time
Practice yoga asanas every day regularly and preferably at the same time.
Yoga is a holistic way of healthy living that provides health, longevity, vigour, awareness and alertness to the body, mind and spirit. Yoga opens the way of a happy, healthy and stress-free life.
Wishing you all a wonderful Journey of yoga for the best of health!
Reach out to me on WhatsApp on 8928458479 if you need more answers about your wellness & your daily dose of health regimes.
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