Faqs
1.When is the best time to practice yoga?
Yogasans is best practiced early in the moning, between 5 and 7 a.m. When the sun rises. Avoid doing yoga when the sun is at its peak – the internal heat generated through your practice may be reduced due to external perspiration.
2.If I work different shifts, when is the best time for me to practice my yoga?
When you feel rested and relaxed, the muscles co-operate better. Make sure you get enough sleep, empty your system, have a shower, then practice your asanas on an empty stomach you will feel energized for the rest of the day
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3.If I have just eaten, is it safe to practice my asanas?
No, because all the bending and twisting could cause you discomfort when your stomach is full. If you have just eaten a full meal, give at least 5 hours to settle into your system before you start your practice. Yoga practice is usually recommended first thing in the mornings because it is assumed that you have not eaten through the night. If you are new to yoga, begin your practice in the evenings, then gradually acquire the discipline to practice in the early mornings.
4.If I have difficulty in emptying my bowels, is it still safe to do yogasana?
Although it is not unsafe, it is generally not advisable to practice yoga on a full bowel or bladder. If you frequently feel constipated, take 2 glasses of water first thing in the morning. When this becomes a routine, your bowel movements will be more regulated. If you still have problems, begin your practice gradually. This will expedite the process and, after a few asanas, you will begin to feel the sensations. Continue your practice after you have flushed your system completely.
5.Can we do our yogasanas on a bare floor?
It is not advisable to practice yoga on the bare floor. Use a mat that is thick, comfortable, and does not slip. Typically, deer or tiger skin is best, but world wildlife regulations may prevent this. So a rubber mat that is 6′ X 3′ would be ideal.
6.Is it alright to practice yoga after a hot shower?
However cold it may outside, practicing yoga after a cold shower is highly recommended. Hot showers before your practice could lead to neurosis and laziness. If you are weak, suffer from an ailment that cannot handle cold showers, or the weather is excessively cold outside, shower in warm water until you get used to the idea of cold showers. But if you suffer from asthma or diabetes, try and shower in cold water whenever possible – this speeds up the curing process
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7.What if I do not have enough time to practice all the asanas?
Even if you do not have enough time to practice all the asanas, try to stay in Vipareetha Karani, Sarvanga Asana, Ardha Sirsa Asana, and Sav Asana (Shanthi Asana). Be sure also to do a alternative asanas for these, besides practicing Nadi Shudi. (breathing).
8.If I travel a lot, can I still practice my Yoga?
Yes, it is very easy to practice yoga anywhere, because all you need is a mat.
9.How much time should I devote to my yoga practice every day?
There is no minimum amount of time that you should devote to yoga practice each day. But a daily does of ten minutes of yoga and pranayama is much more effective than practicing for several hours one day and none the next.
10.If I am practicing yoga to recover from a disease or illness, how much time should I put in?
If you have the time, practice your asanas at least for one hour each day, until your ailment has receded. After it has subsided, maintain a discipline of at least 5-10 minutes each day.
11.Are there any dietary controls to be observed?
If you are suffering from some sort of ailment and wish to see a cure, it is important to observe strict diet controls. But if you are otherwise healthy, and simply wish to continue your practice, there are no real restrictions. Of course, it would certainly help you improve your flexibility if you can cut down on salty, sour, or spicy foods.
12.Are there any age restrictions for practicing yogasanas?
No. People of all ages can practice yoga, but older beginners should practice for a shorter duration.
13.When is it not adviceable to practice yoga?
It is not advisable to practice yoga immediately after a heavy meal, sexual intercourse, during the mestrual cycle, or after the first 2-3 months of pregnancy. If you have fever or a headache, consult your yoga teacher before performing certain asanas. When you are tired, perform the nadi shudhi (breathing excerises) befor continuing your asanas.
14.Can meat-eating people practice yoga successfully?
Yes, but the body may be less flexible at first. Meat – eaters should therefore not force themselves into any of the postures, or they might injure themselves. Also it is worth nothing that such practitioners usually feel some pain after their practice. So it is a good idea to reduce the intake of meat altogether.