ESSENTIALS OF YOGA PRACTICE

ESSENTIALS OF PRACTICE

Yoga is a Scientific System of physical and mental excellence which requires obedience to certain rules, principle and methodology in order to acquire satisfactory results. If these rules and principles are not followed it may cause reverse results, i.e. harm and injury to the body.

1. There is no specific time for doing yoga. In the point of view of convenience, morning is always better as you will be free for the rest of the day.
Whatever time you have chosen, stick to the same time of practice every day.
Practice yoga regularly and continuously. Irregular practice will not bring good results.
Practice only once within twenty four hours.
Practice at least 15 minutes a day , for 5 days a week. 15 minutes can be gradually increased to a maximum of 1 hour.

2. The place of yoga practice should be neat, clean and airy.
Try to practice at the same place regularly.
Practice alone, if possible.

3. Yoga should be practiced on an empty stomach.
If you have taken food, wait for two or more hours before practicing.
Practitioner must avoid hot food or excessive spices and try to eat a balanced diet.

4.Relax in between asanas for 6 to 8 seconds. Take 2 or 3 normal breaths between asanas.
Rest at the end of the asana session. The general principle is to rest 1/4th of the time of actual practice. For example if you practice asanas for 30 minutes, your rest time is 7 1/2 minutes.

5. Your body should be neat and clean nor it should be tired or under any excessive physical pain.
Wear clean and light cloth while practicing.
Avoid excessive intake of coffee, tea, alcohol and drugs.

6. Try to keep the mind free from anxiety, worries and any strenuous involvement while you are practicing.
7. Women should not practice yoga during their menstrual periods. Pregnant women should take care to practice moderately.

LIST OF ASANAS

ASANAS OR EXERCISES

'Asanas' in Sanskrit means posture.
There are around 84 asanas - each one has a special name, special form and a
distinct way of performing. Asanas are designed to promote, a state of mental
and physical well-being or good health. This may be defined as the condition
that is experienced when all the organs function effectively under the intelligent
control of the mind. Asanas have an extraordinary capacity to overhaul, rejuvenate
and bring the entire system into a state of balance. 

LIST OF ASANAS

Surya Namaskar

	Surya Namaskar means greeting or bowing the sun. Usually all sessions of Yoga asanas begin with the 'Surya Namaskar' or sun salutation. It nourishes and energizes the upper part of the body.

Utthan Pada Asana (Leg Lifting Posture)

'Utthan' means to raise up and 'Pada' means legs. In this posture the legs are lifted upwards. It strengthens the spinal code and removes disorders of the back.

Paschimothan Asana (The Forward Bend)

	Paschimothan Asana also known as touching toes posture, means stretching the back. It brings flexibility and corrects disorders of the spine.

Bhujanga Asana (The Cobra)

'Bhujanga' means serpent or snake. This asana is named after the king of the snakes, Cobra. It provides a youthful appearance and for women, makes child birth easy.

Salabha Asana (The Locust)

	'Salabha' or locust is a type of grass hopper. It is a reverse of cobra posture. It is strenuous and can be practiced in parts at the initial stage. It favourably activates all the organs of the lower part of the body.

Sarvanga Asana (The shoulder Stand)

'Sarva' means all and 'Anga' means body, so Sarvanga is the posture of the whole body. As the whole body weight in this posture rests on the shoulders, it is also called 'Shoulder Stand Posture'. It is a purifying, nourishing and energizing asana beneficial to the whole body.

Matsya Asana (The Fish Posture)

	Matsya Asana is so called because in its perfect posture, one is supposed to float like a fish in water. It is beneficial to perform this asana after Sarvanga Asana. It has corrective effects for the neck and shoulder troubles.

Dhanur Asana (The Bow Posture)

The body form in this asana resembles a bow or 'dhanur'. It is one of the best asana for activating and strengthening the joints of the body. It has some special benefits for women.

Hala Asana (Plough Posture)

	The plow or Hala Asana is an extreme forward bending exercise. It has some excellent benefits and occupies a very prominent place in asanas. It is a unique asana for gaining sexual powers.

Shava Asana (Relaxation Posture)

'Shava Asana' means posture of a dead body. Also known as 'Yoga Nidra' which means yogic method of sleep. It is an asana which claims to provide a satisfactory relaxation of both the body and the mind.

Note: Information Taken from Internet.

Disclaimer :

We are not responsible or liable for any injury or harm caused to the practitioner while practicing the asanas given here. Some asanas may be inappropriate under certain medical conditions. We suggest that you consult a qualified instructor.