How many times per week should I practice?
Yoga is an amazing practice, from only twenty minutes per day to one hour per week practice one can experience some benefits. As the body conditions increase the time and frequency; a ninety minute per day is normal practice. The important thing is to get started and try to be consistent.
What are the benefits of doing yoga?
Modern life style can be very stressful on the physical, mental and emotional health, by incorporating Yoga it can bring tremendous benefits, first and foremost it can reduce the stress and experience calmness as it works directly on the nerves system! As Yoga is a scientific system it can improves the blood circulation, the endocrine systems, tone up the digestive systems, the muscles, the tendon, increase mobility of the spine and increase the intake of oxygen to the vital organs. Yoga not only benefits physically, mentally, emotionally but it can provide a huge positive outlook on life and relationships with others.
Why Meditate?
Most of us meditate for the result of meditation and reflection. By meditation we aim to reach a state where we are aware of our inner calmness and power; to be less effected by little things, break through the stubborn problems and daily challenges. Provide more mental clarity, intelligence and intuition. It is very relaxing but very different from sleeping. It can regulate the natural healing hormones and improve the mental, spiritual and physical well being.
What is Pantanjalis Yoga Sutras?
Patanjali is not the inventor of yoga, but a well know systematiser and compiler who codified the art and science of Yoga in “Yoga Sutras”. There are 195 sutras or concise aphorisms that are essentially outlines the science of Yoga meditation for Self realisation. No new things were created but rather summarised in a extremely organised way.
Is yoga a religion ?
“Yoga is in Religion; Religion is not in Yoga.” It is way of life a philosophy that began in India an estimated 5,000 years ago. The Yoga practices of self-awareness, self-training, and self-discovery which are non-sectarian, and are compatible with all religions. If you are familiar with the differences between Yoga and religion, it is easy to keep them separate, or if you prefer, to integrate them. The choice rests with each person as an individual. Read more
Will I have to become a Hindu to do yoga?
No, Yoga is a philosophy which primarily aids the spiritual progress of a person. Yoga does not involve idol worship, special deity or specific rituals to follow. Yoga practice is beneficial to all mankind irrespective of origin or sex.
What is the ideal time for yoga?
Ideal time for yoga is one to two hours before sunrise. You may carry out yoga in the evening provided you have not eaten anything for last for two hours. It is best to do yoga empty stomach, but you can have little lemon water or herbal tea 30 minutes prior to yoga practice.
What is the age limit for doing yoga?
There is no upper age limit for yoga practice. You can start at 20 or 60 years of age and can continue up to 100 years or more. Children can start yoga from 10 years of age.
I'm not flexible—can I do yoga?
Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible.
This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.
Why can’t we not drink or eat before yoga session?
During yoga practice the internal organs are getting tremendous massage; twisting the body from side to side, turn upside down, bend forward and backward. Therefore it can be a little uncomfortable If you have not fully digested your last meal. However if you have a fast-acting digestive system and afraid you may get hungry or feel weak during yoga session, have a very light snack such as a banana, yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.
Other reasons for not drinking or eating, Yoga is designed to open up many energy channels in the body, especially the main channel, the spine, this energy need to flow freely therefore if you have food in your stomach you are allowing some of this vital energy to go towards the digestion. Also as you are trying to produce an internal heat (Agni) in the stomach to burn up the impurity by drinking water it’s counter productive.
However for an beginner I allow a little drink as there body and mind is not quite use to yoga practice.
How is yoga different from stretching or other kinds of fitness?
Unlike stretching or fitness, yoga is more than just physical postures. Patanjali's eight-fold path illustrates how the physical practice is just one aspect of yoga. Even within the physical practice, yoga is unique because we connect the movement of the body and the fluctuations of the mind to the rhythm of our breath. Connecting the mind, body, and breath helps us to direct our attention inward. Through this process of inward attention, we learn to recognise our habitual thought patterns without labelling them, judging them, or trying to change them. We become more aware of our experiences from moment to moment. The awareness that we cultivate is what makes yoga a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed. Your body will most likely become much more flexible by doing yoga, and so will your mind.
Do I have to be vegetarian to practice yoga?
The first principle of yoga philosophy is ahimsa, which means non harming to self and others. Some people interpret this to include not eating animal products. There is debate about this in the yoga community—I believe that it is a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves. If you are considering becoming a vegetarian, be sure to take into account your personal health issues as well how your choices will affect those with whom you live. Being a vegetarian should not be something that you impose on others—that kind of aggressive action in itself is not an expression of ahimsa. I always say to my students take more time in what comes out of your mouth then what goes in….
What does Om mean?
Om is a mantra, or vibration, that is traditionally chanted at the beginning and end of yoga sessions. It is said to be the sound of the universe. What does that mean?
Somehow the ancient yogis knew what scientists today are telling us—that the entire universe is moving. Nothing is ever solid or still. Everything that exists pulsates, creating a rhythmic vibration that the ancient yogis acknowledged with the sound of Om. We may not always be aware of this sound in our daily lives, but we can hear it in the rustling of the autumn leaves, the waves on the shore, the inside of a seashell.
Chanting Om allows us to recognise our experience as a reflection of how the whole universe moves—the setting sun, the rising moon, the ebb and flow of the tides, the beating of our hearts. As we chant Om, it takes us for a ride on this universal movement, through our breath, our awareness, and our physical energy, and we begin to sense a bigger connection that is both uplifting and soothing.
What does Hatha mean?
Hatha is force, is also translated as ha meaning "sun" and tha meaning "moon." This refers to the balance of masculine aspects—active, hot, sun—and feminine aspects—receptive, cool, moon—within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose. Read more
Hatha also means wilful or forceful, referring to a set of physical exercises and sequences of asanas. The postures are also designed to open the many channels of the body—especially the main channel, the spine—so that energy can flow freely.
Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind and be more present in the unfolding of each moment.
Is Hatha Yoga all Yoga?
No, this is a branch of a Yoga, it is a physical aspect of yoga but this does not mean all yoga. However Hatha Yoga is not only about the Asana (posture) and Pranayama ( Yoga Breathing), the essences of Yoga is about realization or discovery of the “Self” connecting your self to the High State.
Is it okay to practice Yoga while pregnant?
It's okay to continue practicing Yoga while you are pregnant as long as you were practicing before conception. Yoga is a great way to keep fit during pregnancy. In particular it can help strengthen the pelvic area, normalise thyroid functioning and blood pressure, and help keep you calm and relaxed -- all of which is good for the baby, too. In general, however, you want to avoid strain, compressing the abdomen and, especially in the later stages.
Can women do Yoga during menses?
Yes, however it is advisable to avoid inverted poses as it is going against the natural flow. Also some of the strong energising breaths (Kapalabhati or strong Uddiyana bander practice). As it may cause discomfort or disrupt the natural flow.
What are the benefits of doing yoga?
Yoga is a scientific system, which address all area of our being. Therfore the physical asana/exercise can improve your blood circulation, tones up your digestive systems, endocrine systems, provide more oxygen to your body. Yoga benefits your mind body and soul.
What is pranayama?
Yoga breathing or Pranayama, it is the science of breath control. It consists of series of exercise especially intended to meet the body's needs and keep it in vibrant health also it can keep the mind nourished. Pranayama comes from the following words:
Prana -Life force or life energy
Ayama- to regulate or lengthen.
Ideally, this practice of opening up the inner life force is not merely to take healthy deep breath but t is intended for yoga practitioners to help and prepare them in their Meditation process.
How can we understand Prana?
Prana’ refers to the universal life force. This prana creates an aura around the body. It flows through thousands of subtle energy channels called ‘nadis’ and energy centers called ‘chakras’. The quantity and quality of prana and the way it flows through the nadis and chakras determines one’s state of mind. If the prana level is high and its flow is continuous, smooth and steady, the mind remains calm, positive and enthusiastic.
What is the benefit of pranayama?
There are so many benefit to write down some are tangible and non tangible
By pranayama practice all body organs gets more oxygen, toxins are removed from body, therefore onset of various diseases is prevented. Pranayama strengthens the immune system. Digestive system improves, lethargy , fatigue vanishes, improve blood circulation and respiratory function, endocrine system, nervous system, Blood pressure and many more.
