Before or After Yoga
What to do after yoga?
Yoga is an age-old holistic practice that aims at promoting balance of the body and mind. It helps to keep an individual physically fit and also enables mental well being. Regular practice of yoga helps to relieve many health problems such as indigestion, back pain, respiratory problems and stress. An important point to keep in mind is that one should only begin yoga after consulting a doctor. Also, it helps to learn yoga from a qualified yoga teacher. There are also some postures that must be avoided by those affected with high blood pressure and neck, shoulder and knee injuries. Menstruating and pregnant women should also seek advice before performing yoga postures. Beginners should start with a basic yoga and program and then progress to more complicated postures. Here are some tips on how to perform yoga poses and also what to do before yoga.
Yoga is most effective when practiced on a regular basis. Daily sessions can be anywhere between fifteen minutes to one hour. You can practice yoga 3 to 6 times a week depending on your schedule and ability. Yoga postures performed on the ground are easier than standing poses as there is not much balance and strength required. Also, those exercises that involve longer in-breath or hold time are easier. The best attire for yoga is comfortable and loose clothing. You clothes must not hinder or limit your movements in any manner. Eating or drinking just before yoga is not advisable. Allow the passage of 1 to 3 hours after eating and then perform yoga. Also drink small quantities of water before exercise and do not drink anything during the exercise. You can begin the practice with a short session of meditation. Simply adopt a meditative pose, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Focus on your breathing. You can then go on to perform the yoga poses that have been recommended for you.
There are also certain tips on what to do after yoga. Every yoga session must end with the relaxation posture known as Savasana (Corpse Pose). This is helpful in relaxing the muscles after a workout. It also aids in reducing stress. Many people are also confused about what to drink after yoga. It is advisable to wait for at least thirty minutes after yoga practice and then drink a glass of water or fruit juice to replenish the fluid levels of the body. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can be dehydrating.
Submitted by A on September 5, 2010 at 01:17
After a grueling session of yoga workouts or asanas, it is best to indulge in Pranayama and meditation to complete a balanced body and mind session. Pranayama is a conventional method of breathing techniques. Pranayama can be performed on its own or as a training to initiate the self into other forms of meditation exercises. The goal of Pranayama is to modulate and regulate the breathing and control mental processes. Pranayama if practiced correctly can instill peace and purity into the inner self. If we practice Pranayama sincerely it can help improve our concentration and enhance physical health. Pranayama is an organized attempt in regulating the breathing. When performing Pranayama it is important that we ward off concealed pessimistic and unclean thoughts. One should not maintain anger, anxiety or egoistic attitude while doing as the breathing techniques will not have any effect on the body. When performing Pranayama attempt in keeping the mind still and quiet. You can also try to repeat the name of God when doing Pranayama.
There are three fundamental phases of organized respiration. The first phase is known as inhalation; also referred to as puraka in yogic terminology. The second stage is known as retention, when the breath is held for some time, this stage is also known as kumbhaka. The concluding phase is breathing out; which is also known as rechaka. According to yoga, Pranayama must be practiced in basic 1 - 4 - 2 counts. As the breath is inhaled, it stands for one count. The breath must then be held for four counts and lastly the exhaling stage must last for two counts. It is important to note that when Pranayama is practiced, the breathing must not be forceful or aggressive. It should come in gentle and natural movements without putting a strain on any internal or respiratory organs. It is likely that forceful breathing can damage one's health. Pranayama must not be practiced as a mechanical technique. Rather it is a method to pave the way for mediation and relaxation and hence it should evoke feelings of serenity and calmness. Meditation bridges the body and mind and prepares the body for self realization. With the help of self realization one can achieve spiritual enlightenment, and that is possible through daily and disciplined practice of Pranayama and deep meditation techniques. The training of breath is highly essential for the regulation of the mental processes and bodily function to operate as a whole.
Submitted by C D on July 25, 2008 at 05:25
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