Basic Guidelines for Yoga Practice – The Do’s and Don’ts in Yoga

Before taking an initiative to do any asanas, it is always recommended to follow the basic guidelines for yoga practice. Yoga is a way of developing ourselves not just physically, but also psychologically. Yoga practice contributes for the betterment of our daily activities, habits, thoughts and behavior. One can acquire peace and tranquility, as yoga practice reduces all the negativity like ego, anger, prejudice, jealousy, greed, proud, aggression etc. And meditation is one of the main components of yoga science, which helps to conquer these negative tendencies. Hence Patanjali Maharshi, the father of Modern Science of Yoga (Yogashasthra), defines yoga as “Controlling the nature of mind”. You can practice the most effective pranayama with a basic deep breathing exercise technique.

Now-a-days, most of the doctors and health experts are entering the field of Yoga, and are also giving their contribution and support for the development of Yoga Therapy. The main aim of Yoga education is to teach how exactly to understand the philosophy of soul leading a worldly life.

Basic Guidelines for Yoga Practice: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

1. One must always practice yoga early in the morning, after taking bath and without eating anything.
2. You can even perform yoga before bath, but after practice you must wait for some time and then take bath.
3. Keep the doors, windows open for fresh air and light while performing yoga.
4. Always practice yoga by spreading a blanket or carpet on a leveled floor.
5. While practicing yoga, you must concentrate only on yoga and try to keep away from unwanted thoughts.

Don’ts:

1. Women should not practice yoga during their menstrual period or pregnancy or any such other case.
2. Never practice yoga in smoky places or in areas with foul smell.
3. Children below 8 years of age should not be forced to practice yoga.
4. During illness, after surgeries, fractures, sprains, one should refrain from doing yoga. Resume practicing yoga only after consulting a physician.
5. Do not suppress yourself from sneezing, coughing etc. while practicing yoga.

Basic Guidelines for Yoga Practice: Interruptions

To get better results through Yoga we must overcome the following hindrances.

1. Vyadhi: The diseases and deficiencies that develop in the body.
2. Styan: Lack of required abilities for Yoga Practice.
3. Samshay: Doubts and misapprehensions about Yoga Practice.
4. Alasya: Not attempting Yoga Practice due to tiredness and carelessness or lethargy.
5. Alabdha Bhoomikatva: Thinking or concentration not being developed to the expected level in spite of practicing Yoga.

“If you can overcome the above obstructions and follow the basic guideline of yoga practice, then you can easily enjoy all the fruits and advantages of Yoga Practice.”

For the physical and psychological development of mankind, one must practice the following three pillars of Yoga

1. Dhyan (Mediation)
2. Pranayama (Extension of Pran-vital energy)
3. Asana (Postures)

Dhyan: Dhyan means complete concentration of the mind and the heart on a single point. Concentration is the base of meditation. It is used for having control over your mind. This will help you to deal with your psychological problems.

Pranayama: It is the process of controlling the breath with a rhythm. It is exercise to expand the power of life. If you practice pranayama regularly and properly, your health and mind will always be in your control. It is gateway to meditation.

Asana: Mostly known as yogasana, deals with your physical fitness. Asanas are the means to clean the body to develop the limbs and organs and to increase the life span. It gives you the strength and power to fight the diseases.

Yoga is a way of life which not only provides health, vigor brightness and alertness to the body and mind, it also fills the life with happiness and pleasure. Practicing yoga regularly will help you live a stress free life. A yoga practitioner should maintain a balanced diet chart. I hope you all liked these basic guidelines for yoga practice. Happy Yoga.