According to the ancient seers, there is a relationship between our daily life and the sun. The body cleanses itself naturally in the morning, consumes maximum energy at noon, relaxes in the evening and the cycle continues. This is a universal phenomenon.
Therefore, the best time to practice kriyas, asanas and pranayama is in the morning on an empty stomach. The evening is an excellent time for relaxation as well as for meditation practices. Performing any regular yogic practices at noontime is not advisable. However, patients who are under specific yoga therapy are excluded from the above conditions.
Place:
The room should be even and cleaned properly without any chemical substances, such as room deodorizers.
The room should have a small window-like opening.
The area should not be windy or breezy.
A folded blanket or mat should be placed on an even floor surface, practice should not be done on the bare floor.
Yogis recommend a dharbhasana (special floor mat) for better results – call us today to order your special dharbhasana.
Bathing:
One should not bathe immediately after the practice.
Wait for at least thirty minutes after yoga practice before bathing.
Direction:
Facing the south when practicing meditation techniques is dangerous. Why? Ask your yoga consultant.
One should face towards the east or north for better results.
Attire:
Yoga attire should permit a person to move in all kinds of positions; therefore, it should be minimal.
Clothes made from cotton fabric are preferable.
Food:
One should not practice yoga immediately after a heavy meal.
Practice should be started at least four hours after a heavy meal and two hours after a light snack.
A fifteen to twenty minute gap must be observed after the consumption of a glass of juice or a cup of milk.
Eating a meal half an hour after practice is preferable.
A yogic diet is recommended to achieve better results, especially if you are a regular yoga practitioner. Ask your consultant about a yogic diet..
Temperature:
Room temperature is always preferable when practicing yoga, as it allows for harmony between ones body temperature and the atmosphere.
Sweat:
According to a persons nature and body constitution, sweating may occur during yoga practice.
In hatha yoga, one should rub the sweat into the body with ones own palms, this gives strength and lightness to the limbs.
Sequence:
The masters of traditional yoga taught the sequence of yoga as:
A prayer of your choice, or faith
Kriya (if necessary)
Loosening exercises
Asana
Bandha and mudra
Pranayama
Meditation or relaxation techniques
A prayer of your choice, or faith
Movements and Breathing:
Yoga synchronizes the breath through proper movement, one concentrates on the movement which affects the breath, and vice versa.
This develops inner awareness, helps to cure disorders and promotes health.
Self-Awareness:
One should feel the temperature variations and vibrations during and after every individual practice.
Try to observe the difference between the sensation of effort and relaxation.
Speed and Accuracy:
The basic principles of yoga are pleasure and steadiness.
Every individual is different; therefore, practices are not common to all.
Postures or methods change in accordance with body structure, age, sex and nature of the body.
Yoga practice is not a competition; it is an individual practice which gives physical vigor, mental composure and self-awareness.
For Women:
Women should not perform complex and inverted postures or retention of breath during menstruation.
Simple pranayama and relaxation techniques can be practiced during menstruation.
Pregnant women should practice yoga under the supervision of a qualified yoga consultant.