Author: Yogacharya Dhakaram

YOGA ASANAS – SOME SPECIAL DIRECTIONS

In ancient times thousands and thousands of Asanas were prevalent, but today scholars have identified about one hundred and eighty asanas that can clearly be described. Out of these asanas, there are still some asanas that cannot be practiced by the average nor are they considered necessary. A few of them are just poses that are meant only for demonstration. Thus if we discard all such difficult and irrelevant asanas, then we find that there are only 64 asanas that have a beneficial effect on the body and can be performed by a common man.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF YOGA ASANAS

It is believed that when an asana is performed then the muscles and organs in a particular part of the body get stretched, pressed, squeezed, and exercised while performing a particular asana, as a result of which the organ experiences some sort of pressure and tension, that results in the draining away of accumulated blood in that organ along with toxins.

When the asana is over, the organ gets relaxed the tension is removed thus fresh and healthy blood rushes to the part. 

This results in reconditioning of the organ by removing the accumulated waste product and supplying vitality and vigor to that part.

BREATHING DURING YOGA ASANA

Some of the experts and Yoga teachers recommend stopping of breath or forceful breathing during asanas. This should be avoided where ever possible because it can cause harm to the heart and lungs. There while performing asanas every individual should maintain normal breathing. 

PLACE WHERE YOGA ASANAS SHOULD BE PERFORMED

Asanas should always be performed in an open space and in a transparent non polluted environment. In case of rain or a cold climate, an airy room such as a hall with cross ventilations should be used.

Asanas should never be done in closed or ill-ventilated rooms because the air in such places contains more carbon dioxide as compared to open space. In such conditions, the body gets deprived of oxygen when it needs it most. Inhaling such impure air can cause a greater burden on the lungs and heart in keeping blood circulation up to mark.

TIME OF YOGA ASANAS

The asanas should be commenced about two hours before sunrise so that the rays of the rising sun bathe the body by the lime exercise is over.

• Asanas should be performed empty stomach, hence two hours before sunrise is the most appropriate time.
• Practice in the evening, if at all it is necessary should begin 5-6 hours after the last meal taken.

PREPARATION FOR YOGA ASANAS

One should leave bed long before dawn. The bath should be taken after attending to the morning duties.

• In cold weather, the bath may be taken 1 and a half hours to 2 hours after completion of all asanas or exercises.
• The practitioner should wear a loin cloth while performing asanas. It should neither be too tight nor too loose.
• Asanas should be practiced on a thick mattress or folded soft blanket. After every asana one should rest in Shavasana for half the time taken by the asana.
• At the end of the full exercise, the practitioner should rest in Shavasana for at least half the time taken by the exercise.