| exercises
| asanas |
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before
you begin
The yoga exercises,
'asanas' mean a position in which one feels comfortable. Do not risk
harm by trying to perform these exercises without consulting a trained
yoga teacher or without seeking medical advice from a doctor. You are
advised to read
the important note. Many of the asanas are called by the names of
the animals and are derived from the forms of those animals. the physical
structure of those animals are such
as to further certain glandular secretions, and as a result certain
special qualities are developed.
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| There are thousands
of asanas, and among them is the list below of common and basic asanas.
A yoga teacher can teach a particular asana according to your needs. To
perform the asanas and gain the most out of them, there are certain precautions
and prohibitions to be taken. |
precautions
- Never perform
asanas on bare ground. Always spread a blanket or a mat.
- If possible,
take a full bath or half bath before you perform asanas.
- Keep complete
control on breathing. Always breathe through the nose.
- Always perform
asanas in a clean, well lit and well ventilated place or room.
- No smoke should
be allowed to enter the room.
- Wear light
clothes that do not interfere with the movement of limbs during the
performance of asanas.
- If the body
appears to be laboured, perform Shavasana.
- Perform light
physical exercises initially, then progress to your regular routine
of asanas. Meditate in the end. This order is the most beneficial.
- Conclude the
exercises by massaging your arms, legs and the entire body.
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food
and drinks
There are no food
restrictions to follow in order for you to start meditation, asanas
and pranayama. The one reason you'll be getting in on any of it is to
keep a healthy balance of your mind, body and spirit. It will be pretentious
to try to achieve this balance if a would-be practitioner has no regard
of what he eats.
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Starting early
on a new diet program makes a big difference.
Reduce your intake
of alcohol, caffeine, sugar, cholesterol , sodium and processed and
refined foods
Increase your intake
of fiber sources, healthy alternatives, varied and balanced diet.
It is highly recommended
to start and stay on a vegetarian diet.
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special
notes
Consult a doctor,
or a yoga teacher or an acarya (spiritual teacher) before attempting
to do any of the exercises/asanas/routine provided here. Your acarya
will teach the exercises/asanas that will be most beneficial to your
mental and physical health. Not all asanas are prescribed for everybody.
We each have our own distinct needs and limitations, and a pose that
may be appropriate to one could be inappropriate to the other. No one
should risk harm by practicing these techniques without consulting a
trained yoga teacher or a physician. These exercises are not recommended
for children, under 18 years of age, pregnant or nursing women, persons
with medical condition, persons on medications, elderly and ill persons.
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