RULES TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE PRACTICING YOGA
Different kinds of yoga
Mostly, people spend about an hour practising hatha yoga, which is mainly the asanas, pranayamas, and occasionally sat karma. But, there is more to yoga than just asanas. While hatha yoga is meant to rectify faults in the physical body, we, as human beings, are much more than just a body.
According to yoga and psychology, other than the physical body, we have a conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind. The ancient yogis had realised that and developed other 4 other types of yoga as well, including Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion), Raja Yoga (the yoga of concentration and meditation), Karma Yoga (yoga of action, where one does physical labour without expecting any material gains), and Gyana Yoga (the yoga of enquiry).
To heal the mind, body, and soul it is pertinent to practise all forms of Yoga.
Rules to keep in mind
To reap all the benefits of yoga, the following rules should be followed:
1. Yoga should be practised on an empty stomach. Food can be taken 10 minutes after the completion of the routine.
2. Use a folded blanket or rug for yoga practice. No soft spongy mattress or mat should be used as they do not provide the needed support to your back.
3. Face the east. Even when you lie down, your head should be in that direction.
4. Wear loose cotton clothes. Tight or synthetic ones restrict proper oxygenation of the system.
5. Avoid plastic pots and non-stick pans to heat the water.
6. No microwave for any heating. The vitamins may remain intact, but the prana will be gone.
7. Follow the correct sequence of yoga for practising.
