Beginning Yogasana

Can anyone begin yogasana without a yogasana guide? Virtually anyone can practice yogasana without a guide, but it is best done under a knowledgeable teacher. Before you begin practice get a routine medical check up to ensure that you are medically fit. There is nothing like the right upper age limit to begin practice of yogasana. It can begin at any age. However, most schools of yoga agree that for children, yogasana should be taught after the age of 11-12 years when most of the body parts have completely developed.

Yogasana can be practiced at anytime of the day, but it is most beneficial when practiced early in the morning before sunrise or in the evening before sunset. In the morning, a hot shower usually stimulates blood circulation and warms the muscles before commencing the practice of the asanas. In the evening, a hot shower is recommended after the routine to remove all the toxins as well as prevent lactic acid accumulation in the muscles. Most yogasana teachers recommend a particular time for routine practice, but that is only to discipline the body and mind. There is no hard and fast rule, however regularity in practice is important.

It is mandatory to keep a four hour gap between your meals and the practice of yogasana. You can have a cup of tea/coffee/ milk or fruit juice right before you begin practice. Nothing heavier than a cracker or a cookie can be had along with your beverage. Keep the stomach as light as possible but do not starve or practice yoga on a completely empty stomach. Preferably, before beginning practice you are recommended to evacuate your bowels and bladder. This avoids discomfort and lack of concentration during practice.

It is best to practice yogasana in one assigned part or corner of the room as it makes you familiar with the surroundings even with closed eyes. The room should have good ventilation with natural light filtering through. A yogasana mat can be a thick woollen or cotton rug. The object of keeping the same rug for your regular practice is to increase concentration and decrease distraction.

Loose fitting clothes covering your body, made of natural fibres like cotton that can breathe are ideal for practice. Cotton sweat pants and tees do quite well. Remove your glasses, jewellery and wrist-watch before you begin practice. This reduces distraction and decreases the inhibitions of your actions while performing asanas. If you have made a conscious decision to begin practice of yogasana you have made a wise choice.