General principles of Yogic practices

Yogic practices are always understood as ‘exercises’. This is a misconception. Let me first tell you the difference between exercises and Yoga.
Exercise is the word applied to vigorous physical movements. However, in Yoga, we won’t be doing vigorous movements; each movement should be graceful and rhythmic. Yoga can be associated to traditional dance forms of India. To make ourselves aware of the rhythm of our own body is indeed one of the aims of a good yogic practice. There are different types of Yogas and you need to choose which one is right for you.

Exercises may not be associated with breathing patterns, but in yoga every single step is associated with breathing patterns.
Asanas, one of the most important and best known of the yogic practices is static stretching procedure. It ought to be performed slowly and smoothly. Never should asanas be done in haste.
Asana is that posture, where you are stable and comfortable. Alternatively I can tell you, the position in a particular Asana should be comfortably maintained for some time with a minimum effort. Effortless performance and relaxation as much as possible, during the final position are the chief characteristics of an Asana.

Yogic practices should not lead to undue fatigue. If there is fatigue, it should be overcome by the practice of relaxation.

Pranayama is a kind of breathing exercise. However, it’s much more than a breathing exercise. In yoga, we also have ‘sookshma vyayama’, which are subtle exercises, there we deal with chest expansion exercises, and in addition there are some basic breathing exercises too. One example is balloon breathing exercises at various angles. So I won’t be doing justice if I seal Pranayama as a mere breathing exercise. In my medical practice, I have realized that it’s the key with which we can control and cure many diseases. Pranayama is an excellent stress buster. It’s a strong therapeutic weapon for a yogi to help him fight against diseases, as a preventive medicine. Pranayama is a comparatively simple technique. You don’t need special skills to do it. All you need is a mind that demands a perfect well being.

All Yogic practices should be performed according to one’s own capacity and without competition with others.
All Yogic practice should lead to peace of mind.
Any Yoga routine should begin with mind and body relaxation. This greatly improves concentration.
It would be better to learn the Yogic practices while one is having normal health. People who are very weak, or those who have recovered from illness, should be careful with this. Yes, of course through Yoga many diseases can be cured, but for that, one has to take the help of an expert.

Age and sex do not cause any hindrance as the Yogic practices are concerned, but this doesn’t mean a Yogic technique suits every one. For example, women should avoid some practices during menstruation and during advanced stages of pregnancy. However, there are some practices, which can be continued even during those conditions. Learn professional yoga from home if you cannot go to a direct tutor.

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