COMMON MYTHS ABOUT YOGA!

 21^st June is celebrated as International Yoga day and was started in 2015 to spread awareness about the numerous benefits of Yogic practice on health and well-being. The major benefit that is most relevant to our current lives during the pandemic, is that Yoga minimizes the impact of stress on our bodies. It is not a miracle but a science that works beautifully to reduce the impact of stress and its delirious effects it has on our bodies.

Let’s dive into the most common myths regarding Yoga!     

Yoga belongs to Hinduism

Yoga does not belong to any religion. Although Yoga did evolve around Hinduism, one does not have to be a follower of Hinduism to perform Yoga. It is a tool which teaches us how to lead our lives to the ultimate goal. In earlier times, Yoga was taught to children a part of their education, regardless of their religion. It is a source when used correctly, can lead to physical and emotional well-being.

Yoga is all about stretching and flexibility

Yoga is not only about flexibility but more about mindful movement control which requires strength, flexibility, and balance. It is a holistic form of exercise which has numerous effects like reducing stress, improving posture and balance, and improving breathing control to name a few.

Yes, we are trying to say that Yoga is not merely a stretching workout. There are eight limbs, what we call as Ashtanga Yoga-

Yama – attitude to the environment
Niyama- attitude to yourself
Asana- physical postures
Pranayama- control over breathing
Pratyahara- withdrawal of the senses
Dharana- concentration
Dhyana- meditation
Samadhi- integration of all

Asanas are only one component of Yoga practise. Hence Yoga is not about twisting and turning into weird positions. It is much more than that!

I don’t have a Yoga body. I need to be thin to do Yoga

There is nothing such as a ‘Yoga body’ Every-body can become a Yoga body. Yoga does not discriminate between thin, fat, old, young etc. You also don’t have to be at the peak of your physical ability to perform Yoga. No matter where you are, you can start your Yoga journey.

Yoga is too feminine for me. I prefer going to the gym.

Yoga is practised solely by women is a big misconception in today’s youth. Yoga and working out at the gym or cross-fit training cannot be compared. Most types of exercises are competitive. Yoga although non competitive nevertheless incredibly challenging and requires mindful performing of asanas.

                                                Credits: B.K. S. Iyengar (yogavastu.com)

              

I cannot do Yoga as I am not flexible

You do not have to be flexible to do Yoga, but in fact practising Yoga will make you flexible. If you find others more flexible than you, remember you must perform better than only yourself.  The only prerequisite to start your Yoga journey is to have a body and a willing mind. Consistency in practise will bring strength and flexibility in the body and in the mind as well.

 

My Yoga routine is safe on days of my periods.

Some Yoga asanas like for example inverted postures like headstands, handstand, should be avoided on days of menstruation. One must be educated and aware of what to do and what not to do when on your periods! Even some variations of pranayama are contraindicated then. Doing all asanas just because you can even on the 2^nd day, is not an achievement. You may be doing harm to your body than helping it.

                                                    Credits: Verywell health  

I have health issues and that is why I cannot do Yoga

Suffering from hypertension i.e. high blood pressure for past few years should not stop you from performing Yoga, A lot of research has shown how Yoga helps in various health conditions, the top most being high and low blood pressure, diabetes, osteoarthritis and anorexia. But this requires deep understanding of basic anatomy and physiology of our body and the correct methods to help us out with some diseases. Getting help from an educated professional in this field in highly recommended.

Yoga gives me back pain

Yoga is supposed to help your body and not cause harm to it. If you are having back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain etc., please do consult with your physiotherapist. Some things can be resolved easily but need timely intervention form an expert. Do not continue doing the same routine which might aggravate your condition rather than solving it!

Yoga can be made simple with the use of props and deeper understanding of one self. Don't be afraid to start your Yoga journey! You will be amazed at what your body can do... 

-Dr. Neha Gogate (PT)

Team Rehab Station