As I mentioned in the previous posting, Time Magazine published a feature article, "When Yoga Hurts," in October 2007 which purported that the number of injuries incurred by doing yoga was climbing. Again, I would emphasize that yes, one can get hurt in yoga because it is a physical activity.
However, if one learns and practices yoga with the proper mindset, really listening to one's body, I believe the chances of getting injured are minimal. I personally have never experienced soreness or an injury from hatha yoga.
To avoid injury just follow these guidelines: 1) NEVER (and I do mean never) push, tug, or strain yourself when doing a pose; 2) go only as far as you feel comfortably able - and when you first begin learning yoga - this may mean not very far at all!; 3) move into and out of the poses slowly and gracefully (I imagine myself moving like a ballerina doing a slow-motion, dreamlike dance; 4) hold your poses quietly and motionless; 5) breathe in and out deeply and slowly in sync with the poses.
I believe that Yoga can do more to heal than hurt. Jess Stern, the journalist who wrote Yoga, Youth, and Reincarnation, followed the guidelines listed above. In a few months of practice he was able to heal a long-term whiplash injury. Rosie Reichmann who published her book Ageless Yoga in her 80s (what an inspiration!), suffered from severe back pains for years during her early adulthood. Consultations with top specialists in England and Switzerland produced no relief. However, at age 40, Rosie learned yoga at the Iyengar Yoga Clinic, became a teacher, and completely cured her back pains. If you ease into yoga and take your time, you will reap many benefits and not have to worry about injuries.
Yoga Definition of the Day: Hatha Yoga - "Ha" means sun and "tha" means moon. Hatha yoga brings union to pairs of opposites. Yoga is the name of the science of physical and mental development that originated in India about 5,000 years ago. The science of Hatha Yoga consists of 1) cleansing techniques; 2) postures; and 3) breathing exercises. ~ Yoga for Beauty and Health by Eugene Rawls and Eve Diskin.
Yoga Quote of the Day: "There's no age at which a person cannot help himself." ~ Ageless Yoga by Rosie Reichmann.
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