3. YOGA AND LIFESTYLE

YOGA :-
Yoga is a life science which deals with health of the body and harmony of mind.

Elements of Yoga:-
According to Maharishi Patanjali, there are eight elements of yoga i.e.
1. YAMA
2. NIYAMA
3. ASANA 
4. PRANAYAMA
5. PRATYAHAR
6. DHARANA
7. DHYANA
8. SAMADHI

ASANAS:- 
ASANA means to sit in a comfortable or position or posture for a long period of time.

ASANAS AS PREVENTIVE MEASURE
1. Prevents Cardiovascular diseases:-

• Practice of asana helps to control cholesterol level, normalizes blood pressure and improves cardiovascular performance.
• Regular practice of asana improves blood circulation, lowers blood sugar level and hence reduces the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular diseases. 

 2. Prevents Digestive disorders:- 

• Asanas like vajrasana and pavanmuktasana helps to provide relief from gas and constipation leading to a healthy digestive system. 

3. Prevents Respiratory disorders:- 

• Yoga asana are extremely effective for respiratory ailments.
• Asanas provide relief by clearing the nasal passage, stretching the chest and stimulating the lungs, thereby oxigenating the entire respiratory system.

4. Removes postural deformities:-

• Yoga asanas are highly effective in curing large number of postural defects.
• Yoga asana such as Dhanurasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, etc are best corrective asana to remove postural deformities.

5. Reduces stress and tension:-

• Yoga asanas involve various exercises, meditation and breathing techniques that are beneficial for releasing stress and tension of body and mind.
• It boosts memory, concentration power, prevents stress, tension, anxiety, depression and inculcates positive thinking.

6. Prevents Injuries:- 

• Injuries are common among athlete during training or competition.
• Adopting the practice of asana in their training routine helps to strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
• It increases range of motion and there by improves flexibility. 

OBESITY:- 

Obesity is defined as excessive accumulation of body fat.

Yoga asana that are recommended to prevent obesity are 

A) Vajrasana

B) Hastasana

C) Trikonasana

D) Ardh Matsyendrasana

VAJRASANA

• Vajrasana is also called Diamond or thunderbolt pose.
• It is a meditative asana.

PROCEDURE :- 

1. Sit on the flat floor in Dandasana. 
2. Slowly fold your both legs under the hips.
3. Point the toes of the feet backwards and keep your feet together.
4. Keep your spine and head erect with closed eyes.
5. Keep your knees together
6. Keep your right palm on right knee and left palm on left knee.
7. Hold this position for five minutes.

BENEFITS OF VAJRASANA

1. Best asana for meditation and concentration.
2. Helps in digestion
3. Tones body muscles like hips, thighs and calf muscles.
4. Cures acidity, gas and constipation
5. Helps in keeping the mind stable and calm.
6. Strengthens legs and spine.
7. Improve blood circulation of the body

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF VAJRASANA

1. People suffering from severe joint pain or knee injury should avoid this asana
2. People suffering from spinal problems specially lower vertebrae should not try this asana.
3. Pregnant woman should perform this asana under guidance
4. People having problem inlarge or small intestine should perform this asana under expert guidance

HASTASANA

• Hastasana is also called upward salute or upward hands pose.
• It is a part of suryanamaskar.

PROCEDURE:- 

1. Stand straight with your arms by the sides.
2. Inhale and slowly raise your both the arms stretching them over the head towards ceiling.
3. Hands should be parallel to each other with palms facing each other.
4. Keep the head, spine and legs straight
5. Exhale and bring your arms by your side.

BENEFITS OF HASTASANA

1. Helps to stretch arms, shoulders and spine
2. Helps to stretch stomach and enhance digestive system
3. Helps to increase the capacity of lungs.
4. Helps in enhancing the body postures

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF HASTASANA

• People with neck or shoulder injuries should avoid this asana.

TRIKONASANA

• Trikonasana is also called triangle pose.

PROCEDURE:-

1. Stand erect. Keep your feet 3 to 4 feet apart.
2. Raise your arms horizontally in line of your shoulder
3. Turn your right feet out by 90 degree and left foot by 15 degree.
4. Ensure that the weight of the body is balanced equally on both feet.
5. Take a deep breathe and as you exhale bend your body towards right side from the waist. 
6. Lift your left hand up and let your right hand touch the ground. Both the arms and your head should be in straight line.
7. Ensure that your body is bent towards sideward and not backward or forward.
8. Stretch according to your body limit and breath deeply.
9. To release the pose inhale and come back
10. Bring your arms down to your sides and straighten your feet.
11. Now relax and repeat the same on the left side.

BENEFITS OF TRIKONASANA

1. Improves the flexibility of spine
2. Strengthens the legs, knees, ankles, arms and chest.
3. Helps to improve digestion
4. Reduces anxiety, stress, back pain and sciatica.
5. Helps to remove fats from the waist and thighs.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF TRIKONASANA

1. People with low or high blood pressure should avoid this asana.
2. Those suffering from spinal or back injuries should avoid this asana.
3. Pregnant woman should avoid perform this asana under expert giudance.

ARDHMATSYENDRASANA

• This asana is also called half lord of fish pose.
• This asana is named after yogi Matsyendranath – founder of Hath Yoga.

PROCEDURE:-

1. Sit on the flat floor in Dandasana. 
2. Bend your left  leg such that the left foot comes next to right hip.
3. Then place the right leg next to the left knee by taking it over the knee.
4. Twist your upper body towards right side and make sure your spine is erect.
5. Place the right hand behind you and left hand on the right knee.
6. Hold this pose for 30 to 60 seconds and breath slowly and deeply.
7. Release the asana slowly, relax and come back to dandasana.
8. Repeat the steps on the other side.

BENEFITS OF ARDHMATSYENDRASANA:-

1. Improves the flexibility of spine
2. Strengthens the spine and hips.
3. Removes the waste and improves digestion.
4. Relieve fatigue, sciatica, slipped disc, back pain and menstrual discomfort.
5. Stretches the neck, hips and shoulders.
6. Helps to manage diabetes.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ARDHMATSYENDRASANA:-

1. Women should avoid this asana during pregnancy and menstruation.
2. People who have gone heart and abdominal surgeries should avoid this asana.
3. People with severe spinal problems and hernia should avoid this asana.

DIABETES

• Diabetes is a disease in which sugar level in blood increases beyond normal limits.
• Normal sugar level varies from 80 mgm per 100 cc (before meal ) and 120 mgm per 100 cc ( after meal).
• Pancreas secretes INSULIN hormones which helps in burning sugar in our body.
• Lack of secretion of Insulin by this gland is the major cause of Diabetes.
• Diabetes can cause heart attack, kidney failure, loss of vision and nerve damage.
• Yoga asanas that help in managing diabetes are as follows

1. Bhujangasana
2. Paschimottanasana
3. Pawanmuktasana
4. Ardh Matsyendrasana 

BHUJANGASANA

• Bhujangasana is also known as Snake or Cobra Pose.
• It forms part of Surya Namskar (sun salutation).

PROCEDURE:-

1. Start in the Prone  Position by lying flat on your stomach. Make sure your feet are together  on the floor and your forehead rest on the ground.
2. Place your hands (Palms Downwards) under your shoulders, keeping your elbows parallel and close to your torso.
3. Taking a deep breath in, slowly raise your head, chest and abdomen while keeping your navel touching the floor.
4. Pull your torso slowly off the floor with the support of your hands.
5. Arch your back as much as possible, tilt your head back and look up. The elbows should be straight.
6. Hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds while breathing normally.
7. Exhale, bend your elbows and bring your torso down to the floor.

BENEFITS OF BHUJANGASANA:-

1. Improves the flexibility of spine
2. Strengthens  back, shoulders and arms.
3. Improves blood circulation throughout the body.
4. Helps to relieve stress and fatigue.
5. Improves respiratory system and helps treat asthama.
6. Helps to manage diabetes.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF BHUJANGASANA:-

1. Pregnant Women should avoid this asana.
2. People with fractured ribs or wrist should avoid this asana.
3. People with abdominal surgeries such as hernia should avoid this asana.

PASCHIMOTTANASANA

• Paschimottanasana is also known as Seated forward bending pose.

PROCEDURE:-

1. Sit in Dandasana Position.
2. Inhale and slowly raise your arms over your head with your palms facing forward.
3. Keep your neck spine and arms in straight line.
4. Exhale and slowly bend forward keeping your spine and knees straight.
5. Your forehead should touch the knees and your elbows should touch the floor.
6. Hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds.
7. Then slowly raise your arms and torso until you are upright once again with your arms stretched over your head.
8. Exhale, and bring your hands down by your sides.

BENEFITS OF PASCHIMOTTANASANA :-

1. Stretches spine, shoulders and hamstrings and hence improves flexibility
2. Cures indigestion, constipation and other digestive disorders.
3. It helps in controlling weight and prevents diabetes.
4. Calms the mind, removing anxiety, anger, fatigue and irritability.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF PASCHIMOTTANASANA:-

1. Avoid practicing this asana, if you are suffering from asthma or diarrhea.
2. People having back or spinal problem such as sciatica or slipped disc should avoid this asana.
3. People with abdominal surgeries such as hernia should avoid this asana.
4. Pregnant woman should avoid this asana.

PAVANMUKTASANA

• Pavanmuktasana is also known as Wind Relieving Pose. 
• It can be done by one leg or both the legs.
• It  relives gas and aids in digestion. 
• It also cures digestion.

PROCEDURE:-

1. Lie flat on your back with extended legs.
2. Keep your legs together and place your arms beside your body.
3. Inhale and as you exhale bring your right knee towards your chest.
4. Press your thighs on your abdomen with clasped hands.
5. Breath in again and as you exhale lift your head and chest off the floor and try to touch your nose to the right knee.
6. Hold this position and take deep long breathes in and out.
7. Note:- Every time you exhale tighten the grip of hands on the knee and increase the pressure on your chest and every time when you inhale loosen the grip.
8. Exhale, and bring your leg back to the beginning position to release the pose and relax.
9. Now breath in again and repeat the same with opposite leg (i.e. Left Leg) and then with both the legs together.
10. You may rock up and down or roll from side to side for about 3 to 5 times to relax your back.

BENEFITS:-

1. helps to release unwanted and toxic gas from digestive system. Thus improves digestive functioning.
2. Prevents and cures diabetes.
3. relieves indigestion,, acidity and constipation.
4. helps to relieve tension in lower back, hips and thighs.
5. Soothes stiffness in spine while toning the abdominal muscles 

CONTRAINDICATIONS:-

1. Avoid practicing this asana on a full stomach.
2. People having back or spinal problem such as sciatica or slipped disc should avoid this asana.
3. People with abdominal surgeries such as hernia should avoid this asana.
4. Pregnant woman should avoid this asana

ASTHMA

• Asthma is a disease affecting the airways that carry air to and from lungs.
• Symptoms of asthma:- wheezing, tightness in chest, breathing problems, coughing and swelling of airways.

• Some yoga asanas that are recommended for the people who are suffering from Asthma are as follows

1. Sukhasana

2. Chakrasana

3. Gaumukhasana

4. Parvatasana

5. Bhujangasana

6. Paschimottanasana

7.  Matsyasana

SUKHASANA

• Sukhasana is also known as Easy sitting pose or relaxing pose. 
• It is best suited for Meditation.

PROCEDURE:-

1. Sit straight with legs stretched out in front of you.
2. Cross your legs such that your right leg is under the left knee and left leg is under the right knee.
3. Place your hands on the knees with palm facing downwards.
4. Close your eyes and breathe normally
5. Relax your whole body and maintain this posture for 5 minutes.

BENEFITS OF SUKHASANA:-

1. Relaxes mind and body.
2. Broadens the chest and color bone and hence fights asthma.
3. improves body posture.
4. Strengthens the spine and back muscles.
5. Helps in reducing fatigue.
6. stretches the ankles and knees.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF SUKHASANA:-

1. People suffering from hip or knee injuries should avoid this asana.
2. it is also not recommended for people having spinal problems

CHAKRASANA

1. Chakrasana or the wheel pose is a backward bending yoga asana.  
2.  It gives great flexibility to the spine.
3. PROCEDURE:-
4. Lie down on your back with feet apart
5. bend your knees and place your feet on the ground close to your body.
6. Now bring your palms under your shoulders such that the fingers point towards the shoulders and the elbows are shoulder width apart.
7. Inhale and press your palms firmly into the floor.
8. Lift your shoulders and elbow firmly into the floor
9. Your Feet should be pressed firmly into the floor.
10. Inhale and lift your hips up.
11. The spine should be rolled up so that it may seem to resemble a semi circular arch or wheel.
12. Straighten out your arms and legs as much as possible so that the hips and chest maybe pushed up.
13. Hold this pose for at least 15-30 seconds.
14. To go back to original, bend your elbows to lower your head and shoulders to the floor.
15. Then bend your knees and bring your spine and hips back to the ground and relax.

Benefits of Chakrasana

1. Strengthens liver, pancreas and kidneys.
2. Excellent for heart.
3. Good for infertility, asthma and osteoporosis.
4. Strengthens arms, shoulders, hands, wrists and legs.
5. Stretches the chest and lungs
6. Strengthens the arms and wrists, legs, buttocks, abdomen, and spine
7. Stimulates the thyroid and pituitary glands.
8. Increases energy and counteracts depression

CONTRAINDICATIONS:-

1. Do not try this Asana in case of back injury, hernia and High or low blood pressure
2. heart problems, then.
3. don’t try this  asana If you are suffering from  Headache, Diarrhea etc
4. Do not perform this if suffering from any cardiac or spinal problems

GOMUKHASANA

• This name comes from the Sanskrit words Go meaning“cow”,  Mukha  meaning “head” or “mouth” and the Asana meaning “posture” or “seat”.  
• This asana stretches several parts of the body simultaneously, including ankles, thighs, hips, chest, neck, arms and hands

PROCEDURE:-

1. Sit erect on the ground with your legs stretched out in front of you.
2. Now gently bend your left leg, and place it under the right hip.
3. Fold your right leg and place it over your left thigh.
4. Gently fold your left arm and place it behind your back.
5. Take your right arm over your right shoulder and stretch it as much as you can until it reaches or catches your left hand. 
6. Keep the trunk erect, expand your chest and lean slightly back.
7. Hold this pose for as long as you are comfortable as you breathe slowly and deeply.

BENEFITS OF GOMUKHASANA

1. It makes body flexible and easy to stretch
2. It helps to cure stiff shoulders and reduces backaches.
3. It also helps in the treatment of sciatica.
4. Tones chest and thigh muscles
5. Reduces stress and anxiety

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF GOMUKHASANA:-

1. This asana should not be practiced in case of neck, knee, hip and shoulder injury. 
2. Don't go beyond your limits. 

PARVATASANA

This asana is also known as mountain pose.

PROCEDURE:-

1. Sit in vajrasana, sukhasana or padmasana keep  the spine and the neck straight.
2. Close your eyes gently and inhale , raising both hands above the head .
3. Join the two palms in namaskar mudra .
4. Elbows should be straight and hands stretched upwards
5. Breathing should be normal .
6. Stay this position for sometime and return to normal position while exhaling .
7. Repeat this for 4 to 5 times 

BENEFITS OF PARVATASANA

1. Since it gives a full body stretches so it improves the blood circulation.
2. It helps in reducing mental fatigue and also improves the memory and concentration.
3. It helps in reducing the respiratory problems like asthma.
4. The regular practice of this pose prevents rheumatic stiffness and arthritis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF PARVATASANA:-

• Persons suffering from knee problems should not perform this asana.

MATSYASANA

This asana is pronounced as The fish pose.

It is because if carried out in water, allows the body to float quite easily like that of a fish.

PROCEDURE:- 

• Lie on your back. Your feet are together and hands relaxed alongside the body.
• Place the hands underneath the hips, palms facing down. Bring the elbows closer toward each other.
• Breathing in, lift the head and chest up.
• Keeping the chest elevated, lower the head backward and touch the top of the head to the floor.
• With the head lightly touching the floor, press the elbows firmly into the ground, placing the weight on the elbow and not on the head. Lift your chest up from in-between the shoulder blades. Press the thighs and legs to the floor.
• Hold the pose for as long as you comfortably can, taking gentle long breaths in and out. Relax in the posture with every exhalation.
• Now lift the head up, lowering the chest and head to the floor. Bring the hands back along the sides of the body. Relax.

Benefits of the Matsyasana / Fish Pose

1. Stretches the chest and neck
2. Helps relieve tension in the neck and shoulders
3. Provides relief from respiratory disorders by encouraging deep breathing.

Contraindications of the Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

1. Avoid this posture if you have high or low blood pressure. 
2. Migraine and insomnia patients should also avoid doing this asana. 
3. Those who have had serious lower-back or neck injuries are strongly recommended not to practice this pose.

HYPERTENSION

• Hypertension, also known as high or raised blood pressure.
• It is a condition in which the blood pressure against the walls of arteries is abnormally high as it is pumped by the heart. 
• It increase the risk of heart diseases.

Some yoga asanas that are recommended for the people who are suffering from Asthma are as follows

1. Tadasana

2. Ardh Chakrasana

3. Shavasana

4. Vajrasana

5. Bhujangasana

6. Pavanmukt asana

TADASANA

Procedure:-

1. Stand straight, keeping the feet together or about 10 cm apart, and the arms by the sides.
2. Make the body firm and distribute the body weight equally on both feet.
3. Raise the arms straight over the head. Interlock the fingers and turn the palms upward. The hands should be raised on the top of the head.
4. Inhale a deep breath and stretch the arms, shoulders and chest in the upward direction. 
5. Raise the heels and stand on the toes.
6. Stretch the whole body from top to bottom. Do not lose balance or move the feet.
7. Hold the breath and retain this position for a few seconds.
8. Lower the hands while exhaling and bring the hands down to the sides of your body.
9. Relax and take deep breaths.

BENEFITS OF TADASANA:- 

1. Increases the height and overall growth of the body by stretching the muscles.
2. Strengthens the abdomen as well as the muscles and legs.
3. Helpful in giving relief in sciatica and back pain.
4. Beneficial in reducing flat feet.
5. Improves the physical as well as the mental balance.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF TADASANA:-

1. Avoid practicing this asana for too long as prolonged standing may cause strain on the muscles of the legs.
2. Don’t put too much pressure on the knees as it may cause pain in the knees.
3. People suffering from  migraine, insomnia, joint pain or low blood pressure should avoid practicing this asana.

ARDH CHAKRASANA

• Ardha Chakrasana is also known as a half wheel, half moon, and standing backward bend pose. 
• It is effective to strengthen your back, hands, chest, and stomach.

PROCEDURE :-

1. Stand straight and keep some distance between your feet.
2. Keep arms along sides of the body.
3. Now while inhaling (breathing in) raise your hands up. Keep your hands straight.
4. Now while exhaling (breathing out) bend backward as much you can. Hands, knees, and elbows should be straight.
5. Hold this position for few seconds and keep breathing gently.
6. Now while breathing out and release your pose to come back to the starting position.

BENEFITS OF ARDH CHAKRASANA

1. Stretches your back, chest, and arms
2. Improves digestion
3. Brings flexibility
4. Good exercise for lungs health
5. Get rid of back pain
6. Effective in curing respiratory disorders
7. Tones your shoulders and arms.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ARDH CHAKRASANA:-

1. It should be avoided if

• Spine problems
• Hernia patient
• High blood pressure

2. This asana should be avoided by pregnant woman.

SHAVASANA

PROCEDURE:-

1. Lie flat on your back, like our sleeping pose. Legs should be separated.
2. Keep your arms at your side and your palms facing up. Just relax.
3. Close your eyes and breathe deeply and slowly through the nostrils.
4. Start concentrating from your head to your feet. This means you are consciously relaxing your each part of the body. Don’t move ahead without relaxing particular part of the body.
5. On each inhaling and exhaling (breathing) think that your body is totally relaxed. Let your tension, stress, depression and worry run away on each exhaling.

Benefits of Shavasana – Corpse Pose

1. It relaxes your whole body.
2. Releases stress, fatigue and tension.
3. Improves concentration.
4. Cures insomnia.
5. Relaxes your muscles.
6. Excellent asana for stimulating blood circulation.
7. Beneficial for those suffering from neurological problem, asthma, constipation and diabetes.

BACK PAIN

• Back pain is a hazard of modern lifestyle.
• It is mainly caused due to sedentary lifesatyle, sitting infront of television or computers for long time, by attaining improper habits of sitting, etc

• yogasanas recommended for prevention and management of back pain are 

1) Tadasana

2) Ardh Matsyendrasana

3) Vakrasana

4) Bhujangasana

5) Shalbhasana

VAKRASANA

PROCEDURE:-

1. Sit in dandasana position.
2. Keep your right leg straight and stretched.
3. Bend the left leg from knee and place the left foot beside the right knee and the left knee raised upward.
4. Inhale and raise the arms shoulder high, keeping the elbows straight.
5. Exhaling, twist to the left, place the right arm by the outer side of the left knee and hold the left ankle with the right hand.
6. Take the left hand behind the back keeping the palms on the floor.
7. Look backward towards the left side.
8. Hold on the positionas long as comfortablewhile breathing normally.
9. Then inhale and raise the right arm shoulder high, keeping the elbows straight.
10.  Exhaling, release the left twist, place the right hand by the side of right kip and left hand by the side of left hip.
11.  Take a deep breath and relax.
12.  Repeat the same from the other side.

BENEFITS OF VAKRASANA

1. Increase hips and spine flexibility.
2. Removes the wastes and improves digestion
3. Relieve fatigue, sciatica, backache and menstrual discomfort.
4. Removes extra fat from the waist hence prevents obesity..
5. Energizes and stretches the backbone.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF VAKRASANA:-

1. It is recommended to avoid during pregnancy and menstruation due to the strong twist in the abdomen.
2. People with Heart, abdominal or brain surgeries should not practice this asana.
3. People having severe spinal problems should avoid this asana.

SHALBHASANA

PROCEDURE:-

1. Lie flat on the stomach with the legs and feet together
2. Place the arms under the body. Keep the hands clenched and the palms downward.
3. Slightly stretch the chin in the forward direction. Rest the chin on the floor.
4. Gently close the eyes, relax the whole body, inhale deeply. This is the starting position.
5. Slowly start raising the legs as high as possible without straining. Don’t bend the knees, keep the legs straight and together.
6. The elevated state of the legs is achieved by employing pressure with the arms against the floor while contracting the lower back muscles.
7. Without straining the body, hold the final position for as long as you find it comfortable.
8. Exhale and slowly lower the legs on the ground. Come back to the starting position. Relax the whole body and turn the head to one side, whichever deems comfortable.
9. Let the breathing and heartbeat return to normal.

BENEFITS OF SHALBHASANA

1. Strengthens the lower back and tones the organs of pelvic region.
2. Improves the  functioning of stomach, liver and bowels.
3. Relieves from back pain, slipped disc and sciatica but only if the condition is not severe.
4. Enhances the functioning of abdominal organs particularly of the lower abdomen.
5. Strengthens the hips muscles and increases appetite.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF SHALBHASANA:-

1. Do not strain the body while performing this asana.
2. Don’t bend the knees or raise the chin above the floor.
3. This asana is not suitable for people having high blood pressure or a weak heart.
4. People suffering from  abdominal surgeries, spinal injuries or hernia should avoid practicing this asana.