Hatha Yoga Health Article

Precautions

As with any exercise program, people should check with their doctors before starting yoga practice for the first time. Those with medical conditions, injuries, or spinal problems should find a yoga teacher familiar with their conditions before beginning yoga. Pregnant women, particularly after the third month of pregnancy, should only perform a few yoga positions with the supervision of an experienced teacher. Some yoga asanas can be very difficult, and potentially injurious, for beginners, so teachers should always be consulted as preparation for advanced yoga positions. Certain yoga positions should not be performed by those with fevers, or during menstruation.

Side effects

Those just beginning hatha yoga programs often report fatigue and soreness throughout the body, as yoga stretches and exercises muscles and tendons that are often long-neglected. Some yogic breathing and meditation techniques can be difficult for beginners and can cause dizziness or disorientation; these are best performed under the guidance of a teacher.

Training & certification

At this time, there are no generally accepted standards for yoga teacher certification in America, unlike in Europe and England, where yoga schools have been standardized. Some schools in America require teachers to study for many years, while some will grant beginning certificates in a much shorter time. When choosing teachers, students should search for qualities they may require, such as understanding, patience, knowledge of certain medical conditions, carefulness, and attention to individual details.

Yoga classes cost around 10 dollars per session. Many communities, schools, and health organizations offer discounted or free yoga classes as part of health awareness programs. Yoga can be reimbursed by insurance when it is part of physical therapy.

BOOKS

Bodian, Stephan, and Feuerstein, Georg. Living Yoga New York: Putnam, 1993.

Christensen, Alice. 20 Minute Yoga Workouts New York: Fawcett, 1995.

Feuerstein, Georg. Yoga for Dummies New York: IDG Books, 1999.

Iyengar, B.K.S. Light on Yoga. New York: Schocken, 1975.

PERIODICALS

Schaeffer, Rachel. "Calm Digestive Upset with Yoga: If you Frequently Suffer from Bloating, Cramping, and Gas after Meals, these Poses can Help." Natural Health (July 2002):38–42.

Schaeffer, Rachel. "Sharpen Your Memory with Yoga: These Poses can Help you be Less Frazzled and Forgetful." Natural Health (August 2002):40–42.

Yoga Journal P.O. Box 469088, Escondido, CA 92046. http://www.yogajournal.com.

Yoga International Magazine R.R. 1 Box 407, Honesdale, PA 18431. http://www.yimag.com.

ORGANIZATIONS

International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), 4150 Tivoli Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066.

Douglas Dupler

Teresa G. Odle