News release about safe yoga practice throughout the world.

Friday, September 29, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture – Lotus

The Lotus – (Padmasana)

Years of consistent effort may be needed to make this advanced posture feasible.

In a Sanskrit language ‘Padma’ means ‘Lotus’ and in this posture the position of the legs look like a blooming lotus, hence the name. The position of the crossed legs and the erect back keeps the mind alert and attentive, which is why the Lotus posture has been given a great importance in yoga practice as it is best suited for concentration and meditation.

The Lotus is a wonderful yoga posture but it is not practical for most Westerners as a meditative posture. It places a lot of stress on the knee and hip joints, and should be approached with caution, mostly by the novices.

The Lotus stimulates the pelvis, spine, abdomen, and the bladder. The sacral nerves are tones as the flow of blood to the legs is redirected to the abdominal area, stimulating the digestive process. It applies pressure to the lower spine which has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.

The posture creates a natural balance throughout the body and the mind. When the knees and ankles are stretched enough to remain in the Lotus without discomfort, the posture creates a feeling of effortlessness. As the body becomes steady the mind becomes calm.

The Lotus is a beautiful posture with lots of benefits. However, in some health conditions this posture should not be practiced.

Three important reasons not to do Lotus posture:

1) If you have weak or injured knees avoid doing this posture as it places lots of stress on the knees.

2) If you suffer from sciatica do not attempt this posture.

3) In case of ankle injury do not practice this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this posture for you. It is best to perform this yoga posture in presence of a qualified yoga teacher.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture – Reclining Hero Posture

The Reclining Hero Pose – (Supta Virasana)

Supta Virasana is an intermediate posture and for those only who can sit their buttocks relatively easily on the floor between their feet.

In Sanskrit language, ‘Supta’ means reclining or lying down; ‘Vira’ means hero and ‘Asana’ means pose or posture, hence the name - Reclining Hero posture.

The Reclining Hero posture has a remarkable effect on digestion and it is one of the yoga postures which can be done after eating.

As a counter posture for Supta Virasana the Sitting Forward Bend (Paschimottanasan) is perfect because this posture will stretch out the knees at this point.

This posture stretches the abdomen, thighs, quadriceps muscles, knees, and ankles. It helps open the hips, relieves tired legs and stimulates digestion.

It opens and expands the chest to full capacity, filling the lungs and bringing more oxygen into the system, helping those with asthma and respiratory problems.

Supta Virasana loosens up the legs in preparation for sitting in meditation postures.

For some people, the Reclining Hero posture can become a resting pose, not a stretching pose though it takes some practice and time to get to that point.

Important: To protect the lower back in this posture, it is important to avoid over-arching it during the descent.

The Reclining Hero posture (Supta Virasana) has many benefits for the practitioner. However, in three health conditions it should not be performed.

Three important reasons not to do the Reclining Hero posture:

1) If you have any problems with your back avoid this posture.

2) If you have injury or problems with your knees do not perform this posture as it places lots of stress on the knees.

3) If you have problem with your ankles do not do this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you. The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before deciding to attempt this posture.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Monday, September 25, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture – Full Boat

The Full Boat – (Paripurna Navasana)

This posture resembles a boat viewed from a side, hence the name.

The Boat is a challenging posture that can be quite stressful and difficult to accomplish. Because of that it can restrict the breathing or develop a habit of holding the breath. Learning to breathe deeply and fully in this posture will revitalize the body (by bringing in more oxygen per breath) and help to eliminate toxins and waste products from the body.

In the Boat posture it is important to balance the weight on the pelvic bowl. If you have limited hip flexibility because of the tight hamstrings, keeping the back straight will be a real challenge.

Beginners: Do the Boat posture with the back rounded as it is safer and it does not require as much hip flexibility as the Boat with back straight.

The Boat posture strengthens the abdomen, hip flexors, and the spine and is often presented as an abdominal strengthener. But more importantly this posture strengthens the deep hip flexors that attach the inner thigh bones to the front of the spine.

This posture stimulates the kidneys, thyroid gland, intestines, and improves digestion. It is good stresses relieve exercise.

The Boat posture has many benefits; however, there are some health conditions where this posture should not be practiced.



Three important reasons (out of many) not to do Boat:

1) During pregnancy avoid this posture as it compresses the abdomen.

2) If you are suffering from headaches do not attempt this posture.

3) If you have upset stomach or diarrhea do not practice this posture because of the compression of the abdomen.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you. The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before deciding to attempt this posture and the responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.


Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For Subodh Gupta Yoga website Yoga London and
For Subodh Gupta Corporate webpage Corporate yoga

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture - Upward-Facing Dog

The Upward-Facing Dog – (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)

The Upward-Facing Dog posture is not a Cobra (Bhujangasana) posture, but it begins in the same way and then goes one step beyond. The posture is like a suspension bridge, where the arms and forearms support the posture from above, and the feet or knees support it from below, leaving the chest, abdomen, pelvis and thighs suspended in mid-air.

There are four ways of doing the Upward-Facing Dog:

1. Two versions with the knees down on the floor and toes extended or flexed;

(If you go back and forth between the two postures you may feel how the two alternative toe positions affect the pelvis: when toes are flexed and curled under, the pelvis is lifted, but when toes are extended, the pelvis drops).

2. Two versions with the knees up and toes extended or flexed;

(These two versions are the full Upward-Facing Dog positions and both require a whole-body commitment and a lot muscular tension in the quadriceps femoris muscles).

Beginners Tip: There is a tendency in this pose to allow the chest to hang passively between the shoulders. Try to keep the whole pose active, without relaxing the back muscles and draw the shoulders away from the ears by pulling the shoulder blades toward the tailbone.

The Upward-Facing Dog is a dynamic posture that strengthens the spine, arms, wrists, buttocks, and improves the posture. It stretches the chest, shoulders and the abdomen; it opens the heart and expands the lungs.

It rejuvenates the spine, increasing blood supply to the lumbar, thoracic and cervical region of the spine and energizes the nervous system.

The Upward-Facing Dog posture practiced safely with great care can offer many benefits to the student. However, there are some health conditions in which this posture should not be practiced.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do Upward-Facing Dog:

1) In case of recent or chronic back, shoulder or hip injury do not practice this posture.

2) If you have a Carpal tunnel syndrome do not attempt this posture.

(It is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night).

3) If you are pregnant avoid this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you. The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before deciding to attempt this posture and the responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture - Monkey Pose (the Split)

The Split – (Hanumanasana or Monkey Pose)


Be patient! It usually takes a long time to master this posture.

Hanumanasana is dedicated to Hanuman, a powerful monkey-faced God from India’s great epic, the ‘Ramayana’ and his famous leap across the sea from the southern tip of India to the island of Sri Lanka to rescue Sita, the Rama’s wife. Hanuman is known for his devotion to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu and this pose honors that devotion.

Commonly referred to as the split, Hanumanasana, is one of the most challenging poses in Hatha yoga practice, because it demands two seemingly opposite actions in the pelvis. While one leg is moving in a forward direction, the other leg is moving backwards. Although it may appear that flexibility is the main requirement to perform the split, strength is a necessity in mastering this position safely.

The Split tones the leg muscles and improves flexibility and blood circulation in the legs and hips. It massages the abdominal organs and tones the reproductive system.

Be careful! This posture is an intense hamstring stretch. Only come down as far as is comfortable. Practice this posture on a bare floor without a sticky mat.

The excellent preparation for the full split posture is to begin in a basic lunge and then shift the hips back, until the front leg is straight and the back leg is bent. Then try to shift forward and back, in and out of the lunge, until the two actions begin to feel complementary. At this point you can slide the front leg and back leg as straight as possible, approaching the full split pose.

When both actions are equal, the pose becomes grounded and balanced.

The Split gives many wonderful benefits when practiced safely and patiently. However, in same health conditions the Split posture is not recommended to perform.

Three important reasons not to do the Split:

1) In case of dislocation of a hip do not attempt this posture.

2) Anyone suffering from slipped disc and sciatica should avoid this posture.

3) If you are suffering from groin or hamstring injuries do not do this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you. The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before deciding to attempt this posture and the responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Friday, September 22, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture – Camel

The Camel – (Ushtrasana)

Ushtrasana in a Sanskrit language means a camel, hence the name. The Camel is an advanced and powerful yoga posture, which should be only practiced by intermediate and advanced students in a full version. It opens up the whole front of the body and stimulates the respiratory, circulatory, nervous and endocrine systems.

The Camel is a posture that should be done after the body is warmed up sufficiently as it provides a quite deep backbend. The posture is a transition between the simpler prone backbend, the Bow pose (Dhanuranasa) and the more challenging backbend, the Wheel (Chakrasana).

After completing the Camel posture, always release the lower back by going into the counter pose, the Child’s pose (Shashankasana) and stay there for a while.

The Camel is very beneficial for the digestive and reproductive systems. It stretches the stomach and intestines. This difficult backward bend loosens up the vertebrae and stimulates the spinal nerves, relieving rounded shoulders.

It stretches the spine, back muscles, shoulders and arms. It improves flexibility of the spine and improves posture. It opens the throat as it strengthens the neck muscles and increases blood flow to the brain.

It is a good workout for the ankles, thighs and groins, and it helps to tone the calf, neck and abdominal muscles.

The Camel has many benefits for the practitioner; however, in some health conditions this posture should not be practiced.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do yoga posture – Camel:
1) Anyone with recent or chronic knee or neck injury should not do this posture.

2) If you are suffering from lumbago (mild to severe pain or discomfort in the area of the lower back. The pain can be acute or chronic if it has lasted more than three months), avoid this yoga posture.


3) In case of hernia do not attempt this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you. The reader of this article should exercise all precautions before deciding to attempt this posture and the responsibility lies solely with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga Posture - Downward-Facing Dog

Downward-Facing Dog – (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

In its ideal form the Downward-Facing Dog assumes the shape of an upside-down V, resembling the shape of a dog when stretching after lying down, with only the hands and the feet touching the floor. It is one of the most essential postures in yoga practice, stretching and rejuvenating the entire body from the feet all the way up to the hips and down through the wrists and hands. Because the head is lower than the pelvis this pose is often classified as an inversion posture.

The Downward Facing Dog posture works as a preparation for standing poses and as a warm-up of the muscles at the beginning of most of the yoga practice. In many styles of yoga, this yoga posture is repeated many times during yoga class. It provides a transition between poses, especially in Sun Salutation and Vinyasa yoga style.

The Downward-Facing Dog is supported equally by the upper and lower extremities but a common beginners’ mistake is to compromise and leave the arms and shoulders relaxed. For the Downward Dog to be properly supported, the muscles of scapulae (which connect arms to the torso) have to remain engaged at all times.

This yoga posture stretches the shoulders, shoulder blades, arms, hands, lower back, hamstrings, calves and Achilles tendons. It strengthens the entire back, alleviates lower back pain and eases stiff neck. It expands the chest, increases circulation, especially to the brain, and rejuvenates the whole body.

Holding this pose for a minute or longer will stimulate and restore energy levels when you are tired. Regular practice of this yoga posture will gently stimulate the nervous system, improving memory and concentration.

The Downward-Facing Dog yoga posture is highly to be praised for so many benefits. However, there are some health conditions where this posture should not be practiced.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do Downward-Facing Dog:

1) Do not practice this yoga posture if you have Carpal tunnel syndrome;

(It is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night).

2) Avoid this posture in late-term pregnancy.

3) If you are suffering from a recent or chronic injury to the back, hips, arms or shoulders do not attempt this yoga posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Monday, September 18, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture - Triangle

The Triangle – (Trikonasana)

Trikanasana is also known as The Triangle pose. The Sanskrit word ‘tri’ means three and ‘kona’ means corner or angle, hence the name. When you look at this pose you can easily notice why this name has been given to this asana. From the completed posture the body forms three angles; the legs form one, the arm extended down and the body forms another, and the arm extended upward and the head and neck form the third.

In our ordinary day-to-day life the side stretch is the least common movement. We twist, we bend back or forward, but except that we do not often bend our spine to the side, and that’s why the Triangle is one of the most important postures in yoga practice.

The Triangle gives an excellent lateral stretch to the spine, toning the spinal nerves and improving balance and concentration. The muscles of the thighs, calves, hamstring, knees and ankles are stretched, promoting flexibility in the hips and legs.

This asana strengthens the pelvic area and tones the reproductive organs. It massages and strengthens the thyroid glands, kidneys and the adrenal glands to function in a better way. It stimulates the abdominal organs and improves digestion.

Regular practice of Triangle will help reduce waistline fat.

Important: Do not let your hip tilt outward or forward or you will lose the valuable stretch.

The Triangle pose practiced safely is a very beneficial asana; however, there are some health conditions in which this posture should be avoided.

Three important reasons not to do Triangle:

1) Anyone suffering from back condition should not practice this pose.

2) If you are having headaches avoid doing this asana.

3) In case of having diarrhea do not attempt this pose.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.

For Beginners: As a beginner you most probably will support the weight of the torso with one of your arm, forearm and the hand and the torso can remain relaxed. The importance of this pose is to learn how to come out of it without hurting yourself. When you decide to come up the weight of your upper body will have to be supported only by your internal muscles, which may not be ready for the effort. That’s why the safe way to come out of the Triangle is by tightening the muscles of your legs, thighs and hips, which will recruit more muscles in the pelvis and torso.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga Posture - Bridge

The Bridge – (Setu Bandhasana)

The Bridge pose is also known as Setu Bandhasana, which means construction of a bridge. In this posture, the whole body forms an arch which is supported at one end by the crown of the head and at the other on the feet, hence the name.

When the Bridge is performed immediately after the Plough pose it acts as a gentle counter pose to complement the benefits of Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) and the Plough (Halasana). It releases any tension that may have built up in the thoracic (part from the neck to waist) and lumbar (lower part of the back) regions of the spine while practicing the two previous asanas.

Tightness in the back and spine results from poor posture, stress and a sedentary lifestyle. This pose is a wonderful way to ease tension in the shoulders, upper and in the lower back. The Bridge can reverse the strain of sitting at a desk or computer all day. It will help to pull back the shoulders, which may tend to roll forward while sitting.

Unlike many backbends, this asana can be hold for longer period of time without risking injury to the lower back, because the back is protected by the working of strong leg muscles.

This asana strengthen the back, arms, shoulders, buttocks and thighs, promoting flexibility of the spine. It strengthens arches of the feet, ankles, hamstrings (tendon behind the knee) and triceps (large muscle at the back of the upper arm) and it rejuvenates tired legs.

The Bridge stretches the chest and the neck. It opens the heart and lungs, stimulates the abdominal organs and regulates the thyroid and endocrine system. It increases blood circulation.

Note: The Bridge is a good preparatory posture for the Wheel pose.

Although the Bridge posture is a safe and excellent asana with huge benefits, there are some health conditions in which this pose should not be practice.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do the Bridge:

1) If you have any problem with your knees avoid practicing this pose as it is places a lot of tension on the knees.

2) In case of neck, shoulder or spinal injury this pose should be avoided.

3) Not advised in a last trimester of a pregnancy (6–9 months).

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Friday, September 15, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture – Scorpion

The Scorpion – (Vrischikasana)

Only those who can perform the Headstand without the slightest

difficulty should attempt the Scorpion pose.

(Beginners should not practice this asana).

Vrischika is the Sanskrit word for scorpion. This posture resembles a scorpion with its tail arched above its head ready to sting its victim. The Scorpion, which is an advanced posture promotes balance and brings harmony to the body and the mind.

In the Scorpion position the hands are kept apart and the head is lifted up. The weight of the body rests on the elbows, while the hands provide extra stability.

This posture provides maximum stretch to the neck, chest, spine and the abdominal muscles. The entire spine is vigorously toned and remains healthy. It strengthens the arms, shoulders, back and fully expands the lungs.

Practice of this asana increases blood flow to the brain and pituitary gland, revitalizing all body’s system. It also increases circulation in the lower limbs and the abdomen, and tones the reproductive organs.

The Scorpion combines many of the benefits of the Headstand and the Wheel pose.

You can come into the Scorpion in one of two ways:

1) By kicking up into the posture with head lifted (for more athletic person), or

2) By coming into it from the Headstand.

If you are coming into Scorpion from the Headstand do not delay, because coming into Scorpion after being in the Headstand for more than a few seconds creates excess pressure in the arterial circulation to the brain.

Although the Scorpion pose gives us many benefits, in some health conditions this pose is not recommended to be performed.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do Scorpion:

1) If you have glaucoma, detached retina, or other eye disorders that are aggravated by pressure avoid this pose.

2) Do not do this asana if you have high blood pressure or heart palpitations.

3) In case of suffering from vertigo do not practice this pose.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.


Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.


For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture – Peacock

The Peacock – (Mayurasana)

The Peacock is a very difficult asana and should be practiced with great care and only attempted by those who are in an athletic condition.

Mayur means peacock in Sanskrit language. When this asana is exhibited, it resembles a male peacock with a long plume of colorful feathers trailing behind.

A successful Peacock pose depends to a great extent on the body type and weight distribution. Anyone with a big chest and small hips and thighs will not have much difficulty to achieve this pose. But a person with a small chest and big hips and legs will find this pose very difficult to complete and held (that’s why most women find this pose very difficult to perform).

The Peacock develops more intra-abdominal pressure than any other posture, because the abdomen-pelvic unit is supporting the weight of the body through the elbows and arms. Because of the increased pressure on the abdomen the blood is directed to the digestive organs, invigorating and toning the liver, pancreas, stomach, bowels and spleen. This is a wonderful asana for improving digestion.

This pose requires very flexible hands and wrists and great deal of concentration. In the beginning this asana should be held for a few seconds and than slowly increasing the duration of the practice. The Peacock develops mental and physical balance, strengthens the muscles of the whole body and develops muscular control.

The Peacock pose has many benefits; however, there are some health conditions in which this asana should never be performed.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do Peacock:

1) Pregnant women are strongly advised not to practice this asana.

2) Anyone having hernia should never attempt this pose.

3) If you have peptic ulcer (a sore painful place inside stomach caused by action of pepsin) avoid this posture.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.

Important Note: The Peacock pose speeds up the circulation and increases the amount of toxins in the blood as part of the process of purification. Therefore, this pose should never be practiced before any inverted asana as it may direct excess toxins to the brain. This asana is best to be performed at the end of the yoga session.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture - Crow

The Crow – (Kakasana, sometimes called Bakasana)

"Kaka" means crow (a large black bird with a loud cry) and "Baka" means crane (a tall water bird with very long legs). The body in this pose resembles that of a bird, thus the names, crane or crow.

The Crow is a moderate inverted balancing posture, which builds strength in the upper extremities (arms, forearms, elbow joints, hands, wrists, clavicle, and scapula) and gives you the confidence to begin work with the Headstand and the Handstand. The Crow requires courage (to risk falling on your nose) and hip flexibility (to bring the thighs alongside the chest).

The Crow is one of the yoga poses that actually looks a lot harder than it really is and it requires much more coordination, concentration and awareness than the muscular strength in the upper arms.

As you hold this asana the chest is immobilized so that you can only breathe abdominally. Remember to keep your attention on the breath because this asana brings the habit of holding the breath as you focus on the balancing act.

This asana reinforces the arm, shoulder and abdominal muscles, wrists and the upper torso. It stretches and lubricates the joints, tendons and ligaments of the upper body. It tones the abdominal organs and opens the groins.

The Crow pose increases both physical and mental balance, concentration and tranquility. It balances the nervous system, brings lightness to the body and prepares the mind for meditation.

Although the Crow pose gives us tremendous benefits for the mind and the body, in some health conditions this pose is not safe to be performed.

Three important reasons not to do Crow:

1) Do not practice this pose if you have a carpal tunnel syndrome (It is compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers and is often particularly troublesome at night).

2) In any stage of pregnancy do not attempt this pose.

3) If you have high blood pressure, avoid this asana.

Caution: Always check with your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns regarding the suitability of this pose for you.


Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.


For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture - Half Spinal Twist

Half Spinal Twist - (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

This important asana takes its Sanskrit name from a legendary teacher of yoga, called Matsyendra, who was believed to be one of the first founders of Hatha Yoga. This asana is one of the few yoga poses that rotates the spine. Twisting postures in Hatha Yoga complement forward and backward bending asanas by exercising the muscles in more complex ways than is accomplished by the movement of flexion and extension alone. That’s why the twisting poses are essential for a completion of hatha yoga practice.

The spinal twist simultaneously stretches the muscles on one side of the back and abdomen while contracting the muscles on the other side. The compression of the spine improves nutrition to the inter-vertebral disks and squeezes blood out of the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis, improving circulation to the spinal nerves, blood vessels and tissues.

The Half Spinal Twist is one of the best yoga postures for cultivating flexibility and strength in the spine. It sooths the upper back tension and stiff neck caused by poor posture, stress, or prolonged periods of sitting in one position.

Regular practice of this pose relieves lumbago (pain in a lower part of the back) and muscular spasms. The movement of this asana tones the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips and spinal nerves. It massages and stimulates the kidneys, liver, gall bladder and spleen.

The breathing: Twisting the torso constricts abdominal breathing because it makes the lower abdominal wall taut which prevents its expansion. It also limits the diaphragmatic (between the chest and the abdomen) and thoracic (chest) breathing.

But what makes the spinal twist a blessing is the fact that the least desirable form of breathing; the paradoxical breathing (when the abdominal wall moves in rather than out during inhalation and out during exhalation) will not be possible and this asana will give a chance to anyone who would like to break that habit.

The Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) has tremendous benefits to our body. However, there are some health conditions in which this great asana should not be performed.

There important reasons (out of many) not to do Half Spinal Twist:

1) In case of pregnancy this pose should not be practiced.

2) In case of spine injury do not attempt this asana.

3) If you have recent or chronic knee, hip, back or shoulder injury avoid this posture.

Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.

For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html

Monday, September 11, 2006

Yoga: Three reasons you should not do Yoga posture – Standing Forward Bend

Forward Bend with Hands under Feet – (Pada Hastasana)

“You are as young as flexible is your spine”

‘Pada’ means foot and ‘Hasta’ means hand so this pose consists of standing with feet together, bending forward from the hips, and standing on one’s hands. The practice of this asana promotes a youthful vigour throughout the life. The Standing Forward Bend gives a complete stretch to the entire posterior (back) of the body, from the back of the scalp to the back of the heels.

This Hands-to-Feet pose stretches the arm muscles, hamstrings and joints. It strengthens and lengthens the whole spine making it more elastic. It develops strength and flexibility in the legs and hips.

As the trunk is inverted it increases the blood flow to the brain, scalp, face, muscles and nerves. As a result the inversion increases vitality and concentration, and develops equilibrium in the body.

As you practice this posture the abdominal muscles and organs are toned and stimulated, giving relief to constipation. It also improves metabolism and circulation to the thyroid glands.

People with good hip flexibility will find this asana relaxing and rewarding because the full inversion of the torso allows the spine to stretch, hanging passively from the hips. However, in most people, short hamstrings muscles and poor hip and back flexibility prevent torso from hanging upside down and the feeling of relaxation is not achieved.

The Forward Bend in a standing position has many benefits; however there are some health conditions in which this asana is not recommended.

Three important reasons (out of many) not to do Yoga posture – Standing Forward Bend:

1) Anyone with acute lower back pain should avoid doing this pose (if you are going into this pose with pain in the lower back , you are likely to come out with more pain).

2) In case of abdominal hernia do not attempt this posture.

3) People with high blood pressure should not practice this pose.


Issued in the interest of people practicing Hatha Yoga by Subodh Gupta, Yoga Expert based in London.

Mr.Subodh Gupta, a Corporate Yoga Trainer has conducted more than 500 workshops on Yoga and Stress Management. He has been interviewed by various TV channels in India and London.


For reaching to Subodh Gupta Yoga website http://www.subodhgupta.com/ and for Subodh Gupta Corporate yoga webpage http://www.subodhgupta.com/corporateyoga.html