Contraindications in Yoga Practice

Although yoga has infinite number of health benefits yet strict precautions must be taken during certain medical conditions. In some cases, yoga should not be practiced at all. In case someone observes any changes in their body the yoga expert must be consulted if the practice is to be continued or not.

In Heart Diseases

People suffering from atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, high and low blood pressure must not practicing any such yoga position which may lead to excess mental and physical exhaustion. Only Shavasana and Pawanmukasana are recommended.

Joint Problems

Those suffering from arthritis or gout must not practice any such asanas which requires balancing of the muscles. Surya namaskar is one such asana. No stress should be given to the joints. Due to knee problems a person may not be able to sit cross-legged. Any such asana which can be performed by sitting of hair can be practiced. Pawanmukasana, part 1 and 2, are said to be helpful in joint problems.

Anemia

Most yoga practitioners are vegetarians. A vegetarian diet without sufficient iron and vitamin B- complex supplementation will create a lot of trouble. Only breathing exercises are recommended. Until the person becomes physical fit asanas should be avoided.

In Backache

There is no such recommendation about yoga asanas for backache. It completely depends on the cause of backache. Until the root cause is not known nothing can be concluded.

General Contraindications

In case of a bleeding nose, Neti and Sutra Neti asanas must be avoided. In case of any infectious disease all those asanas which cause physical fatigue must be avoided.

People with psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia can not maintain meditation position for long. Meditation will only cause mental fatigue to them. Also, those on drugs which cause hallucination must not do meditation.

In HIV/AIDS, the immune system of the person is very weak. Meditation and relaxation exercises will benefit them. Any such exercise which causes physical and mental fatigue must be avoided.

Meditation and relaxation are equally helpful in inflammation of intestine (clitoris), depression and cold. Those with ADHD and hyperactivity must not practice any type of “bandana” positions. They cause unnecessary irritation.