Yoga, an ancient Indian practice, offers numerous benefits to all individuals. However, it is often surrounded by misleading information and myths. Here are some common yoga myths to ensure you have a clear understanding of the practice!
Many individuals become discouraged from practicing yoga due to the abundance of misleading information. However, these myths and misconceptions can be dispelled through a deeper understanding of how alternative therapies, like yoga, function.
Myth #1: Yoga is injurious
Fact: While there is a common perception that yoga can cause injuries, such incidents typically occur when practitioners do not follow instructions properly. Injuries often stem from an overenthusiastic approach, where individuals attempt advanced poses without mastering the foundational ones first. Advanced yoga poses require preparation and skill to execute safely; otherwise, practitioners risk injury.
Myth #2: You have to give up enjoyable activities for yoga
Fact: Yoga doesn’t make you moderate or kill your lifestyle with a strict regimen. You can enjoy your food and other activities but should ensure that it should not conflict with your objective of practising yoga. You must clearly set your goals with your yoga teacher/instructor.
Myth #3: Ceasing yoga practice leads to weight gain
Fact: This misconception is often used as an excuse by those who don’t try yoga. However, weight gain is not solely attributable to the cessation of yoga practice; rather, it can result from various factors such as genetics, overeating, and insufficient physical activity.
Myth #4: Yoga requires a strict, specialized diet
Fact: Yoga does not necessitate a specific diet plan, nor does it require individuals to eliminate salt or spicy foods. In reality, consuming an adequate amount of spices and salt is often recommended by yoga experts. In certain intense yoga sessions, known as sadhana, individuals may abstain from salt and spices to counteract the heat generated in the body. In summary, maintaining a healthy diet is integral to a holistic yoga practice, but eliminating salt and spices is not mandatory.
Myth #5: Yoga is merely another type of physical exercise
Fact: Yoga encompasses more than just physical exercise; it’s a lifestyle, a form of meditation, and an alternative therapy. Its primary goal is to achieve mind-body harmony through body control. Beyond just asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), all forms of yoga aim to cultivate mental discipline. Through meditation and specific body positions, practitioners train both the body and mind. Unlike conventional workouts, certain yoga practices alleviate nervous anxiety and emotional stress. Additionally, regular yoga practice contributes to overall well-being and good health. The misconception arises because people often focus solely on the physical aspect of yoga. In essence, yoga involves not just the body but also the mind.