1.
You should practice with an empty stomach, and preferably with
empty bowels and bladder. Wait 4 hours after a heavy meal, or two
hours after a light meal, to practice.
2. Wear non-restrictive
clothing while practicing. Do not wear shoes or socks.
3.
Students with back or hip discomfort, displaced vertebrae, spurs,
arthritis, or other physical limitations should consult their
physicians before beginning a Yoga practice.
4.
Breath normally while in all of the Yoga poses. Relax the eyes,
ears, throat, and abdomen.
5.
Avoid exerting yourself beyond your capacity. Any pain or
discomfort in a pose should be mild and temporary. Sharp or
persistent pain is a sign of a physical problem or incorrect
practice; consult your physician and/or a qualified Yoga
instructor.
6.
During menstruation, women should avoid the inverted
poses.
7.
Pregnant women should consult their physician and obtain
instruction from a qualified Yoga instructor before beginning a
Yoga practice. Avoid deep forward bends or other poses that
constrict or twist the abdomen.
8. Do
not do the inverted poses if you have high blood pressure, heart
problems, detached retina, or ear problems. If you have neck
problems, consult a qualified Yoga instructor.
9.
Obtain assistance to go up into the inverted poses if you are not
familiar with them.
10.
Remember: no book, video, or other written instruction can take
the place of personal instruction from a qualified Yoga instructor
who can teach you the poses, make adjustments to the poses for any
physical limitations you may have, and make corrections as you
perform the poses!