Ask Yogi Dr. Malik - your own advice guru
February 2009
When I try to do tree
I find that I can balance
better on one leg than the
other – I can’t bring my
palms together over my
head when I stand on my
right leg. It’s making me
apprehensive about my
practice. Is this common
and what should I do?
This is common – believe me you
should not be apprehensive about your
practice. Most people can balance better
on one side than the other.One answer
is to have a chair nearby when you practise,
or stand by a wall.Then even if you
don’t actually need to use it to help your
balance, it will give you confidence on
your wobbly side.Vrkasana (tree) is a
wonderful asana and like all the balancing
postures it helps concentration.Make sure
you are grounded in a good tadasana
before you lift your leg, and start off by
not trying to place your foot too high on
your other leg.There’s no reason to
worry, just persevere and in time you will
find that your balance improves.
Since starting yoga
3 years ago I don’t
enjoy other types of
exercise like going to
the gym. Do you
think that yoga is
enough to keep you
completely fit?
If you enjoy yoga that’s fine – it
can be enough to keep you completely
fit, but this is really dependent
on your efforts. Obviously the
more often you practise the more
beneficial it will be, and an energetic
ashtanga practice will burn up
more calories than a gentle hatha
yoga class.You are the best judge of
your stamina and disposition.
I feel rather silly chanting mantras at the beginning of
my yoga class.Do I have to join in or is it an aspect of my
practice I can do without?
You don’t have to chant mantras if you
don’t really want to.You can still derive benefits
performing other techniques like asanas.
A lot of students (even some who have
been practising yoga for some time) feel
nervous or embarrassed chanting mantras at
the start of a class so you are not an exception.
Instead of chanting the sound, why not
meditate on it instead? Or you could try
miming – after some time you may become
confident enough to actually chant aloud.
Is it better to practise
yoga to music or in silence?
It’s really up to you.You might find alternating
the two works for you. Sound can be
healing and complementary to your practice,
helping you unwind. Silence may help
you focus.
I have asthma and want
to come off my medication.
Are there any yoga poses
that would help me and
what type of yoga is best?
I wouldn’t recommend you coming off
your medication entirely, especially if you
are new to yoga. However the more you
practise, the stronger your immune system
will become and your asthma symptoms
may reduce, then you could consult your
doctor about your medication level.
I would recommend that you practise
pranayama (breathing exercises) especially
kapal bhati.These help strengthen the sinus
and respiratory system. I advise that you
attend a reputable yoga class and ask your
teacher about pranayama.
You could also make the effort to practise
yoga cleansing such as the netis.Again, your
teacher can show you how to do this.
Write to:
Ask Yogi Dr Malik
Yoga Magazine
26 York Street
London
W1U 6PZ
editor@yogamagazine.co.uk
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