Ananda Yoga Portland Oregon - Frequently Asked Yoga Questions

Q: What is Hatha Yoga?

A: Hatha Yoga is the physical branch of Raja Yoga. It was originally conceived as a tool for spiritual growth. Yoga literally means "union," or joining together, as in yoking oxen together to pull a cart. Philosophically it means uniting the little self with the Higher Self, going from duality to oneness. "Ha" is often taken to mean "sun"; more accurately, it connotes the upward movement of energy in the subtle astral spine. "Tha" which is often taken to mean "moon," connotes the downward movement of the energy of the astral spine. The purpose is to take the practitioner from duality to unity, from disharmony to harmony.

Q: So what is Ananda Yoga?

A: Swami Kriyananda began developing Ananda Yoga not long after he came to Paramhansa Yogananda's teachings in 1948. He was dissatisfied with the purely physical approach to hatha yoga. Seeing Ananda Yoga as a means for higher awareness, he developed a system of asanas, pranayamas, affirmations, and meditation techniques to focus on magnetically drawing prana up the spine to the brain.

Q: Are you a certified Yoga Teacher?

A: I served on the teaching staff of Ananda's Expanding Light Retreat Center, and taught the following classes: Hatha Yoga for Seniors, Yoga for Special Needs, Extra Gentle Yoga, and I assisted in the Ananda Teacher Training program. I am registered with the National Yoga Alliance as a certified level-two (500 hrs) Ananda Yoga Teacher. I am a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Q: What are the health benefits of yoga?

A: What are the health benefits of yoga? The health benefits of yoga are just beginning to be investigated by the mainstream medical community. We all experience stress in our lives. In the past, it helped protect us and activate pathways that allowed the body and psyche to deal with danger and fear. Stress produces the sympathetic nervous system's "fight or flight" response, the body's natural response when encountering danger. When thus activated, the body releases adrenaline and other chemicals into our system, increasing heart and respiratory rates and blood pressure. Muscles tense, digestion slows, and the liver begins to convert starches to sugars. Initial trials have shown that yoga can help people with asthma, cardiac risk factors, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and more. But essentially, a regular asana (posture) practice can create flexibility, build strength, and develop stamina. In addition to affecting the musculoskeletal system, the postures can assist internal body functions. Most postures increase circulation, which can positively affect the respiratory and nervous systems. Other systems of the body, as well as the organs, can benefit from yoga, depending on the pose. Bringing the systems and organs of the body into balance naturally has a positive effect on your mental well-being. And specific breathing exercises can either stimulate or still your mind.

Q: Where are you located and how long does it take to get there?

A: I teach throughout the Portland Area, Maps and Class locations are provided on the Website. Telephone numbers and how to register are located on the Class Schedules.

Q: As a beginner, which class should I be in? Where should I start?

A: If you feel that sitting in a cross-legged posture is difficult, you feel out of shape or have special health issues, start with the extra gentle yoga classes. You may want to attend a beginners class to become familiarized with the Ananda Yoga Style.

Q: What should I wear? What should I avoid wearing?

A: Wear comfortable clothing that will not overheat or overly bind. Please do NOT wear perfume or other scents.

Q: What should I bring?

A: Bring water, a towel, and a yoga sticky mat if you have one. You may want to bring a blanket or small pillow. We will also have blankets available for your use. Please turn your cell hone off when you enter.

Q: .What equipment do I need?

A: All you need is your own body.

Q: Should I eat before or after class?

A: Avoid meals at least two hours before class. Snacks and light meals are okay. It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after class.

Q: How often should I practice Yoga?

A: Practice a minimum of twice a week to see the best results.

Q: What can I expect in one of your classes?

A: We begin by centering, sitting upright and doing one or more breathing exercises. Next we do warm-ups to limber the body and to harmonize the breath. We begin our asanas with standing poses, proceed to seated/floor poses. We end each session with a gentle inverted pose and a 10 minute deep relaxation.

Q: I've got a bad back - is it OK to do yoga?

A: Almost certainly, but get your GP's OK first. Doctors and osteopaths often recommend yoga for back problems. However, the term "bad back" can cover a multitude of problems from a minor muscular spasm to major degenerative damage to the discs and/or vertebrae. If you suffer from serious degenerative problems you may need to modify or omit certain postures. If you suffer from chronic pain (whatever the cause), it is particularly important to consult your physician and/or physiotherapist before you begin. If you have been given the green light, it's still important to check in with the yoga teacher before class to let them know about your injury or illness.

Q: I'm pregnant - can I still do yoga?

A: Yes, but there are certain precautions. Yoga must be carefully tailored to the needs and abilities of the pregnancy. It can be quite different for different women. When this is done, however, the results can be both enjoyable and valuable.

Q: I'm stressed out - will it help me to relax?

A: Definitely, you should feel the mental benefits immediately. Because of the body/mind connection, if the muscles are relaxed by stretching, the mind will also relax, with less anxiety and better sleep patterns.

Q: Will yoga conflict with my religion?

A: No. Not at all. Yoga can be practiced by people of all faiths.

Q: Should I consult a doctor before starting Hatha-Yoga?

A: If you have no serious physical problems, then you don’t need to consult a doctor before starting. But be sure to tell the teacher if you have any aches or pains, especially in your back, neck, or knees, before the class begins. The teacher really should ask you first about any injuries. He’ll then be able to modify the postures (or avoid certain ones altogether), if necessary, to suit your needs. However, if you have difficulties with your blood pressure or equilibrium, if you have recently had an operation (for example, on your heart, spine, or knee), if you regularly take medication, or if you are pregnant, then just to be on the safe side, check in with your doctor before starting a class. Many yoga schools offer classes in restorative or gentle yoga and prenatal yoga for people with these conditions. You might also call the teacher of the class you want to take. Tell him about your condition, and see if he has some idea about how to work with you intelligently.

Q: Can I injure myself while doing Hatha-Yoga?

A: You can injure yourself crossing the street if you are in a hurry and not watching out for the traffic. Students do get injured practicing yoga–or at least the postures–but most of these injuries happen because of inattention, impatience or lack of an experienced teacher. We often forget that the postures embody enormous power, which can go both ways. Used wisely the postures are a time-tested tool for self-transformation and self-understanding. But used recklessly, without awareness or respect, then the possibility of injury increases considerably. The Sanskrit âsana derives from the little verb as, which means “to sit,” but also “to be present.” The word âsana itself then continually reminds us that it is important “to be present” when practicing the postures, to listen carefully to what our body-mind is telling us from moment to moment.

Q: Can I practice Hatha-Yoga when I have the cold or a flu?

A: Yes, you can, but whether or not you will feel like it is a whole other question. Patanjali (Yoga-Sûtra 1.30) lists nine obstacles (antarâya) to Yoga practice, and the first hindrance among these is “disease” (vyâdhi). He recognizes that it is pretty hard to practice when you have a runny nose, a hacking cough, or a headache. If you are really sick, then it might be best just to take the day off and go to bed. But if your symptoms are milder, then you might want to work up a restorative routine that will help get you back on your feet.