These people should avoid Yoga!

Does yoga suit everyone? Yes, it is. Yoga benefits both the body and the mind. However, not all asanas are suitable for all individuals. Before embarking on your yoga journey, it is important to consider your age, health condition, and level of fitness. You will always find articles explaining why yoga is beneficial to you and why you should practice it. There is nothing wrong with that, but sometimes yoga is not the right choice for you at this time. It is important to note that each asana or pranayama has its own set of contraindications.

People Who Should Not Do Yoga

Pregnancy

The practice of yoga during pregnancy has many benefits, such as strengthening your pelvic floor and preparing your body for childbirth. However, some poses should be avoided during pregnancy. During pregnancy, advanced core-strengthening exercises, inversions, supine postures, intense backbends, postures that compress the abdomen, or extreme twisting postures should be avoided. It is safe to practice different types of asanas during each trimester. 

Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common condition, particularly among the elderly. Yoga can be used to manage this condition with the help of props and some modifications. Knee pain is a common problem, particularly among the elderly. Using props and some modifications, yoga can be easily managed. There are certain yoga poses that you should avoid, or at least modify if you suffer from an acute knee injury, or weak, unstable, or chronically painful knees. Several poses can adversely affect the knee joints, including Tree Pose, Camel Pose, Hero Pose, Frog Pose, Eagle Pose, Triangle Pose, Lotus Pose, Thunderbolt Pose, and Bound Angle Pose.

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the feet, is irritated or compressed. The practice of yoga can be effective in relieving pain caused by sciatic nerve compression. However, some asanas can have the opposite effect, i.e., increase your pain, and should be avoided at all costs. Avoid forward bends and extreme backbends. Paschimottanasana, Hastapadasana, and Kurmasana should be avoided. Rather, stretch your hamstrings and glutes gently.  

Hernia

Yoga forms that are slow and restorative are beneficial for people who suffer from peptic ulcers or hernias. But, patients should avoid practicing vigorous core-strengthening asanas as they can aggravate their condition. A major aspect of yoga involves strengthening the core, however, it is best to avoid it if you suffer from a hernia or ulcer. Pose that involves abdominal compression and intensive twisting should not be practiced. 

Frozen Shoulder

When a shoulder joint has been dislocated or exacerbated, it is best to avoid poses that stretch the shoulder area and put pressure on the joint. It is not recommended that you practice shoulder openers such as Puppy Pose, Gomukhasana, or Downward Dog. Instead, concentrate on strengthening the rotator cuff and stabilizing the imbalance. 

Hypertension

To manage hypertension, you should practice asanas that allow you to consciously relax. Avoid headstands, forearm stands, shoulder stands, handstands, and Sarvangasanas. There is evidence to suggest that meditation and yoga practices can reduce stress-induced hypertension and have several therapeutic benefits. Yoga Nidra and Diaphragmatic Breathing are also very beneficial.

Surgery

The practice of yoga should be avoided for at least three months by anyone who has undergone surgery or sustained an injury. You should consult your doctor before commencing or resuming practice to determine how it may affect your surgical procedure or injury.

Lower back pain

To avoid overextension of vertebral joints and acute inflammation, try to avoid advanced forward or backward bending positions depending on your condition. There is no doubt that most lower back pain results from poor posture, weak back muscles, and spinal immobility, but it is important to be aware of your limitations. Avoid poses requiring a lot of spinal mobility, such as Chakrasana, Ushtrasana, Paschimottanasana, etc.

Consult your doctor before beginning yoga if you suffer from any of the above conditions. Like this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section