| What is a contraindication for a Yoga technique? Why | | | | and make sure that you have done your research |
| should Yoga teachers and practitioners be familiar with | | | | about contraindications for your particular health |
| them? Let's look closely at how knowledge of | | | | condition. You only have one body. Do not put yourself |
| contraindications in the physical practice of Yoga can | | | | at risk, when it is common sense to avoid a technique. |
| help you prevent potential injuries. | | | | In summary, if you teach Yoga and learn of a new |
| What is a contraindication for a Yoga technique? A | | | | contraindication, which is related to any condition, do |
| contraindication is a factor which makes a Yoga | | | | not ignore it - research it! Find out why and how the |
| technique inadvisable. These Yoga techniques are | | | | contraindication is related to body mechanics. It is |
| postures (asanas) or Yogic breathing methods | | | | better to be safe and too cautious, rather than risky, |
| (pranayama). The reasons they become inadvisable | | | | when it comes to safety. |
| are related to people with specific health conditions | | | | If your students demand to take risks, advise them to |
| performing techniques, which put them at risk. | | | | participate in sky diving, skiing, hang gliding, roller |
| A classic example of this would be a student who has | | | | coasters, and other activities that give them an |
| glaucoma and performs inverted postures. Due to his | | | | adrenaline rush. Yoga, of every form, was designed to |
| or her condition, with glaucoma, there is a risk of going | | | | enhance every aspect of good health. |
| blind, from performing an inverted Yoga posture. | | | | It is a great feeling to bond with students and become |
| Whether a Yoga teacher or student does not know | | | | a "fun Yoga instructor." It is quite another feeling to |
| the contraindication, or ignores it, the potential for risk is | | | | realize you put a student in danger for the sake of |
| the same. | | | | entertainment. A competent teacher has responsibilities |
| Why should Yoga instructors and practitioners be | | | | - to make sure sessions are safe. Your classes can |
| familiar with contraindications? There are many | | | | be fun, but they should always be safety oriented. |
| contraindications in Yoga, and teachers should | | | | Ahimsa, the first Yama, comes to mind. As teachers |
| research all of them to avoid putting students in harm's | | | | and instructors, we pledge to avoid harming other |
| way. In the case of students: Be familiar with the state | | | | beings, especially our students. Every ethics |
| of your health. Get an annual physical and learn about | | | | agreement, for Yoga teachers, should mention Ahimsa |
| your precise health condition. | | | | in relation to Yoga classes, which simply means: "Be |
| Let your teacher know if you have a medical condition, | | | | sure that your classes are safe. |