International Yoga Day on June 21: Common yoga myths and facts

'The biggest yoga myth is that it's a low-impact exercise.' Ever seen this meme?

The word yoga often brings 'Shavaasana' to many people's minds, with the idea that the practice can solve their physical and mental issues with little effort. While one of yoga's principles is 'Sthira Sukham Asanam' (An asana should be steady and comfortable), engaging in the practice without having a proper understanding of it can be detrimental.

Dr Pooja T Amal, Consultant and Coordinator of Ayurveda at the Mar Sleeva Medicity, Palai, helps us bust a few popular yoga myths ahead of the International Yoga Day on June 21. 

Myth 1: Only people with flexibility can do yoga
Fact: Flexibility is not a requirement to start yoga practice. People of all body types, mobility limitations, ages and fitness levels can do yoga. Just that they should start with the asanas their bodies can do at the time. Over time, practitioners become flexible, as they build strength, coordination and balance. Therefore, flexibility is an outcome of yoga, not a prerequisite to begin it.

Myth 2: Yoga is all about asanas
Fact: Asanas are just one part of the yoga practice. Traditionally, yoga also encompasses many other aspects, such as meditation, breathwork, self-awareness, ethical principles, and more.

In Ashtanga Yoga, for instance, asanas are just one of its eight aspects. The other seven are yama (ethics), niyama (personal observances), pranayama (breathwork), pratyahara (sensory withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana(meditation) and samadhi (enlightenment).

There are other types of yoga, such as hatha yoga, karma yoga and kundalini yoga, which focus on different aspects. 

Myth 3: Yoga is for old people
Fact: People of all ages can do yoga. Be it children, teenagers, adults or senior citizens, everyone can practice the discipline. Its core principles are relevant for everyone. Just that, depending on your health specifications, you will have to tweak your routine to suit your needs. Agility and flexibility levels can vary from person to person. Many older adults practice yoga for ease of mobility and overall health, while youngsters do it for strength, stress management, focus and the like. 

Myth 4: Those who take medicines shouldn't do yoga
Fact: Being on medications does not always automatically prevent people from practising yoga. In fact, in most cases, people can safely practice it. Just that they might have to avoid certain asanas that don't stress the part of their body that isn't fully fit. Consult your yoga trainer to determine which yoga asanas will suit your health. 

Myth 5: Yoga is an alternative to a workout or a proper lifestyle
Fact: Often, yoga and exercise are not mutually exclusive. If performed regularly and properly with the help of a guide, yoga can definitely help you gain strength, agility and flexibility. However, it works best when you pair it with a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy food, enough sleep, hydration, and exercise.