Alignment is Key in Yoga Practice
Importance of Correct Alignment In Yoga Practice
Below, is a Guest Blog from Bipin Baloni, a Yoga Teacher and writer from India.
Swami Kriyananda, in the ‘Art and Science of Raja Yoga’ wrote, “ Right posture is vitally important to a Yogi.” And, one of the traditional books on Yoga, Hatha Yoga Pradipika states, “Asana should be practiced for gaining a steady posture, health, and lightness in the body.”
Well, yoga posture practiced with diligence and attention to detail benefits the body undisputedly. Yoga asanas when done correctly and with proper alignment can be transformational whereas when performed poorly these can cause adverse effects. When the alignment of the body gets disturbed during the performance of yoga poses, the general flow of the body movement is halted which can cause grievous problems.
Therefore, to reap the fruits of yoga postures, it is imperative that yoga asanas are practiced with proper adjustment and alignment.
Alignment refers to the optimal relationship between the bones of the body and its musculature that maximizes the physical efficiency, balance, and ease of movement while practicing the yoga. The sole purpose of alignment in yoga postures is to minimize physical discomfort, muscle strain, and to intensify the strength and flexibility of the body. Alignment is also important for achieving a correct depth of movement in the pose, for easily getting into the final shape, and to experience new sensations.
Understand the benefits of correct alignment in yoga practice:
1 To Minimize Injury: Our physical body is a representation of the universal being and is designed in a particular way that is unique. The different muscles and joints of the body are created to operate differently and each muscle has unique strength and flexibility. And, it is a well known anatomical reality that no two people can perform the pose in exactly the same manner. Therefore, it is important to remember the basic principles of the alignment such as in a forward bend to keep the spine straight while performing backbends do not strain the sensitive body parts like neck, etc., to avoid injury, wear-tear of ligaments and to maximize the rewards of the specific yoga postures. For safe and steady yoga practices, perform yoga asanas only on durable, high-quality yoga mats like the YogaForce A-line yoga mat curated with alignment grid that helps you place your body in correct places thus reducing the chances of fall and sustaining injuries.
2 For Proper Flow Of Energy: A poorly-practiced and misaligned yoga posture impedes the blood circulation within the body and hampers the flow of energy that negatively impacts the physical, mental, and spiritual state of a practitioner. Aligning the spine in an upright position while practicing the yoga asanas leads to the upward movement of the energy that endows the individuals with physical vitality, mental positivity, spiritual enlightenment, and a heightened consciousness. Swami Yogananda often said, “A bent spine is the enemy of Self- Realization.”
3 For Natural Healing: From treating minor afflictions to chronic diseases, yoga offers a holistic and natural way to treat the disorders and to lead a healthy life. However, the miraculous science works in an optimal fashion only when practiced with correct alignment. Yoga postures when done accurately help identify the actual pain points and areas that trigger the disease in your body allowing you to get long-lasting relief from the recurring pain and chronic diseases. Yoga postures are the best techniques to directly address the specific problems and to safeguard the health for future as well as to heal it in the present.
4 For Balancing the Doshas: Another traditional science of healing ‘Ayurveda’ states that the human body is composed of Tri-Doshas– Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It further states that the harmony between these three components is the ultimate key to a healthier body and mind. Correct alignment of the postures is closely interlinked with better coordination of the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas speak certain physical, mental, and emotional characteristics as well as discuss specific strengths, weaknesses, and imbalances– that are directly linked to yoga practices. Know your dosha type and the corresponding yoga posture and walk on the path of self-healing and self-realization.
5 For Better Body-Mind Connection: “It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence.” — B.K.S Iyengar. It is believed how you carry yourself directly affects how you feel and vice-versa. Imbalances in the body create dissonance throughout the entire system. Correct misalignment of your body by practicing the yoga postures with the right technique and experience greater awareness and a better body-mind connection that is the sole realistic aim of yoga.
6 For Strength, Flexibility, and Focus: The practice of yoga postures with correct alignment enhances the strength, flexibility, and energetic quality of a person. Synchronization of the breath with asanas harmonizes the mind and allows you to enter a state of complete self- awareness.
A Human body is a wonder. Pay attention to the alignment when taking up the practice of yoga to ensure optimum benefits without the risk of injury.
Author Bio: Bipin Baloni is a Yoga Teacher and a Traveller in India. He provides Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India. He loves writing and reading the books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas.
Website: https://www.200hrsyogattc.com/
