Geeta Iyengar Answers Questions on Yoga & Women:

Geeta Iyengar Answers Questions on Yoga & Women:

Can you comment on why more women than men are attracted to Yoga in North America?
Yoga can be practiced by both the sexes. In India, people took a long time to realize that the path
of yoga could also be followed by the common man. They always considered that yoga could only
be thought of at the spiritual level. It is not that they were unaware of their problems. They were
unaware that yoga could help them to solve their problems at the physical, mental, psychological
and emotional levels. Sage Patanjaii states that diseases i.e. vyadhi is the first obstacle in the
path of yoga which has to be conquered through the practice of yoga alone. This aspect of Yoga
was known theoretically but it had to be experienced. Guruji's efforts made the common man to
realize that yoga can be done even for primary requirements like health and this attracted people
towards yoga.
Women are more sensitive to the problems of their health than men. A woman is emotionally
attached to her family and her surroundings. The moment she realizes that she has problems
with her health, be it physical or mental, psychological or emotional, she wants to find a solution
to it. Her ego admits the existence of her problem but a man may not easily accept that he has
problems with his health.
Men think that the yogic method of exercise is too mild for them. They think that why should they
try yoga if they can do something more vigorous than yoga. Moreover, laziness and fear, prevent
both men and women from taking to yoga. One cannot take to yoga if the mind is not prepared to
do it.
Men are stiffer when compared with women. People presume that one needs a flexible body to
do Yoga and this prevents men from delving into this subject. Therefore, I would say that it is
unawareness about yoga which prevents more men form taking to it.
If you think that more women than men are attracted to Yoga in North America then you have to
make the men realize the potential of Yoga. It is merely the lack of awareness and ignorance on
the part of human beings which prevents them from practising yoga. It is not associated with any
geographical area. Whosoever realizes the potential of Yoga will certainly take to it.
In the west a lot of women want to do yoga because they are pregnant although they have not
done yoga previously. What should we as yoga teachers do?
In the early 60s, when I started teaching, the value of yoga and its effect was unknown to the
public. Now, Yoga teachers advertise to attract the people who do not know the depth of the
subject. They conduct camps to attract people. Fortunately, camps for pregnant women are not
held in India but in some countries classes for pregnant women are conducted for about 15 days.
Teachers have to he extremely careful and well accomplished if they wish to teach yoga to a
pregnant woman.
The teacher should be intelligent and quick to adjust and modify the asana as per the student's
requirement. Those who are already practising yoga can continue with their practice during
pregnancy and follow the detailed programme given in "Yoga - a Gem for Women." One has to
be very, very careful about teaching yoga during pregnancy to those who have never done it
earlier. A teacher should know the details about their medical history, their regular medical check-
up reports, their general state of health, their constitution, their history of abortions or
miscarriages. A teacher should have the faculty of discrimination while teaching and should be
able to adjust the asanas as per the student's needs.
I have given two separate courses for the pregnant women in my book, "Yoga - A Gem for
Women'. The first one is for those who have been regular practitioners of yoga prior to their
pregnancy and the second one is for those who wish to start practising yogasanas after they have
conceived.
The pregnant women can be taught simple asanas. There is no harm in doing a few standing
poses to strengthen the back bone, the spine. The inversions such as Sirsasana and
Sarvangasana are definitely beneficial for maintaining proper blood circulation and healthy
endocrine functioning. Baddha Konisana, Suptakonasana, Upavistha konasana, Virasana,
Mahamudra, Bharadvajasana and forward extensions where the back is kept concave make the
abdominal organs healthier. Doctors often advise pregnant ladies to only do pranayama and not
asanas. Do not listen to such advice.
One can teach asanas to women after they are pregnant, if they have no complications, and are
willing to do it sincerely and fearlessly. A pregnant woman has to he taught asanas first and then
pranayama.
I will not advice you to teach asanas to pregnant women who have developed medical
complications such as toxaemia and have never done yoga before. You need a lot of experience
to take up such cases.
Yoga is not meant just to have a non-problematic pregnancy and easy delivery. The health of the
mother as well as the baby is very important. First one should concentrate on good health and
then on easy delivery through yoga. The aim of doing yoga during pregnancy is to carry the
seeds of good samskaras (auspicious imprints) to the growing baby as the yogic practices
touches the soul. This aim of yoga should be borne in mind by the teachers.
Not only the mother's physical health but also her state of mind has a profound effect on the
unborn child. The foundation for the development of the child on a morally and spiritually higher
plane is laid in the womb itself. Unfortunately, this aspect is not thought of at all. In olden days,
there was a custom where a pregnant woman read the sacred books such as Ramayana or
recited the Bhagvad Gita. The recitation and repetition of the sacred name of the Lord was
considered important. The mind of a pregnant woman was impregnated with high thinking and
high moral living so that the progeny carried these irnprints.
I would insist on this aspect. Do not popularise yoga under the name of just physical well being
but do it with a spiritual touch. Physical health is of course essential and it comes through Yoga
but mental calmness and health is more important. Therefore, we have to attend to the mother in
such a way that she develops a very serene mental attitude. Her yoga practices should be such
that she inherits a feeling of happiness and quietness. She can start doing yoga even if she has
never done it before but it is better if she has practised yoga before pregnancy.
The teacher's responsibility is very high while teaching students who begin yoga after pregnancy.
The teacher should first build up the student's confidence and courage to practice yogasanas
without injuring the growing child.
Is there any restriction for the practice of pranayama during menstruation?
One should not exert oneself either physically or mentally during menstruation. One should not
fight or struggle with one's own energy.
The advanced pranayama along with the bandhas and kriyas should be avoided during
menstruation. One should not attempt any kumbhakas - either antara or bahya. The suction of the
abdomen when one does uddiyana bandha or mula bandha causes pressure on the abdomen. A
downward suction pushes the abdominal organs causing further harm. Therefore the bandhas as
well as the pranayama with the bandhas are avoided.
Simple pranayama in savasana can be done as one can relax comfortably in these pranayamas.
Ujayi, viloma and viloma can be performed as there are no bandhas in these pranayamas. These
pranayamas are not harmful.
Women normally fail to get the usual depth of the breath to which she is accustomed to during
menstruation. The brain tends towards relaxation and sleep.
My advice is that they should do pranayama either in savasana or supta baddhakonasana.
Secondly, they should keep their chest and head in an elevated position with the support of the
bolster and blanket so that one does not need too much efforts to position, expand and extend
the chest. Thirdly, precision is not possible during periods due to lack of energy Deep breathing is
strenuous. However, one cycle of ayi or viloma breathing followed by several cycles of normal
breaths are beneficial to both the body and mind. The normal breaths occur from the inner body
that is from the subterranean level and help to relax well. Those who have disturbed sleep during
periods will benefit tremendously. These pranayamas rest the
nervous system very quickly. Depression, emotional disturbances, fear, anxiety, shakiness of the
body, headache, constipation are very common problems accompanying menstruation and can
be checked with asana and pranayama.
The practitioner needs tremendous sensitivity to perform digital pranayama such as surya
bedhana, nadishodhana or anuloma. The sensitivity gets lessened during menstruation and a sort
of dullness sets in. The pranayama will be at the physical level if done forcefully and will lead to
emotional upheavals.
Effect of inverted poses on menstruation and pregnancy
Inverted yoga postures or inversions are those where the head remains
down and the body is in an inverted position. The inversions include
asanas such as Sirsasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Viparita Karani,
Pincha Mayurasana etc. The variations of Sirsasana and Sarvangasana
are also included in this group.
Hatha Yoga Pradipika in inversions
The third chapter of Svatmarama's Hatha Yoga Pradipika is named
mridavidhanam mentions about the inverted yoga postures. Hatha Yoga
Pradipika deals with asanas in the first chapter, pranayama in the second
chapter, mudras as well as bandhas in the third chapter and samadhi in
the fourth. Mudra means a seal while bandhas means bondage. Mudra
seals the energy and bandha regulates the energy. Svatmarama devotes
six stanzas (slokas) to explain Viparita Karaniin the third chapter.
Viparita Karani is a mudra where the head is down and legs are up,
palate is down and the navel is up, moon or soma chakra which lies in
the centre of the brain is down and sun or surya chakra which lies in
between the navel and diaphragm is up. It has to be learnt under the
guidance of a Guru and practiced everyday gradually increasing the
duration of stay in the posture. In the upright position the sun (navel)
swallows the nectar which is dripped down by the moon but in Viparita
Karani the sun absorbs the nectar. The practice of Viparita Karani
increases gastric fire and improves the digestion and keeps the person
younger preventing him from getting wrinkles or grey hair and
postpones death.
The effects of the inverted postures on the endocrine system
All the other inverted postures come under Viparita Karani. Inversions
done accurately are always relaxing and reduce stress and strain. The
blood circulation to the brain is improved in Sirsasana; the sluggish cells
are rejuvenated and the brain being the seat of intelligence is stimulated.
It also stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands on which the growth,
health and vital strength of a person depends.
Savangasana works effectively on the thyroid and para-thyroid by
increasing the blood supply. Halasana is effective on adrenals.
The secretions of the pituitary regulate sexual characteristics and growth
of the reproductive organs. It also regulates the function of adrenals,
thyroid and the ovaries. It is the hormone which stimulates the
production of milk in nursing mothers. Thus pituitary is the master gland
which plays a very important role in regulating menstruation and
pregnancy. The inverted postures in turn regulate the functioning of this
master gland.
Guruji has rightly said that one must practice asanas regularly and in
case one does not have enough time then one should at least do the
inversions. If Sirsasana is the father of asanas, then Savangasana is the
mother of asanas. The health of the body and mind is dependent on the
practice of these two asanas as the health and happiness of the children is
dependent on their parents.
Practice of inversions during and after menstruation
One should not perform inverted postures during menstruation.
Inversions performed during menstruation arrest the menstrual flow.
They dry up the uterus and can lead towards complications like cysts and
fibroids if practised during menstruation. On the other hand, inversions
can control menstrual bleeding when it exceeds its normal duration or if
it occurs in between. They check the flow and strengthen the uterine
system. They dry up the area faster than any other asana. One should
immediately commence the practice of inversions after completion of
menstruation since it is the time for re-establishment of hormonal
balance. Such a practice will prevent diseases like endometriosis,
leucorrhoea and also miscarriages. They help in maintaining the health
of the reproductive organs.
Practice of inversions during pregnancy
Pregnancy is an opposite state of menstruation as the foetus has to be
retained. Inverted postures should be performed in the first three months
when there is a chance of miscarriage especially for those who are prone
to miscarriages and abortions. One can continue practising them up to
the end of pregnancy. Their regular practice strengthens the spine,
improves blood circulation, checks water retention, prevents infection.
maintains hormonal balance, lubricates the reproductive passage, checks
blood pressure, maintains emotional and mental balance. Inversions are
harmful during menstruation and helpful during pregnancy. Avoid
inversions during menstruation but practice them religiously during
pregnancy. One should continue with the practice of inversions even
after menopause in order to keep a check on the blood pressure. heart
problems, circulatory defects and aging. We have to learn to be in an
inverted position as long as we are in an upright position.
Women practicing yoga during pregnancy (question)
- ln the West a lot of women want to do yoga because they are
pregnant although they have not done yoga previously. What should
we as yoga teachers do?
- ln the early 1960s when I started teaching, the value of yoga and its
effect was unknown to the public. Now yoga teachers advertise to attract
the people who do not know the depth of the subject. They conduct
camps to attract people. Fortunately camps for pregnant women are not
held in India but in some countries classes for pregnant women are
conducted for about 15 days. Teachers have to be extremely careful and
well accomplished if they wish to teach yoga to a pregnant woman.
The teacher should be intelligent and quick to adjust and modify the
asana as per the students requirement. Those who are already practising
yoga can continue with their practice during pregnancy and follow the
detailed programme given in Yoga: A Gem for Women. One has to be
very careful about teaching yoga during pregnancy to those who have
never done it earlier. A teacher should know the details about their
medical history, their regular medical check-up reports, their general
state of health, their constitution, their history of abortions or
miscarriages. A teacher should have the faculty of discrimination while
teaching and should be able to adjust the asanas as per the student's
needs.
I have given two separate courses for the pregnant women in Yoga: A
Gem for Women. The first one is for those who have been regular
practitioners of yoga prior to their pregnancy and the second one is for
those who wish to start practising yogasanas after they have conceived.
The pregnant woman can be taught simple asanas. There is no harm in
doing a few standing poses to strengthen the back bone, the spine. The
inversions such as Sirsasana and Sarvangasana are definitely beneficial
for maintaining proper blood circulation and healthy endocrine
functioning. Baddha Konasana, Suptakonasana, Upavistha Konasana,
Virasana, Mahamudra, Bharadvajasana and forward extensions where
the back is kept concave make the abdominal organs healthier. Doctors
often advise pregnant ladies to only do pranayama and not asanas. Do
not listen to such advice.
One can teach asanas to women after they are pregnant, if they have no
complications, and are willing to do it sincerely and fearlessly. A
pregnant woman has to be taught asanas first and then pranayama.
I will not advise you to teach asanas to pregnant women who have
developed medical complications such as toxaemia [a toxic condition
that sometimes develops in the last three months of pregnancy,
characterized by high blood pressure, abnormal weight gain and
convulsions. Ed.] and have never done yoga before. You need a lot of
experience to take up such cases.
Yoga is not meant just to have a non-problematic pregnancy and easy
delivery. The health of the mother as well as the baby is very important.
First one should concentrate on good health and then on easy delivery
through yoga. The aim of doing yoga during pregnancy is to carry the
seeds of good samskaras (auspicious imprints) to the growing baby as
the yogic practice touches the soul. This aim of yoga should be borne in
mind by the teachers.
Not only the mother's physical health but also her state of mind has a
profound effect on the unborn child. The foundation for the development
of the child on a morally and spiritually higher plane is laid in the womb
itself. Unfortunately, this aspect is not thought of at all. In olden days,
there was a custom where a pregnant woman read the sacred books such
as Ramayana or recited the Bhagavad Gita. The recitation and repetition
of the sacred name of the Lord was considered important. The mind of a
pregnant woman was impregnated with high thinking and high moral
living so that the progeny carried these imprints.
I would insist on this aspect. Do not popularise yoga under the name of
just physical well being but do it with a spiritual touch. Physical health is
of course essential and it comes through yoga but mental calmness and
health is more important. Therefore, we have to attend to the mother in
such a way that she develops a very serene mental attitude. Her yoga
practices should be such that she inherits a feeling of happiness and
quietness. She can start doing yoga even if she has never done it before
but it is better if she has practiced yoga before pregnancy.
The teacher's responsibility is very high while teaching students who
begin yoga after pregnancy. The teacher should first build up the
student's confidence and courage to practice yogasanas without injuring
the growing child.