Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Pranam Tatvamasi,

The suggestions by Mr. Patel about practice of Anulom Vilom are reasonable. He mentions key points.

1. Do not use force.

2. Do not hurry.

3. Do Anulom Vilom slowly.

4. Rest when needed.

These issues are largely ignored by the general population who watch pranayam on television and DVDs that don't address specific health conditions in much detail. In many cases Anulom Vilom is performed very forcefully. So much so that everyone thinks they should practice as vigorously as Baba Ramdevji.

These ideas of dynamic forceful pranayama as a cure gives many yoga teachers, doctors and therapists fits of angst. Dr. Rita Khanna had mentioned this concern of forceful pranayam without specific guidance in a previous article on one of the Aura blogs. This is no single way to practice Anulom Vilom. Baba Ramdevji would tell you so if he could come through your television set.

I wish it were that simple to put a blanket technique out for everyone. In most cases pranayam is displayed for young people with perfect health conditions. In this case, Tatvamasi gives us specific details of health, gender, age and exact medical history. Many thanks to Tatvamasi for presenting this particular case.

Anulom Vilom has a very positive impact on health. it is a good pranayam for allergies, high blood pressure, and a variety of heart disease problems, but must be practiced slow, gradual and in moderation as pointed out by Mr. Patel. Anulom Vilom pranayam, if performed on a daily basis, can help make life better if you have heart related diseases like high blood pressure.

One additional point, if you have any side effects from moderate practice of Anulom Vilom - stop right away. You should be fine with the controlled guidelines set forth by Mr. Patel.

Hari Om.