Hot constitutions and ashtanga yoga?

[vickymac]

I've recently started ashtanga yoga but another teacher warned of continuing if I already get hot naturally as can have adverse effects...is this correct? tHe class normally renders me sleepy and lethargic but not sure if this is just a product of work done..please help if poss. Thank you

[InnerAthlete]

The sort of practice one chooses should be one that empowers the life and living of the practitioner. There is no room for dogma in yoga. And therefore there is no one answer that universally applies (except "do no harm" which is a rule for teachers and not an answer for students).

If it is your intention to be sleepy and lethargic AND your current practice makes you sleepy and lethargic, then continue on. If on the other hand you seek a different result from your practice than find one that moves you toward that result.

Over time the practice you choose should allow or facilitate your growth as a human being. Or put a bit better, it should move you more toward who you are at your soul or source and provide you the path to radiate that light outwardly to the world.

[Pandara]

Hi,

To answer your question abou the adverse effects of getting hot, the following: to raise the body temperature shouldn't have too much adverse effects on your health, except when you are for example overweight and suffers from high blood pressure, then raising the body temperature isn't such a good idea. However, you don't give this type of information, so I can only guess that it why your teacher warned you against it. Other health issues may also warrant you not to raise your body temperature, but you don't give us enough info to give you an informed reply.

[sqcloud]

Originally Posted by InnerAthlete

The sort of practice one chooses should be one that empowers the life and living of the practitioner. There is no room for dogma in yoga. And therefore there is no one answer that universally applies (except "do no harm" which is a rule for teachers and not an answer for students).

If it is your intention to be sleepy and lethargic AND your current practice makes you sleepy and lethargic, then continue on. If on the other hand you seek a different result from your practice than find one that moves you toward that result.

Over time the practice yoga choose should allow or facilitate your growth as a human being. Or put a bit better, it should move you more toward who you are at your soul or source and provide you the path to radiate that light outwardly to the world.

Radiate that light outwardly to the world???

[Mangala]

In general if you have an elevated temperature naturally then an aggressive heating practice will aggravated pitta and may leave you feeling agitated and over stimulated. In this day and age most of us need relaxation as we are already over stimulated. For you i believe the other teacher was correct. the is an optimal style of yoga for everyone, depending on their age and tendencies. Keep looking until you find something that makes you feel great!

Namaste, Mangala

[Mangala]

Pandara,

I am an exercise physiologist and I am not aware that "a raise in body temp. " is bad for high blood pressure or overweight. Please elaborate. I understand the concept of over exertion for a deconditioned person. Is that what you mean?


Namaste, Mangala

[Pandara]

Hi Mangala,

Yes, that's what I am trying to say, thanks for clearing it with your explanation.