Yogacharya Sandeep, a yoga instructor and a yoga psychologist, is from Bihar Yoga Bharathi, a yoga educational institution, dedicated to the study and practice of yoga, in the gurukul tradition.

He has developed specific corporate training programs to meet the requirements of the modern professionals, customised modules for schools and also personal training programs. A few modules are on stress management, improving productivity, managing work life balance, healing spondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, managing acidity etc.

Yogacharya Sandeep answered Sify readers’ queries related to the above in an exclusive chat. Read the transcript below.

How many times kapalbhati can be done.

First of all why are you opting for Kapalbhati? Are you inspired or do you really need it? Kapalbhati is a heating pranayama which boosts up the blood circulative system and thereby you experience extreme heat in the body, and you are not aware your body can withstand this amount of heat.So my advice would be not to opt for Kapalbhati without expert guidance. All the best!! : )

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Sore eyes, out of the bed look, a stack of rough notes, sample test papers, and fresh stationary these describe the student gearing up for the exams. The litmus test is on with exams around the corner. Students are barred from watching TV, mobile phones confiscated and friends are not entertained. For a reason friends are now looked as enemies. There is so much to do and so little time we see the student of the year – crumbling under pressure.

The stage is set for a bigger one tomorrow. Here we bring you the advantages of yoga and meditation and how they can help your kid to shine on.

During preparation time:

1. Work hard and sleep well. Without physical and mental rest, memory and concentration are not strong. Wake up with the sunrise, and doing some light yoga exercises like surya namaskar followed by simple breathing exercises (eg. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama). 12 quick rounds of Surya Namaskar can be good work out . It’s a complete body workout which leaves one fresh and energetic. Head bending poses: All forward bending yoga poses or yoga asanas flows more blood to the head region and along with long deep breathe which increases the amount of oxygen in the blood can result in more relaxed, sharp and focused mind.

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Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful experiences gifted to a woman. Yet this nine-month journey brings with it a variety of changes and emotions to juggle with. Yoga can help you cope with this journey, making it smooth and enjoyable!

As is evident in the case of Meghana Bragta, yoga enthusiast and first-time mother, as a would-be-mother she was better able to accept the changes during the nine months. She shares, ”Meditation helped me a lot, especially in the last trimester. It helped me accept my body and all the changes happening. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing) helped me relax and handle anxiety. I would practice Butterfly Pose and in the latter half of the pregnancy, when my feet would swell due to water retention, I practiced some yoga postures lying on my back.”

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Pregnancy is a crucial time where being fit is important for both the mother and the baby growing inside.

Practicing yoga during pregnancy can help you cope with taxing symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue.

Asanas (especially those that strengthen the pelvic muscles) and pranayam can also prepare you – mentally and physically – for labor.

Here’s a yoga routine you can follow.

Note that before you begin any exercise regimen, you must check with your doctor first.

Bhadrasana

1. Sit with legs stretched in front and palms by your side.
2. Slowly bend both legs at the knees so the soles touch each other.
3. Hold feet with the hands and bring them closer to your perineum. Ensure that the knees remain on the ground.
4. Close your eyes and maintain pose for 1 to 2 minutes, breathing evenly.
5. Repeat twice.

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