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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In today’s fast paced life, we accumulate toxins, forget to detoxify, relax or rejuvenate the muscular system which in turn leads to many painful conditions. Cervical spondylosis is one common ailment which affects the younger generation. People from the IT industry and those who drive long hours are prone to this problem. Stress, obesity, diabetes, reduced physical activity, improper posture while sleeping, sitting, etc. are the primary contributors for this condition. Simply said, sedentary people are more affected than others.

Cervical spondylosis is an inflammatory arthritic condition which primary affects the vertebrae (neck and back bones) and ligaments. Usually it affects the neck region and lower back region.

Readers from CHENNAI who would like to get a FREE consultation for ayurvedic relief from cervical spondylosis can write in to bawarchieditor@sify.com with the following details:

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Yoga expert, Trisha Maharaj Singh answers readers’ questions on yoga. Get your doubts cleared and see them featured on our FAQ page every Friday.
This week’s answers:

1. My daughter is 13 year old and her weight is 69.kindly advice how to reduce her weight
Raj
Child obesity should be taken seriously. Make her get involved in sports – swimming is really good and yoga thrice a week. Yoga is the best form of exercise to stimulate metabolism and also helps to create a calm mind and healthy self-belief.

2. I want to lose my weight. How to do it?
bhupender kaur
Become active physically and be regular in your practise. Do lots of surya namaskar starting from 6 and do as many as 24. Walk, swim, eat healthy fresh foods. Avoid sweets and fried foods. Drink lots of water.

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Yoga expert, Trisha Maharaj Singh answers readers’ questions on yoga. Get your doubts cleared and see them featured on our FAQ page every Friday.
This week’s answers:

1. I have been diagnosed with lumber disc bulges and practising yoga for a year now. I am unable to sit cross-legged on the floor for more than 1 or 2 mins. Is it ok to keep trying or will I never be able to do it again?
Prithvi
Sit on a few cushions against a wall to support your spine.. Will help. In life, times helps and heals all..

2. Hi Trisha, please explain the benefits of suryanamaskar.
Keeriti
There are many. It’s energizing as it ignites the fire energy in the body, it’s weight reducing as it is active, it’s nerve relaxing as its breath stimulating, and it’s a great way to stretch and contract your muscles. Practise regularly then write to me.

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Yoga expert, Trisha Maharaj Singh answers readers’ questions on yoga. Get your doubts cleared and see them featured on our FAQ page every Friday.

This week’s answers:

1.I have been diagnosed with lymph nodes in my neck and throat. I am undergoing treatment for tuberculosis. If can you suggest if I can do yoga and if yes which asanas and for how much duration and how to do.
Anil Kumar
You should do sarvangasan daily for 15 mins using a chair. Also supta baddhakonasan with a bolster for15 mins to open up your chest and anulom vilom pranayam for 5 mins to start with till slowly you can do 15 mins.

2. I have one doubt regarding doing Surya Namaskaras.One and half years back I had undergone Hernia surgery; it got healed long back. Now I want to do Surya namaskaras but not sure whether I can do it. So I consulted 2 surgeons they saw and said that I can go ahead and do what I want. But I am not sure whether they have good idea about Surya namaskaras or not. Since Surya namaskaras involve lots of bendings, stretchings etc so in this regard I would like to know from you whether I can go ahead and do Surya namaskaras is there any chance that because of this the Hernia might resurface since you are Yoga expert and also one who knows the human anatomy I would like to take your opinion before proceeding further.
Pavan Kumar K.
One and a half years is a long enough duration to heal fully if no complications. Pain is the best indicator so if you feel no pain it’s fine to do it. The stretching and contracting of muscles and organs in yoga helps to realign the organic positions as well. So it is safe.

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Trisha Maharaj Singh, the yoga guru, who is helping people rediscover the transformative power of yoga through her DVD titled Power Yoga, took time off her busy schedule to answer Sify readers’ queries. We bring you the complete chat transcript here…

Any easy way to get rid of my paunch?

Lie on ur back and do supta dandasan-ur legs straight up to 90degrees and your hands over your head…also always keep your stomach tight..and yet breathe nornmally

Hi, my wife is pregnant so what type of yoga is good for her. she is 2 months into her pregnancy
Hi! she shd do supta baddhakon asan and hamstring stretches; no lying on stomach; sleep on the left side

Pl suggest asans to get rid of migraine
Forward bending postures help and also the down dog pose or adhomukha svan asan…a regular practise though is a must..

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