What is power yoga? - SREE K, MUMBAI

Vinyasa yoga combined with breathing and staying in the postures with certain number of breaths and retention is power yoga. Vinyasa is a continuous flow of one asana into the other in sync with the breath. This practice is done only after a certain number of years of doing the basic practice and always done under guidance of an experienced teacher because the movements can have quite an impact on the back and neck muscles which can cause severe injuries if not done in the right manner. There is a certain amount of progression involved in doing these practices.

I am a short tempered person. I want to start practicing yoga to keep my calm. Please recommend asanas to control my anger. RISHI NAIR, KOCHI

The first step to get temper in control is to check your breath. Every time, you feel that your temper is going out of control, try consciously to become aware of your breath. Doing a few deep breathing exercises brings you back to a more calm state of mind or at least brings your back into the present. Breathing practices are a great way to calm oneself. This eventually should lead you to meditation which helps you to introspect and gives clarity of thought. Doing a few Surya Namaskaras with the breath in sync with the asanas during the first few hours of the morning helps you to tackle challenges with a positive approach.

Is it safe to learn yoga during pregnancy? If so, what are the asanas for the prenatal stage?

NALINI SHYAM, MUMBAI

In preparation for motherhood, it is essential that the expectant mother leads a healthy life, both physically and mentally. Unless there are any contraindications, the pregnant woman should be very active and must have an exercise regime. Health levels of activity during pregnancy reduce chances of uterine muscle inertia during labour. Post delivery, the uterus shrinks to normal size faster in a woman who has been physically active. Proper recuperation and regular hours of rest are essential. The emotional state of the mother has a great influence on the health of the baby.

Of course, you can do yoga during pregnancy. Asanas and Pranayam in fact help to cope with pregnancy. Ideally, the practice has to be started only after the first trimester and under the advice of your gyneacologist. Asanas selected are designed for the comfort of mother and baby, and these asanas also help to maintain healthy uterine space for the development of the baby. All joints are kept healthy to ensure adjustment to the increased weight of the body. Pranayam can be done throughout the pregnancy. Pranayam helps stabilize the nervous system and also keeps you very calm and balanced. It also helps you to cope with the hormonal changes which constantly happen during the different stages of pregnancy. It is a very delicate phase in life and to ensure good health of mother and baby, it has to be done under the guidance of a qualified yoga teacher avoiding any contraindications and under advice of the gyneacologist.