Stopping Of Pranayama Practice Suddenly

by Tashi
(Bhutan)

I have been doing pranayama for the last five years. In between I could not do it regularly for six to seven months due to some reasons. I have learned pranayama through TV by Swami Ramdev. But now again I wanted to continue. What should I do? Is there any withdrawal problems due to the sudden stoppage of the pranayma?

Answer

1. Stopping of yoga asana or pranayama practice does not lead to any withdrawal problems.

2. Progress in yoga is generally very slow. In case you are having a regular practice, there is gradual refinement, progress in your yoga practice. Yoga practice becomes more pleasurable, increases in depth and provides more benefits.

3. When you stop practice of pranayama, gradually the body will lose the benefits accrued by pranayama practice. Whenever you start again you pick up again from the present condition.

4. Please start once again with determination to keep up a regular yoga practice. In case there are any breaks in practice do not worry, come back to your yoga practice.

Wishing you a successful yoga practice.

Namaste
Daljit