Contraindications, Say What?

Every now and then in a yoga class or workshop you hear the term "contraindication". Usually, its a term that is briefly voiced in instruction, either at the start of a class or when being introduced to a pose. For me, it seems like the word is mentioned so quickly that by the time you wrap your head around what it might mean, it has already disappeared from the practice.

What is all the fuss about?

For starters, a contraindication is a condition that you may have (health, physical state, location), which makes a specific yoga posture (asana) or breathing method (pranayama) inadvisable, because it puts you at risk.

Easy and Simple Example?
Contraindication:  Pregnancy
Modification: Avoid poses that require you to lie on your belly.

Avoiding a specific asana or pranayama can be a bit challenging if you aren't aware of the possible contraindications. More often than not, there are certain modifications to an asana or pranayama that you can do for a contraindication.

Basic Contraindications

The following is a general list of common contraindications:

• pregnancy
• recent surgery (particularly involving knees, hips, spine, or internal organs)
• wrist difficulties or any joint conditions
• glaucoma or any eye disease
• spinal difficulty
• blood pressure
• heart concerns

Keep in mind, this list is general. Other contraindications could include medications or location (some poses you should not do in high heels or on a jet ski).

Some Basic Modifications and Avoidances

 

Contraindication: Lower back pain

Modifications/Avoidances: Modifying forward bends by keeping back straight instead of rounding the back. 

Contraindication: Menstruation

Modifications/Avoidances: It is suggested that inversions (such as headstand and shoulderstand) and backbends be avoided.

Contraindication: High blood pressure 

Modifications/Avoidances: Avoid poses that invert the head below the level of the heart.

Do the Research

Do the research about any possible contraindications prior to your practice. Let your teacher know if you have a medical condition.

• The Yoga Journal website has a great page for knowing more contraindications:
  Yoga Poses for Contraindication

• A great source for learning more about appropriate modification for specific contraindications:
  B.K.S. Iyengar’s large volume Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health

It's Your Yoga

Yoga, of every form, was designed to enhance every aspect of good health. Don’t let that occasional brief moment where the word contraindication is brought up in practice be the only time you are aware of it.

A good rule of yoga thumb: Never force a posture to happen, but compassionately find the place where resistance comes and breath can flow within a position. Always allow a pose to open, instead of forcing through resistance. 

It's your yoga. Ultimately its your own responsibility to be knowledgeable enough to be safe practicing it.