Before starting Yoga session, there are few guidelines which one should adhere to get the maximum benefits out of it.
Drinking and eating
Avoid eating before Yoga session
Yoga should be done on empty stomach. Allow a gap of 3-4 hrs. after eating, before practicing Yoga.
If you find this hard, then take a cup of tea or coffee before the Practice.
Food can be taken half an hour after completing the asana.
Time
The best time to practice is either early in the morning or late in the evening.
The mind is quite alert and fresh in the morning. In the evening time, the body moves more freely in comparison to the morning.
Avoid yoga after strenuous exercise
Avoid practicing asanas after doing any heavy work out.
Place
Yoga should be performed in clean, airy, noise free place.
Age
Children under 12 should practice yoga under guidance of yoga instructor.
Breathing
Breath should always be taken from nostril and not through mouth.
While holding a pose one should not restraint the breath.
Sun
Out in the Sun for long, avoid Yoga
One should not practice asana after being out in hot Sun for long.
Heath issues
One should be aware of the health issues he is suffering from. Every asana should be done while taking care of the precautions.
For people with serious medical issues or under medication should first consult some experts before starting Yoga.
Pace
One should not put undue pressure on the self. Beginners should start slowly and try to improve with each passing day.
One should not feel strain in facial muscles, ears, eyes while practicing asana.
Pregnancy
Prenatal Yoga can be practiced during Pregnancy
Prenatal yoga can be followed during the time of pregnancy. Please consult experts before performing any asana.
One can get some details from here:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_great-pregnancy-exercise-prenatal-yoga_7862.bc
Menstruation
As every one’s body is different and hence I believe no particular sets of rules apply.
In general it is prohibited to do inversion poses during yoga.
“Inversions are any pose that positions your head below your heart and the most debated inversions are headstand, handstand and shoulder stand. Mary Pullig Schatz, M.D. explains that the common argument against inversions is that there’s a danger of developing endometriosis because of the unnatural downward flow of menstrual blood back into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Modern research has found that endometriosis is not caused by backlogged blood, but rather from errant cells within the uterus. Currently there is no research that shows that inversions are beneficial or detrimental to your body during menstruation.”
Source:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/456921-why-cant-you-do-yoga-on-your-period/
Read more on this topic:
http://www.yogapoint.com/yoga-poses/yoga-for-menstruation.htm
Right way should be followed
If you are a beginner, the best way to learn yoga is under the guidance of some teacher.
There are multiple benefits to learn under a teacher. You will be more focused, will be learning do‘s and don ’ts properly. There will be always a motivation to learn.
If you are suffering from some ailments, they can guide you correctly about asanas to follow.
Routine
Try to be regular while practicing yoga. You will see a very positive impact on your mind and body from this.
It is said that a few minutes but regular session of yoga has more benefits than longer and irregular session of yoga.
While these techniques can be very beneficial, they can also have negative effects if practiced improperly or if you have certain health conditions.
The very best time to practice yoga is first thing in the morning before breakfast.