Yoga and Eating Do Not Mix
An important preparation for Yoga is avoiding meals prior to the Yoga practice. Generally, we are encouraged to not have eaten 1-2 hours prior to performing Yoga and Breathing (Pranayama) exercises.
Having food in the digestive system can disrupt one’s overall practice. The digestive process requires energy. When food is in the digestive tract, the body requires a full flow of blood to these tissues to nourish the gastrointestinal cells that are processing food material. Energy is required for the contraction of gastrointestinal walls to move food through the system. Energy is required for absorption of nutrients and for the production of hormones, enzymes and other chemicals to manage digestion.
When we perform Yoga poses, these poses and transitions take energy away from the digestive system and, if food is in the digestive tract, this system becomes limited in its’ capacity to digest.
Another consideration of having food in your system while practicing Yoga, is the hydrostatic pressure that can occur. Food moving through the system is generally fluid in consistency. When one twists, bends, and compresses the torso, portions of the gastrointestinal tract can be pinched off (like a balloon filled with water). With further compression from the pose, the food can push outwards (hydrostatic pressure) against the lining of the tract. For some people who are already prone to digestive disorders like diverticulosis, this pressure on the tract linings can lead to damage of theses tissues or aggravate existing conditions.
For those wishing to use Yoga as part of their weight management program, eating before practice is counterproductive. By having an empty stomach, blood sugar levels are at low to moderate levels. Moving into a Yoga practice with an empty stomach allows one to tap more quickly into energy stores (muscles, liver, and body fat). Expending calories from fat stores happens more readily and efficiently. Eating before a practice floods the body and bloodstream with sugars requiring the body to first “burn off” blood sugar calories before accessing other stores. Important note: if you have health concerns like diabetes or hypoglycemia, you should consult a health professional to determine how eating should be approached with Yoga exercises so you can manage your blood sugar levels properly.
Beyond these health issues, other considerations with not eating before practice should be observed:
- food in the digestive system may cause nausea, bloating or gas during practice
- often one needs to go to the washroom while practicing if the digestive system is processing food, thus disrupting one’s practice and connection to the flow
- if practicing on an empty stomach makes the practice difficult (i.e. low energy), eat a small portion of easily-digestible food like apple sauce or yogurt 30-45 minutes before practice. This small amount of food will make its’ way through the system quickly and will not have adverse effects during the practice.
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What Is the Om Mantra: Origin and Meaning
The mantra “Om” is much more than a simple syllable in yoga practice; it is an ancestral link with the universe and the divine. This article explores the secrets of this powerful mantra, delving into its origin, pronunciation, and meaning in yoga and spirituality.
Table of Contents
- Meaning of the Om Mantra
- What Is the Origin of the Om Mantra?
- How Is 'Om' Pronounced Correctly?
- What Does Om Mean in Yoga?
- Why Is Om Chanted in Yoga Classes?
- Benefits of Chanting the Om Mantra
- What Does the Om Symbol (ॐ) Represent?
Meaning of the Om Mantra
The Om mantra, symbolized by the sacred ॐ, is one of the most ancient and revered mantras in the spiritual traditions of India. It represents the essence of the universe, being a primordial sound that encapsulates truth and ultimate reality. In its vibration, Om encompasses everything that exists and everything that does not exist. This sacred sound is a synthesis of the spiritual and the material, symbolizing the union of the individual soul with the Divine, the Brahman, the ultimate reality.
More than just a syllable, Om is a symbol of connection and unity. In spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation, chanting Om helps align individual energies with those of the universe. Each repetition of Om is a reminder of our relationship with creation and a call for harmony and inner peace. It acts as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, facilitating the path to enlightenment and profound self-understanding.
What Is the Origin of the Om Mantra?
The origin of the Om mantra dates back to the ancient scriptures of India, such as the Vedas and the Upanishads, which are thousands of years old. In these texts, Om is presented as a cosmic sound, the original sound of the universe from which everything else emerged. This concept is found in various Dharmic philosophies and religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, where Om is considered the root of all spiritual knowledge.
In Hindu philosophy, Om represents the whole, the totality of existence, and is associated with the most important gods such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In Buddhism, especially in tantric traditions, it holds great importance as part of longer mantras. This universality of Om underscores its significance in spiritual and philosophical practices, being a symbol of unity, peace, and spiritual knowledge throughout the ages.
How Is “Om” Pronounced Correctly?
Correct pronunciation of Om is essential for its effect and meaning. The syllable is pronounced “AUM” and consists of three sounds: A (ahh), U (ooh), and M (mmm). These three sounds symbolize different aspects of divinity and existence. The sound “A” represents the beginning, creation; “U” symbolizes preservation, and “M” represents transformation or destruction. When combined, these sounds represent the complete cycle of existence.
When pronouncing Om, the sound begins with an open and deep “A,” which starts in the throat and opens toward the chest. The sound transforms into “U,” moving toward the palate and vibrating in the middle of the mouth. Finally, the “M” closes the mantra, with a vibration that resonates in the front of the mouth and skull. This process not only has spiritual significance but also helps align and calm the mind and body, preparing them for meditation or yoga practice.
What Does Om Mean in Yoga?
In yoga, Om represents much more than a simple chanting or meditation practice. It is a symbol of profound connection between the practitioner and the universe. By chanting Om at the beginning or end of a yoga session, the goal is to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit with universal energies.
This sacred sound acts as a catalyst for mental tranquility and concentration, creating a space of serenity and focus for practice. Om in yoga not only prepares the body and mind for the session but also symbolizes the intention to unify the individual self with the cosmic whole, facilitating a deeper and more enriching experience.
Why Is Om Chanted in Yoga Classes?
Chanting Om in yoga classes serves several purposes. First, it creates a bond of connection and unity among participants, establishing a collective atmosphere of focus and serenity. Additionally, the vibrant sound of Om helps calm the mind and center attention, clearing mental and emotional noise.
Chanting Om is also considered beneficial for physical health, as the vibration generated can help relax muscles and calm the nervous system. This practice is not only a symbolic introduction or conclusion to the yoga session but also a powerful tool for deepening the spiritual and physical experience of yoga.
Benefits of Chanting the Om Mantra
Reciting the Om mantra has multiple benefits for both the mind and body:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: The vibration of Om induces relaxation, decreasing tension and mental restlessness.
- Improves concentration: The focus required to correctly chant Om helps enhance attention and mental clarity.
- Encourages spiritual connection: Repeating Om can intensify the feeling of spiritual connection and unity with the universe.
- Aligns body energy: The vibration of Om can help balance and align the chakras or energy centers in the body.
- Promotes respiratory health: Chanting Om involves conscious breath control, which can improve lung capacity and breathing.
What Does the Om Symbol (ॐ) Represent?
The Om symbol (ॐ) is a rich and complex visual representation of the Om sound. Each part of the symbol has a specific meaning: the lower curve symbolizes the waking state, the upper curve represents the deep sleep state, and the curve extending outward symbolizes the dream state. The crescent and dot at the top symbolize the transcendental state, a level of consciousness beyond conventional physical and mental states.
This symbol not only represents different states of consciousness but also the essential aspects of the universe: matter, soul, and God. The Om symbol is a visual reminder of the connection between the microcosm (the individual) and the macrocosm (the universe). In spiritual practice and daily life, the Om symbol serves as a constant reminder of our essential nature and our connection with everything that exists.
Whether through chanting or visual representation, Om is a timeless tool for those seeking harmony, balance, and a deeper connection with themselves and the universe.
