3- Susan Hu
Susan is an E-RYT® 500, and founder of Bhakti Center Yoga, an RYS® 200 based in NYC. Born and raised in Shanghai, Susan is a gypsy at heart and has always been searching for the deeper meaning and purpose of life beyond the body and the mind.
How often and for how long should I do an asana?
There are no hard and fast rules. But to get the benefits of asana practice, consistency is important. You should practice asana regularly depending on your fitness level and experience. Daily asana practice is recommended to keep the body vibrant. You can always combine different styles to make it accessible.
How much air do you roughly breathe every day? Am I breathing properly to full capacity?
On average, a human adult takes about 15 breaths per minute when relaxed, which means you take about 21,600 breaths per day! Most of us tend to breathe very shallowly – only into the upper lobes of our lungs. It can help us to increase the intake of breath and improve your energy level if you start to engage belly breathing regularly. The easiest way to get started is to simply breathe into your navel, abdomen, and chest to engage the lower, middle, and upper lobes of your lungs to the full capacity.
Can I practice Yoga Nidra while traveling in flight?
Absolutely, it’s a perfect way to help the body relax and rejuvenate. Just make sure you are comfortable and can remain still during the practice.
Why do I experience knee pain during Padmasana?
Padmasana is a quite advanced pose that requires a lot of flexibility in the hips and quads. If you are experiencing knee pain during the pose, most likely you are twisting the knee joints to compensate for the lack of flexibility in the hips, or perhaps your quadriceps muscles are not lengthened enough to close the knees to get into the pose properly without twisting.
How do I choose a prenatal yoga class?
Very good question! Always choose a qualified teacher who can hold space for you and offers practices that resonate with you. If you already have a strong practice, you might be ready to take more active prenatal classes. Or perhaps, you are looking for something specific in a certain period of your pregnancy. Do your research, explore different types of practice and see what feels good and safe for you!
How can yoga help with middle back pain?
There are many reasons that cause middle back pain – improper posture, overuse of back muscles by carrying heavy bags or heavy workouts, mental stress, etc. Yoga can help you alleviate back pains on a mind-body level. Simple stretches like cat-cow or poses like a sphinx pose can help relieve pain and strengthen back muscles. When practiced with proper breathing and mindfulness, it can help release mental and emotional tension that can cause back pains as well.
My middle back rises during a crunch, how to correct it?
Try to keep the lower back and tailbone on the floor when doing a crunch. You can also engage the core more by tucking the tailbone slightly to tilt the pelvic floor.
Tech neck and headache, single stretch I can do to avoid it?
Simple neck rolls combine led by the rhythm of breath! And you can hold and breathe into the tightness in your neck.
Susan’s Message for International Day of Yoga:
Yoga is a lifestyle that we practice on and off the mat. I practice yoga daily to purify and strengthen the body, energy, mind, intellect, and ego, so I may see beyond those layers and live from an inspired and authentic place of the Self. Forever for the teaching and practice of yoga!
Happy Yoga!
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
