1. Does Yoga have any relationship to religion? Does one have to change his religion, in order to practice Yoga?

Yoga is not a religion, nor a dogma. But it is often confused with religion, mainly by those who don't have personal experience. It is impossible for someone to understand what Yoga is, unless he practices it. Yoga accepts all religions and rejects none. The essence of its philosophy is common with all religions. You do not have to change your religion to start practicing Yoga or even after you start. The practice will transform you, so that you may discover the deeper spiritual essence within you, which is your true nature. So, a Christian will become a better Christian, a Buddhist becomes a better Buddist and everybody becomes a better human being.


2. What does Yoga have to do with Spritualism?

None. There is a confusion between “Sprituality” and “Spritualism”. Yoga is a “Spritual” method, in that it accepts the True Spriti, which exists within everybody and everythin. It is based on the same principles that the basic laws of civilized society is based, as well as the commandments of most religions (No killing or harming others, no lying, stealing, deceiving, no excesses, be honest, self-disciplined, be honest, have faith in God etc.).

Spiritualism, on the other hand, has to do with divination, fortune telling, communicating with the dead, astral projection, hypnotism, controlling the will of others etc. Yoga, not only does not practice any of these things, but it does not condone them 100%. On the contrary, it advocates living in the present, within a socially legal, moral, cooperative and giving way of being in the world. It defininitely is against controlling other people's free will.


3. Can someone iflexible practice Yoga?

Don't be intimidated by the flexibility of people who have been practicing Yoga for years. You will start from the level you are and progress gradually, slowly and non-violently. This is the way Hatha Yoga guarantees a safe increase in flexibility, as long as you are guided by an experienced teacher and practic regularly.


4. Do I have to change my lifestyle, in order to practice Yoga? Must I become a vegetarian, quit smoking, strop drinking coffee or acohol?

The natural laws of health are universal and apply to all human beings, whether you practice Yoga or not. But, there are individual differences, which have to do with climate, weather conditions, culture, age, profession and phase of life. You don't have to make any change, in order to start. By practicing, your self-awareness will grow and it will guide you from within. You will personally make your assessments about what is good for you or not, by observing the consequences of your previous actions within your body, your energy levels and mental states. Any changes must come from your free will and not be imposed by anyone, including yourself.

However, if you wish to lower toxin levels in your body, we give you relative information in special Detoxification Workshops. We also encourage our students to find the proper professionals for health issues (Menu: Alternative Healing Methods).

5. I want o live in a healthier way, but I dont' have the will power or the self-discipline, to change my habits. How can Yoga help?

We quit bad habits, when we no longer need them and we form them, because they give us pleasure. Pleasure diminishes with repet;ition and we increase frequency and doses. Then, we create dependence and we think we can no longer live without that. That's when it becomes an addiction. Addictions are self-deceptive, besides being self-destructive, because we can very well live without them. We once did and we can again.

Addictions make us feel bad, creating anxiety, guilt and self-contempt, which weaken our will power and increase depression. These bad feelings create a more intense need to use our addictions in order to feel better. But we don't. Excesses make us feel worse and worse, because they create viscious circles.

The secret is to create a new, better habit, which will replace the old one. Practicing Yoga is such a good habit. It will reduce anxiety, increase your level of energy, good feelings and self-esteem. Your increased self-awareness will allow you to feel your body messages, energy levels, observe and distance yourself from your thoughs and feelings, in order to evaluate yourself more objectively and logically. By realizing the consequences of your actions, as a sequence of cause and effect, you will have the motive and the wisdom to change.

You may also start feeling repulsion for the very thing you previously felt desire for and were addicted to. By stopping thoughts of self-judgement and guilt and by replacing them with positive thoughts, you will increase your will power and inner strength. First, the addictions will lose their value within your own mind and then you will be able to resist and abstain. This is the way to get rid of bad habits, without fighting them, withour self-repression or self-rejection.


6. Can Yoga help me with a health problem, for which a doctor is already treating me and for which I am taking medicines? Should I stop following my doctor's orders, if I start Yoga?

You should not stop your medication or disobey your doctor. A good Yoga teacher will never tell you to do such a thing, neither sould you take such initiative. But Yoga will definitely help you, especially in stress-related illesses. The effects of Yoga are cummulative and they will show in time. It is not like pusing a magic button, which makes all your problems go away, especially with chronic problems. Yoga corrects the root causes of health problems and the correction happens gradually.

Regarding serious health problems, it is best to have your doctor's permission to do Yoga. Then, after a while, have him test you, to see if it is necessary to decrease frequency or dosages of medication. Most modern doctors today are well informed about Yoga's therapeutic problems and recommend it to their patients and the best way is for your doctor and Yoga teacher to cooperate for your benefit.


7. Is Yoga OK for pregnancy?

Yoga is a wonderful excercise system, especially for pregnant women. It lessens the possibilities of health problems usually associated with pregnancy (disc compression, phlebitis, lower back pain, leg swelling, high blood pressure, mood swings, anxiety...). It prepares for easy birth and helps improve your figure afterwar birth. It's good to know that babies whose mother did Yoga during pregnancy have less colic pain and are generally calmer. Yogic breathing helps during labor.

If you were already practicing Yoga before pregnancy, keep on doing it and keep the same teacher. She knows you better and will advise you on personal adaptations. If you had not practiced Yoga before, you may chose a special Pregnancy Yoga class, if there is one near you. But it is not necessary. A gentle beginner's Hatha Yoga class in a reputable school (not a gym) and under the guidance of an experienced teacher will do. Either way, personal adaptations are important, according to your needs, abilities and the month of pregnancy. Forget about Power Yoga or Ashtanga.