Cautions for Students with HIV/AIDS
1. Please consult with your health care provider before beginning a
Yoga practice.
2. Fatigue can only further weaken the immune system. Do
not overexert yourself. Avoid overheating in any of the poses.
3. If you have a red rash or itching or redness of the eyes, avoid
overheating, the full inversions (handstand, peacock pose, headstand, unsupported
shoulderstand), and backbends (staff pose and unsupported backbends).
4. Students with CMV retinitis should avoid the full inversions.
5. If you have recently had a bout of pneumocystis, you should probably
avoid unsupported backbends and staff pose, as they may be too stressful for
your lung tissue.
General Cautions/Instructions
1. You should practice with an empty stomach, and preferably with empty bowels and
bladder. Wait 4 hours after a heavy meal, or two hours after a light meal, to practice.
2. Wear non-restrictive clothing while practicing. Do not wear shoes or socks.
3. Students with back or hip discomfort, displaced vertebrae, spurs,
arthritis, or other physical
limitations should consult their physicians before beginning a Yoga practice.
4. Breath normally while in all of the Yoga poses. Relax
the eyes, ears, throat, and abdomen.
5. Avoid exerting yourself beyond your capacity. Any pain or discomfort
in a pose should be
mild and temporary. Sharp or persistent pain is a sign of a physical problem or incorrect
practice; consult your physician and/or a qualified Yoga instructor.
6. During menstruation, women should avoid the inverted poses.
7. Pregnant women should consult their physician and obtain instruction
from a qualified Yoga instructor before
beginning a Yoga practice. Avoid deep forward bends or other poses that constrict or twist
the abdomen.
8. Do not do the inverted poses if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, detached
retina, or ear problems. If you have neck problems, consult a qualified
Yoga instructor.
9. Obtain assistance to go up into the inverted poses if you are not familiar with them.
10. Remember: no book, video, or other written instruction can take the
place of personal
instruction from a qualified Yoga instructor who can teach you the poses, make adjustments to
the poses for any physical limitations you may have, and make corrections as you perform the
poses!
