it seems the accepted norm that injury will come some time or another during asana practice.

We have to see the place of asana practice in yoga as this is only one part of the eightfold path. Asana is a means to purify the body and to prepare the body to be able to take the seats of meditation for extended period of times.

It is also a tool to shift intelligence, awareness of self and a tool to develop the ability to become both the doer, observer and creator of an art form at the same time.

My believe is that injuries come when the first two steps on the path- Yamas and Niyamas- are ignored.  I would go as far as to say that many things in our lives goes wrong when these two principles are ignored.

Yoga is a practice that can most certainly be fulfilling even when the practitioner is not interested in taking it beyond the fist four steps of yoga but as we know, it is inevitable that the fruits of the practice will come to anyone that approaches it diligently and with focus.

Yoga should not incur injuries at any stage of the practice. It is a holistic practice that should not be distorted by ego or focus on asana before development on personal and social responsibility is established in the Yamas and Niyamas.

My view is that Astanga – the sequence – is an advance form of self practice and beginners is not ready for it and should therefor practice Hatha yoga for at least two years with a teacher, before doing the self practice of the Astanga series.

Indeed asana practice aligns the subtle energies of the body, prevents illness by bringing renewed energy on a pranic level and brings a conscious awareness of Self on a mental, spiritual and physical level.  It is a great tool in therapy and to shift physical ability alike.

Be conscious in your practice for an Injury free, lifelong practice.

May you have a fruitful wonderful healing and injure free journey in yoga, no matter for what reason you are doing asana or enter the advanced practice.

Hari Om, Edna