Most Common Myths About Yoga, Meditation And Panchakarma

Yoga is a centuries-old practice that has its roots in India. Over time it has gained popularity at a global level as a means for physical and mental well-being.

Panchakarma is a significant part of Ayurveda. As the name suggests, Panchakarma means five practices. These are the five detox exercises for the body and mind to promote sound health.

Meditation is known to help one improve focus, reduce anxiety and attain higher levels of being present at the moment. 

Uttarakhand is the hub for these. You will find the best Yoga, meditation and the best Panchakarma treatment in Uttarakhand though it has now spread to all corners of the world. And as we all know that whatever becomes famous, some rumours and myths are bound to spread about it. This is why here we are discussing some of the most common myths about Yoga, meditation and Panchakarma. If you believe in any of the myths mentioned below then you can stop now.

Common Myths about Yoga

1. Yoga is not a workout
   Not considering Yoga a workout is a big mistake. It greatly helps to strengthen the core muscles apart from improving body posture and balance. Yoga makes the connection between the body and the mind strong thus enhancing a person’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
   
   

2. Yoga is a religious practice
   Yoga is not a religion. Its literal meaning is ‘joined together’. Yoga helps the body and mind to work together in synchronisation. A person performs several times better in such a sound state and becomes confident mentally and physically.
   
   

3. You need to be flexible
   Another common myth about Yoga is that one needs to be flexible enough to start doing Yoga. This is not true. Yoga is practised to become more flexible or rather it is one of the outcomes of doing Yoga. You do not need to pressurize yourself by comparing your progress with that of your peers. Everyone progresses uniquely.

Common Myths about Meditation

1. Your mind must be empty
   Monks meditate for years and even decades to attain a state of peaceful mind. And aspiring to do this within a few days or months is not a realistic approach towards meditation. Meditation is the ability to observe one’s thoughts and emotions, to pause before reacting or simply respond rather than react. And develop a perspective of compassion.
   
   

2. Witness transitions from Day 1
   Meditation involves different phases of awareness of one’s thinking patterns and behaviour. And these phases can make you feel anxious sometimes. So meditation is not a smooth ride and does not make you feel tranquil from Day 1. Thus it is advisable to meditate under the guidance of a qualified trainer, at least during the initial stages.
   
   

3. Beneficial for mental health only
   Meditation in earlier times was practised to become aware of one’s purpose in life and to understand the meaning of life. Its scope is not limited to achieving a calm state of mind. This aspect of meditation is often ignored in contemporary teachings but the traditional context still emphasises it.

Common Myths about Panchakarma

1. Strict Vegan Diet
   Panchakarma is one of the methods in Ayurveda. And Ayurveda does not ask to follow a strict vegan or vegetarian diet. It in fact, rather advises making dairy products and meat a part of one’s diet (as per the individual’s requirement).
   
   

2. For ill people only
   People undergo Panchakarma to acquire or maintain the balance among all the Doshas. And boost immunity at the same time. It is not true that only people who are suffering from some sort of disease should undergo  Panchakarma.
   
   

3. Undergo all 5 Detoxes simultaneously
   A qualified practitioner never advises any individual, either healthy or diseased to undergo all the 5 kinds of detoxes in Panchakarma at the same time. Panchakarma treatment indeed includes all 5 detoxes but they are performed at different times. And the order or sequence of the detoxes also varies from person to person.

Mentioned above are some of the common myths of Yoga, meditation and Panchakarma, there are others spread all over. We advise you to do thorough research or consult an expert before you trust any information. You can also always come to the hub for Yoga and meditation in Uttarakhand to begin your journey amidst the serenity of the majestic hills.