Drink water while Asanas and Pranayamas

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I feel thirsty and dry in my mouth and throat while doing asanas and pranayamas. I really like a sip some water especially before doing the “Kapalbhati” (abdominal) breathing pranayam.

It seems to me like taking a small sip of water before my “Kapalbhathi” pranayam helps me to do it for longer than what I could otherwise. So is that OK or not a good idea to drink little water while practicing all kinds of yoga asanas and pranayamas?

Have you experienced anything similar like dry mouth ot throat?

#2

The pranayama you mention is appropriate for students who have explored and discovered alignment in posture such that the movement the resultant and powerful prana does not ping around in an unaligned carcass. Aggressive, fiery pranayama in an unaligned body can be harmful to internal organs and the nervous system.

That having been said, there’s no law relative to maintaining one’s bodily needs during practice. If you had to urinate I’m hoping you would stop your practice and do so. If your child was screaming I’d hope you would pause your meditation and tend to her/him. If you’re thirsty, drink. If you’re hungry, eat.

In so doing, consider whether these are things that can be handled before or after your practice with the ease mandated in yoga itself. If you’re hydrated all day you may still be thirsty. Fine. As long as it’s not an excuse to be distracted with yet another things away from the practice.

#3

That depends on the school of yoga. It is preferable though to hydrate yourself prior to yoga. If you have to stop and drink though, then you do.

#4

Dear Yalgaar,

Have you experienced anything similar like dry mouth ot throat?
…I have not
Your general comment was that you are dry during asanas [I]and[/I] pranayama.
It sounds as though you may be generally dehydrated.
The body goes into a second stage of dehydration when thirst becomes obvious.
It is generally not recommended to wait until very dry to hydrate the body.
Have you had a general check-up with your doctor? I don’t know your age or any stats so…
In order to assist you…it would be helpful to know more:

How long have you been practicing asana?
pranayama?
Do you have a teacher?
Did you learn kapalabhati from an experienced guide?
How many rounds are you doing?
How many explusions/pumpings are you doing comfortably?
How long are you holding your breath (without strain?)

Pranayama is [I]very[/I] powerful. I highly encourage you to train with someone knowledgable in this area.

Namaste