Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness, a major symptom of a balance disorder. It gives a spinning sensation – a feeling that you may have if you sit on a rollercoaster.

Body balance is achieved with proper functioning of the nervous system. Any harm to the brain or the spinal cord may cause dizziness or vertigo and the patient may become inactive.

The best time to practise yoga is before breakfast in the morning. Upon waking, empty your bowels, shower if you wish, then commence the day with yoga.

The second most conducive time is early evening, around sunset. It is of course far better to do it at that time of the day which suits one, rather than being too rigid or idealistic. As such, the asanas – yoga postures – can be practised at any time of day, except within two-three hours after meals.

One can do postures when the body feels stiff, tense or tired. Do not do too many over-stimulating postures before bedtime. Asanas are best practised in the proper yoga routine, followed by breathing (pranayama) and then meditation.

Those who fast liberate a lot of extra energy from the body since little of their energy is being used for digestion during this time.

This energy should be properly channelled and not wasted. Since the mind is extremely clear, this is the best time for meditation.

The extra energy can be used to elevate the mind to higher states of consciousness. Yoga relaxation techniques add further benefits.

Yoga helps in inner growth. The classical yoga system incorporates eight limbs, each with its own function. Of these, pratyahara is probably the least known.

As the fifth of the eight limbs, pratyahara occupies a central place as an integral aspect of yoga, without which the system cannot work.

The term pratyahara is composed of two Sanskrit words, prati and ahara. Ahara means "food", or "anything we take into ourselves from the outside". Prati is a preposition, meaning "against" or "away".

Spirituality is "realising" daily that as we feel and breathe, we get connected to a greater universal pulse of life.

Yoga can help ease our tensions so that we can open up to this amazing experience called "life".

Breath and healing

Meditation cannot be taught, just as sleep cannot be taught – one just simply falls into it.

Meditation eventually comes by itself when one is ready. To be ready, the mind needs to be still. The art of meditation teaches that not only is it possible to control our thoughts, but one can learn to control them completely. This creates peace of mind and enables us to achieve what we want. To still the mind and enter silence requires daily practice.

There are certain steps that one can follow to establish a foundation and thus ensure success.

While there is a yoga way of eating, there is also a yoga way of not eating.

This refers to fasting. Since we make our digestive system work several times a day, it’s a good idea to give it some rest.

This will allow our digestive system to recover from eating too much, eating unhealthy food or eating at the wrong time.

It’s often said: "As you eat, so you become."

Diet occupies a dominant place in yoga, which advises Sattvic or pure vegetarian food.

Food is traditionally classified according to its effect on the body and mind, using the three Gunas: Sattva (quality of love, light and life), Raja (quality of activity and passion, lacking stability) and Tamas (quality of darkness and inertia, resulting in ignorance).

Stretches are a good way to start off an early morning yoga session.

Parivrtta Trikonasana - Revolved Triangle Pose

This workout is designed to stretch and tone the upper thighs and hips. The bound angle pose or baddha konasana stretches the groin and inner thighs.