By Gopi Rao
The expression, “to gild the lily” means to take something that’s already beautiful, and give it unnecessary trappings to make it even better. In America, gilding the lily is a way of life. We have become so used to the commercialization of so many of our activities, that we barely notice any more when we are the target market. Yoga, due to its increasing popularity, has become such a focus. Below, please find some accessories that marketers have tried to pair with Yoga, that not only fail to improve practice, but can actively hinder it.
Essential oils
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) found, in a 2007 study, that lavender and tea tree oils can mimic estrogens, causing some extreme effects, such as young boys developing breast tissue. Use these oils with care and constraint.
Boot cut, floor-grazing pants
These pants are certainly more flattering than tapered, slim fit pants. However, stepping on the cuff, and falling over, is much more common in these styles. Select your pants for a close, comfortable fit.
Toe Rings
Wearing toe rings, during Yoga exercises, can be harmful if the foot swells. In addition, asanas, which bend the toes forward, can cause the toe ring to cut into the flesh of the toe. In India, where toe rings are commonly worn, doctors see many such foot injuries, and amputations are common. Toe rings, and other jewelry, should always be removed before practice.
Incense
A 2008 article entitled, “Incense Smoke: Clinical, Structural and Molecular Effects on Airway Disease,” in Clinical and Molecular Allergy Journal, lays out the dangers of incense smoke. Cigarettes produce particulates at a rate of about 10 mg per gram burned; incense produces more than 45 mg per gram burned. The authors of the article, and researchers, found inhaled incense smoke pollutants to cause respiratory system dysfunction, and to be indicated in allergic contact dermatitis. Incense smoke can also trigger asthma attacks. Do you really want smoke in your Yoga school?
Black Henna
Henna, a flowering plant, can be used to temporarily stain skin, nails, or hair with designs. However, “black henna,” a product illegal in the United States, can be made from the dried indigo plant or from para-phenylenediamine, an ingredient in black hair dyes. The “tattoos,” produced with black henna, can result in chemical burns and in future allergic reactions to printer ink, perfumes, chemical hair dyes, textile dye, sunscreen, photographic developer, and some medications.
Temptations, to make Yoga training more glamorous, abound. Before buying an expensive or potentially dangerous accessory, consider what you really need for practice: an open mind, a willing body, and a simple space.
© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
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Dear Sir,
May I quote Mrs. Divyarani for usefulness of toe ring;
A. By wearing a toe ring (Bicchiya) a woman gains the benefit of Sri Lakshmi and Sri Sarasvati Principle. Wearing a bichhiya is compulsory for every married woman. By wearing a bichhiya the woman is constantly reminded of her Dharma as a married woman, her duties and regulations. Bichhiya is associated with the Sri Lakshmi and Sri Sarasvati Principle and so a women benefits from these Principles by wearing a bichhiya.
b. The vital energy body (Prandeha) of the woman is purified by wearing a bichhiya. The circular shape of the bichhiya has the ability to attract and store the waves of Will (Icchatarange) coming from the Universe. The touch of these waves attracted to the bichhiya, help purify her vital energy body (Prandeha).
c. Negative energies are destroyed through the medium of the bichhiya. The second toe is at the forefront in emitting the Absolute Air element. Due to this, the Divine Energy Principle inherent in the woman is awakened. Through the bichhiya, this awakened Divine Energy Principle destroys the negative energies.
Dear RKS,
As you clearly know, Gopi (Gopika) is a Sanskrit word for “cow herd girl” and is woman’s name.
If you as a man, feel that women should wear a ring on the toe to risk amputation, that is your opinion. Women who are not Hindu need not risk amputation. Women who are Hindu should know the risk.