Eating Before Meditation and Pranayama

10. Yamas & Niyamas - Restraints & Observances
1

Dear Buddies,
It is suggested we not eat prior to Meditation/Pranayama. Is this only because it stimulates the digestive process, and thus makes the body functions more distracting?
Sometimes i have a very small snack if i am too spacey and ungrounded, in order to bring my blood-sugar up and to keep my body/mind hooked-up.
Is there anything inherently dangerous in having food in the system beofe these practices or any others?
Thank you much
Love
Rael :kissing_heart:

2

Rael,
Eating before practices is not ideal, but itā€™s not dangerous. Iā€™ve done it many times without ill effect. Here are a couple of quotes from Yogani on the subject:

    - "It is best done before meals, as digestion can interfere with the process of meditation." - [Lesson 13](http://www.aypsite.org/13.html)- "Meditating before eating is preferred, so meditation will not be competing with digestion." - [Lesson 226](http://www.aypsite.org/226.html)
Although it may not be the optimal time to meditate, if it ensures that you will do your practices consistently, do it. Even meditating after stuffing yourself at a buffet right before bed is better than waiting for "a better time tomorrow."
3

I would be much more catious about this rule with pranayama or asana than meditation. Not much harm can coem from sitting quietly doing mantra even after eating however doing demanding exercises such as asana or deep sensitive focus on the breath that is also quite challanging in the case of pranayama should not be done with food in the stomach or you are likely get discomfort and distraction and possibly a minor level of injury depending on the practice if you make a habit of it.

4

Completely agree with Victor. In case my case, I get indigestion if I eat before asanas or pranayama.

5

Thank you for all the replies, my friends!
Victorā€¦that is what i am really wondering, what sort of ā€œinjuryā€ is possible?
Though i only eat small, easily digestible snacks when i am desperate, and not meals,
it would still be good to know what the worst-case scenario looks like.

6

Most likely main injury would be indigestion or uncomfortable practice but there are definite cautions by pretty much all teachers about it.

7

Moderator note: Topic moved for better placement

8

If you eat before SBP, then there are likely to be disruptions caused as a result of burping or belching, that can occur in the middle of an SBP breath cycle. Also any gurgling or other stomach noises can be distracting.
Krish

9

I agree. Thatā€™s why I prefer to drink (not eat) if blood-sugar feels too low. However, if youā€™ve happened to eat before meditation, vajrasana (on/between your heels) makes a calming posture for your digestion. Ayur veda advocates 15 minutesā€™ vajrasana after meals, to prevent digestive disorders.

10

Wow, very useful answers coming down the lineā€¦thank you so much everyone!
Love
Rael! :kissing_heart:

11

Drinking a little water before meditation, is advised.
Krish

12

Thank you Krish!