With the increase of practitioners and teachers of yoga there is certainly an increase to injuries encountered in yoga.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/magazine/how-yoga-can-wreck-your-body.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1&smid=fb-nytimes
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/908
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1668470,00.html
There have been many many articles written about the dangers of doing yoga and they will continue to increase as more and more individuals come to the mat.
I have definitely injured myself in my practice.. the worst of them was when I became excited about my progress in upavistha konasana A (Wide-angle seated forward fold)and was showing numerous people throughout the period of a day my progress.. The last time I did the pose that day I grabbed my toes and took my torso forward and felt something like ripping in the back of my right thigh. Now a year later I still feel the damage that was caused and every time I go into a forward fold I am reminded of what pride and excitement can lead to when done carelessly. I truly do believe that through a modified practice, smart movements and increased awareness that I can completely be healed in the area.
One of the fun areas of practicing and teaching yoga for me is in the area of discovery. With the knowledge that is increasing about safe yoga I am excited to learn and to put into practical application that knowledge.
Its no small reason that the first rung of yoga is the Yama's and the first of the Yama's is Ahimsa (Do no harm, tolerance, non-violence) so tolerate a slow practice that cultivates true awareness and brings relaxation to the mind and body and build strength slowly but certainly, progress at a rate that is intelligent and wise. Have fun while doing it and enjoy life. Breath easy!
