It is said that the earliest Indian practitioners of yoga did not use yoga mats. They communicated between body and mind, and between humans and the universe in the simplest places. However, the practice of yoga by modern people is completely different from that of ancient Indians. Yoga mats have also become an indispensable accessory. Because yoga mats are made of special materials, unlike regular mats or carpets, they can prevent slipping and prevent injuries to the spine, ankles, hip bones, knee joints, and other areas. Another mysterious theory is that yoga mats can serve as insulation, preventing the energy accumulated in the body during practice from being carried away by the earth's qi.
After purchasing a yoga mat, it is necessary to first check the quality of the mat before use. Below are some methods for testing the quality of yoga mats:
1. Do not open a PVC yoga mat before taking it, smell the top of the yoga mat with your nose. If there is a pungent smell, it is likely a sign of poor quality.
2. Pinch the yoga mat with your thumb and index finger to test its pressure resistance.
3. Wipe the yoga mat with an eraser to see if the material is prone to cracking.
4. Gently push the surface of the cushion with your palm, creating a dry feeling.
After using a yoga mat, it is also important to pay attention to the cleaning of the mat. It is best to clean it every week to ensure hygiene. The easiest way to clean is to mix two drops of dishwashing detergent with four bowls of water, spray it on a yoga mat, and then wipe it clean with a dry cloth. If the yoga mat is already very dirty, you can use a cloth dipped in laundry detergent to gently wipe the yoga mat, rinse it clean with water, and then roll up the yoga mat with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture. Finally, air dry the yoga mat.
It should be noted that the amount of laundry detergent should be minimized as it may become slippery once left on the yoga mat. Also, when drying yoga mats, remember not to expose them to direct sunlight.