Can I practice Hatha-Yoga when I have the cold or a flu?
Yes, you can, but whether or not you will feel like it is a whole other question. Patanjali (Yoga-Stra 1.30) lists nine obstacles (antarya) to Yoga practice, and the first hindrance among these is disease (vydhi). He recognizes that it is pretty hard to practice when you have a runny nose, a hacking cough, or a headache. If you are really sick, then it might be best just to take the day off and go to bed. But if your symptoms are milder, then you might want to work up a restorative routine that will help get you back on your feet.
