Ayurveda and Yoga are the sister practices that originated and adapted in India, most probably thousands of years ago. Now we are familiar with yoga poses, breathwork and its added benefits. But many of us are not familiar with Ayurveda.
Yoga means union in Sanskrit, whereas Ayurveda is known to be the wisdom of life. When yoga and Ayurveda are explored together, they can provide transformative tools to foster vitality and greater health.
When Ayurvedic principles integrate with the yoga practices, it creates a richer and deeper experience on the mat as well without a yoga mat. We are constantly in flux throughout the day either with our mood or our energy levels. For instance, The first thing in the morning is different than at noon.
Ayurveda serves to be personalized and exhibit intuitive health philosophy. On the grounds of Ayurvedic principles, each individual has a unique constitution governed by our emotions, physical basis and our lifestyle adherations like the food we consume and the time we go to sleep.
Usually these constitutions are called doshas, as they are linked to the elements. The various types of doshas are Vata (air and ether), Kapha (earth and water) and Pitta (fire and water). Balancing and knowing our doshas can lead to customize our yoga practise for improved benefits and good health.
Vata people are creative, mentally quick and enjoy the movements. Their signs of imbalances are anxiety, insomnia and dryness. Those having the imbalances can practise slow, steady, grounding postures like spinal twists, inversions, mountain pose and deep as well calm breathing for nurturing self-care.
The pitta qualities express passion, courage and enthusiasm. Their imbalances may lead to anger, competitiveness and inflammations. These people can practise cooling and relaxing postures to release tensions and heat such as heart-openers, forward bends, bow and camel poses. These poses open up the doorway towards patience, compassion and the ability to slow down.
People with Kapha constitution are devoted, stable, strong and consistent. Their imbalances include dullness, procrastination and congestion to stimulate movements like breathing exercises such as Kapalabhati and Sun Salutations to foster heat, retain focus and enthusiasm.
