Why do you do yoga?
Is it to feel more relaxed? Get a good stretch? To destress?
If you answered yes to any one of those things, it is likely that you are acutally 'doing ayurveda' more than you are 'doing yoga.'
This may seem like I'm splitting hairs a little bit here, hear me out. Throughout ancient texts, the practice of yoga is most often describe as a method to better understand the spiritual or psychological aspects of our being - a bit more ‘woo-woo’ and ethereal - whereas the tenets of ayurveda have always been built on the health and wellness of our biological, physical body systems and mind. In many ways, the intentions that most contemporary yoga practitioners come to a yoga class for are ayurvedic more than they are yogic - they are focused on the wellness and feelings in their body and mind. Of course all states of being are interwoven and have effect on one another so what benefits the body-mind benefits the soul-Self. So, yes, you are still doing yoga AND you are also practicing an ancient eastern medicine prescription for feeling better.
It is good to understand how the practices and techniques of a contemporary yoga class are being applied for the health, wealth, and wellbeing of the individual through the lens of ayurveda.
Yoga and Ayurveda are often called sister sciences; they were born in the same region of the world, grew up together and then at some point they went their separate ways carrying with them familiar family traits. The same ethics that are taught in the Yoga sutras of Patanjali are also foundational in the ayurvedic view of health and an ayurvedic lifestyle. Ayurveda turned toward the observation and management of the physical and mental states of humans in relatio to nature.
According to Ayurveda, our biological existence is the combination and interplay of various natural elements including air, ether, fire, water, and earth. The organic materials that influence our mortal existence determine our conditions of growth, aging, health, disease and decay. The dominance and combination of these elements create our physical bodies and are responsible for its substance and function.
Each individual has characteristics of their particular elemental constitution that is influenced by their physical body, environment, proclivities, and preferences. Their individual set of constitutional type is considered their primary dosha or prakriti. One’s prakriti can be influenced by they season of the year, season of life, and personal habits including diet and exercies developed and thus it is okay for the dominance of one dosha to show up at one time or other in our lives, this more seasonal dosha is often called a vikruti.
Introduction to the Doshas:
Dosha in Sanskrit has been translated in many different ways based on our understanding of how it helps to identify aspects of our material world and self. Relative to the elements of our world - dosha can mean “fault” “defect” “that which darkens” “excess capable of disease” “the humors which maintain and control the body” or simply “energy”
VATA: ETHER + SPACE
Vata is the motivating power behind the other two doshas as the movement and substance of air; it is both the life-force and the energy of thought. Vata is cold, dry, and ever moving. Physically, individuals who have a dominant vata dosha are naturally small-boned with joints that crack and pop. They are often on the extreme ends of height - tall or short.
They are the type of person who is always moving. The vata mind is extremely creative endowing us with the positive traits of creativity, enthusiasm, speed, agility, and responsiveness. The vata mind has a million ideas in their heads and may seem indecisive or quick to change their mind.
When out of balance, vata types experience symptoms in the body include poor circulation (really cold fingers), heart palpitations, loss of senses, arthritis, constipation bloating, inability to assimilate nutrients from food, amenorrhea. Out of balance symptoms of the mind include insomnia, anxiety, indecisiveness, forgetfulness, fatigue, and restlessness.
PITTA: Fire and Water
Pitta is the transformational force within fire and water allowing us to grow, assimilate, and digest our experiences physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Pitta characteristics may include naturally athletic/muscular medium build bodies that tend to have more oily hair. Pitta types are hard working, focused, strong leaders, ambitious and organized. Pita enables us to accomplish goals, be courageous, and increase our capacities.
Examples of pitta imbalance in the body may include excess heat or sweating, acid reflux, diarrhea, anger, frustration, stress, burn-out and irritability.
KAPHA: Earth and Water
Kapha is the container of life and the source. The elements of water and earth nourish and lubricate all aspects of the physical form and create psychological feelings of safety and being held. Kapha characteristics may include a body type that is medium to short, strong, well built and steady. They often experience slower metabolisms and steady to slow energy levels. They are consistent and constant.
When kapha is out of balance and trying to get your attention everything will be slowed down nearly to a stop; energy levels plummet and depression is the dominant emotion. Often congestion in the lungs and excess mucus build up as the immune system slows.
Ayurveda is a great way to enhance your yoga practice and live a healtier life. Learn more in our Integrated Yoga training where we practice, play, and learn more about yoga + ayurveda.
Excited to learn more about yoga? Check out Summer Retreat Training on the beautiful island of O'ahu Hawai'i!
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