Ayurveda Yoga

Ayurveda yoga combines the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, with the practices of yoga to create a holistic approach to health and well-being.

This integrated practice aims to balance the body, mind, and spirit according to one’s unique constitution (dosha) and current state of health.

Note: We're referring to yoga that is prescribed by ayurvedic practitioners. There's no specific type of yoga that ayurvedic practitioners will prescribe as it's based on what each patient needs.

Ayurveda yoga uniquely tailors yoga practices to the individual's dosha type—Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). By aligning yoga practices with Ayurvedic principles, practitioners can address specific health concerns, maintain balance, and enhance their overall well-being.

Origins of Ayurveda Yoga

Ayurveda, which means "science of life," is a holistic system of medicine that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It is documented in ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. The integration of Ayurveda and Yoga has been practiced for centuries to promote health.

The philosophy of Ayurveda yoga is rooted in the understanding that health is a state of balance between the body, mind, and environment. This practice integrates the Ayurvedic principles of doshas, the three primary energies that govern bodily functions, to prescribe yoga routines that maintain or restore balance.

Ayurveda Yoga Practice

The core principles of Ayurveda yoga include understanding one’s dosha, applying appropriate yoga practices to balance the dosha, and integrating Ayurvedic lifestyle recommendations. The practice focuses on:

• Dosha Assessment: Determining the practitioner's dosha type and current imbalances.
• Tailored Asana Practice: Selecting yoga postures that balance the specific dosha.
• Pranayama: Breath control techniques that harmonize bodily functions and energy flow.
• Meditation: Techniques to calm the mind and balance mental states.
• Diet and Lifestyle: Following Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle guidelines to support the yoga practice.

Common Practices for Each Dosha

General practices to balance overactive or underactive doshas.

Vata (Air and Space)

• Asanas: Grounding and calming poses like Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Tree Pose (Vriksasana), and Child's Pose (Balasana).
• Pranayama: Slow and deep breathing techniques such as Dirga Pranayama (Three-Part Breath).
• Meditation: Gentle and focused meditation practices to reduce anxiety and kinesthetically ground the practitioner.

Pitta (Fire and Water)

• Asanas: Flowing and focusing poses like Forward Bend (Uttanasana), Fish Pose (Matsyasana), and Moon Salutations (Chandra Namaskar).
• Pranayama: Cooling breath techniques like Sheetali Pranayama (Cooling Breath).
• Meditation: Calm and tranquil meditation practices to reduce fire and agitation.

Kapha (Earth and Water)

• Asanas: Energizing and stimulating poses like Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar), Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana), and Boat Pose (Navasana).
• Pranayama: Energizing breath techniques like Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath).
• Meditation: Active and engaging meditation practices to reduce lethargy and promote energy.

Ayurveda Yoga Suitability

Experience Level: Mixed Level (Suitable for All)

Physical Demand: Varies by dosha

Mind-Body Engagement: Balanced Mind-Body

Adaptability: Highly Adaptable

Focus Area: Dosha Balancing

Notes on Ayurveda Yoga

Practicing Ayurveda yoga can lead to health in balance by addressing the specific needs of each dosha, practitioners can achieve physical strength, reduce stress, and enhance their overall quality of life.

The integration of Ayurvedic principles with yoga helps in detoxification, rejuvenation, and the prevention of diseases.

Similar Styles

Bhakti Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Japa Yoga, Karma Yoga, Raja Yoga, Integral Yoga

Equipment Needed

Required: Yoga Mat

Nice to Have: Meditation Cushion, Ayurvedic Oils

Optional: Yoga Blocks, Blanket, Herbal Supplements

References

"The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies" by Dr. Vasant Lad

"Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing" by Dr. Vasant Lad

"Yoga for Your Type: An Ayurvedic Approach to Your Asana Practice" by David Frawley and Sandra Summerfield Kozak

"Practical Ayurveda: Find Out Who You Are and What You Need to Bring Balance to Your Life" by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre