Yoga & Ayurveda

Many people are unsure of how Ayurveda and yoga relate to one another. The question is often asked; “Is Ayurveda part of yoga?” or “Are yoga and Ayurveda the same thing?” In fact yoga and Ayurveda are two paths intertwined in such a close relationship that it is hard to imagine traveling down one of these paths without knowledge of the other. Both Ayurveda and yoga are part of the Vedic system, an ancient system of health and wellbeing which aims to prepare the body for eventual enlightenment. According to Vedic scholar David Frawley, “Yoga is the practical side of the Vedic teachings, while Ayurveda is the healing side”. In practice both parts overlap.

The main purpose of classical yoga is self-realization, which is unification with our higher self or pure awareness that transcends the outer world and its limitations. The focus of yoga is therefore on the mind, our emotions, our desires, and our spiritual core. When we practice yoga our aim is really to develop our ability to concentrate our attention and quieten the mind at will. Patanjali, who first wrote down the classic yoga texts more than 2000 years ago, described yoga as “A science of the mind”

The main purpose of Ayurveda, on the other hand, is to teach us how to keep the physical body healthy so that we may fulfill our potential according to our own unique nature. Through correct diet, lifestyle, work and exercise patterns we can obtain our full potential of health and energy at all levels. Without a complete flowering of our vital energy, we cannot realize our true capacity for higher awareness. Without self understanding we cannot use our vitality properly or fully, but will dissipate it in unconscious pursuits. In this way Yoga rests upon Ayurvedic medicine for its health implications and Ayurveda relies upon yoga for its mental and spiritual dimension.

Both yoga and Ayurveda reflect the Vedic idea that we must live according to our unique nature and its particular capacities. Yoga should be done in harmony with our individual doshic make up both physically and mentally. The type of asana and meditation good for one person may prove harmful to another. Just as we should eat right for our type, we should also exercise according to our individual doshic constitution. This is why some yoga poses seem to leave us calm, centred and balanced, while others make us agitated, sore and off centre. It also explains why some of us flourish in a dynamic, energetic asana class, while others do better with a routine of slow, gentle stretching. Asana regimens do better if designed according to individual needs and Ayurvedic constitutional considerations and this is how yoga used to be taught in the past.

We keep this basic understanding in mind at ayurvedaretreats.org when we teach yoga. We would look at each person taking part in the retreat and ensure that what is being taught would help them in every possible way. This type of yoga definitely comes to the fore in our bespoke retreats in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where each yoga session is specially designed for the person or people taking part.

Ayurvedic body types & asana practice

According to Ayurveda, different people require very different yoga practices. However, we should remember that asana practice can benefit all types and at three different levels:

Asana as exercise as part of a programme of healthy living
Asana as therapy to treat specific problems or dysfunctions of mind and body
Asana as spiritual practice for self knowledge and self development

At whatever level we are practicing, and whatever our motivation, yoga practiced according to our doshic constitution will enhance our health and wellbeing.

Vata types have long, thin bones, low body weight and often poor development of the muscles, but a good deal of speed and flexibility. Their bone structure makes them good at bending and stretching, particularly of the arms and legs, when they are young. As they get older the dry quality of Vata increases and causes them to lose mobility if they do not exercise regularly or correctly. They, therefore, need a slow asana practice evenly balanced on both sides of the body. Vatas are most in need of asana practice because asana alleviates accumulated Vata from the back and the bones, where it easily gets lodged. Amongst other things Vata benefits from the massaging action of asana on the muscles and joints, which releases nervous tension and balances out the system.

Pitta types have an average build with a generally good development of the muscles and looseness of the joints which gives them a fair amount of flexibility. They are good at asana practice but cannot do some of the more exotic poses that Vatas find easy. Pittas benefit from asana practice to cool down the head and the blood, calm the heart and relieve tension. Pitta types need to have a quiet practice and not push too hard which might leave them feeling irritable or angry. They have the best focus and determination of the doshic types and have the discipline to practice regularly and consistently.

Kapha types are typically short and stocky, gaining weight easily. With their short and thick bones they lack flexibility but they are sturdy and strong and have the best endurance of the different types. Kaphas need movement and stimulation to counter their tendency to complacency and inertia. They are good at keeping a practice going once they have started it.

Yoga practiced in harmony with each person's unique nature, is part of the Ayurvedic path toward balancing the doshas and enhancing sattva. Through this path each of us can reach our full potential.