The relationship between Ayurveda and Yoga is inextricable, as they both have their origins in the Vedic scriptures. While Ayurveda is rooted in the Atharva Veda and Rig Veda, Yoga is rooted in the Yajur Veda. They both share the same basic principles and beliefs that help balance the body, mind, and spirit. They both believe in the four aims of life or Purusharthas – Dharma (sense of duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (sense of desire), and Moksha (liberation). They share knowledge of metaphysical anatomy and psychiatry, including the seven energy centers (Chakras), 72,000 subtle channels (Nadis), five bodily sheaths (Panchakoshas), and the Kundalini energy (Shakti). They both support the use of a Sattvic diet, natural medicine of herbs, breathwork (Pranayama), Asanas, Meditation, chanting Mantras, Astrology, the power of worship and prayers, and rituals for the health and overall well-being of an individual. That is why, using both Yoga and Ayurveda for daily life is recommended.
The relationship between Ayurveda and Yoga is complementary due to their understanding of the body’s magnificent energetic architecture. Ayurveda recognizes the elemental energies or Doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which govern our psychological and physiological functions. They identify an individual’s mental and emotional inclination and are made up of various combinations of the Panchamahabhutas (the five great elements). Certain introspective practices given by Yoga for the purpose of increasing self-awareness also assist in transforming the dosha-influenced patterns to change. Yoga identifies concepts such as Chakras, which are spinning energy vortexes that run along the length of the spine, each with its own unique characteristics. The give and take between the two reveal a profound holistic understanding.
Practicing Yoga daily through Asanas and Pranayama activates the life force or prana energy within the chakras. These align with the Ayurvedic principles of harmonizing the Doshas.
● A person with a Vata Dosha, resonating with the Throat Chakra (also known as Vishuddhi Chakra), reflects a creative and active personality and might suffer from dryness, anxiety, constipation, pains and aches, and insomnia. The elements that govern Vata Dosha are ether and air, which is the principle of movement. For such individuals, the asanas recommended would be slow warming postures and grounding restorative asanas, such as Yogendra Hastapadasana (the Hands to Feet Pose), Yogendra Paschimottanasana (the Posterior Stretch), Yogendra Talasana (the Palm Tree Pose), Yogendra Ushtrasana (the Camel Pose), Yogendra Parvatasana (the Mountain Pose), Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations), and Yogendra Shavasana (the Corpse Pose). Equal breathing (Yogendra Pranayama 1), Diaphragmatic breathing (Yogendra Pranayama 4 or abdominal breathing), and Anuloma Viloma (Yogendra Pranayama 9 or alternate nostril breathing) are the pranayamas suggested to balance Vata Dosha.
● A person with a Pitta Dosha, resonating with the Solar Plexus Chakra (also known as Manipura Chakra), results in an ambitious and perfectionist personality and might have digestive issues, anger, hyperacidity, inflammation, and irritability. The elements that govern the Pitta Dosha are fire and water, which is the principle of transformation. For them, slow and gentle movements are recommended. Asanas such as Yogendra Matsyasana (the Fish Pose), Yogendra Konasana (the Angle Pose), and Yogendra Bhujangasana (the Cobra Pose) are suitable. Yogendra Pranayama Sheetali (the Cooling Breath), Yogendra Pranayama Brahmari (the Bee Breath), Rechaka (Yogendra Pranayama 8 or prolonged exhalation), followed by Anuloma Viloma (Yogendra Pranayama 9 or alternate nostril breathing) are suggested to balance the Pitta Dosha.
● A person with a Kapha Dosha, resonating with the Sacral Chakra (also known as Swadhisthana Chakra), results in a relaxed and nurturing personality and may have imbalances such as congestion, depression, lethargy, and obesity. The elements that govern the Kapha Dosha are water and earth, which is the principle of cohesion. For these individuals, twisting postures, inversion postures, and Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) are suggested. Asanas such as Yogendra Trikonasana (the Triangle Posture), Yogendra Ekpadasana (the One-Leg Pose), Yogendra Utkatasana (the Upraised Posture), Yogendra Viparitkarni (the Inverted Pose), and Yogendra Shavasana (the Corpse Pose) are beneficial. Yogendra Agnisara Kriya, Yogendra Pranayama Bhastrika (the Bellows breath), and Anuloma Viloma (Yogendra Pranayama 9 or alternate nostril breathing) are recommended for the Kapha Dosha.
Using these suggested asanas, pranayamas , and the concepts of Ayurveda for daily life helps us find balance holistically. Both Ayurveda and Yoga believe in Nadis and Srotas, which are the major and micro channels of energy pathways through our energy body. Practicing Yoga through Asanas and Pranayama, along with the dietary and lifestyle recommendations of Ayurveda, helps keep these energy pathways free of obstructions and blockages.
Both Yoga and Ayurveda give the utmost importance to Dinacharya (a daily schedule). As part of this routine, Ayurveda recommends an Ayurvedic massage as part of the yoga practice as it relaxes the muscles and extracts the toxins from the body. Other things to be included in Dinacharya include all of the Kriyas, Asanas, Pranayamas, and Meditations as advised by Yoga. Using Yoga along with Ayurveda to cleanse your physical and energy body ensures progress in finding holistic balance. Using Yoga and Ayurveda for daily life will greatly benefit our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual body and help us grow in our journey towards health and happiness.