Yoga

Yoga, in Sanskrit, means “to unite” or “to energize.” It refers to the proper integration of body, mind, and spirit to help us unfold our higher potential in life. Yoga takes our ordinary capacities and extends them exponentially, allowing us to develop an awareness that goes beyond our personal and human limitations.

Yoga uses the foundation of the body—its secret energies and natural intelligence—to reach the summits of the spirit. It is much more than just a great exercise system. Yoga has extraordinary healing potential for both the body and mind. It addresses not only structural imbalances in the body, such as bone and joint problems, but also organic dysfunctions, including hormonal and immune system disorders.

In addition, particularly through its meditation methods, Yoga treats nervous system disorders, emotional tension, and physiological difficulties of all types, from stress to psychosis. For its healing purposes, Yoga is closely aligned with Ayurveda.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda, known as “the science of life,” can also be called “yogic medicine.” It uses diet, herbs, bodywork, pranayama, and meditation as part of a holistic healing system that parallels the practices of yoga in relation to the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda addresses the root cause of all disease rather than just its symptoms.

Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences that evolved together from the same roots in ancient India. Both reflect a dharmic approach to life, seeking to keep all beings in harmony with the natural laws of the universe.

What is the right practice for you?

Whether it is diet, exercise, or meditation, the question remains: What is the right practice for each of us individually? How can we address our real needs on a daily basis?

We are now recognizing more and more that each individual is unique. The food that is beneficial for one person, even if wholesome, may not be suitable for another. Herbs and exercise also require an individualized approach and cannot work the same way for all body types.

We have different physical, mental, and spiritual capacities and potential that require the appropriate personal guidance to fully develop.

We need to understand what will work best for us. What is our unique type, and what kind of yoga should we practice? More specifically, which asanas or yoga postures are most beneficial for us?

Yoga and Ayurveda reveal our mind-body types according to the energies and elements that predominate within us—the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and the three gunas (mental qualities): Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. For optimal health, we require an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan that addresses our specific needs.

This is the importance of Ayurveda, which rests on a precise constitutional model of well-being. It prescribes personalized treatment plans. Through Ayurveda, we gain a deeper understanding of our unique nature, ensuring that our yoga practice aligns with who we truly are and our specific condition at the time of practice.

The three Doshas

Ayurveda recognizes three forms of pranic, or life energy, as the foundation of health and disease in all people. These are the three doshas, or biological humors: Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water). Our biological existence is a dance of these three doshas, and we are conceived with a unique proportion of them. This original doshic makeup is known as Prakriti, our individual constitutional blueprint.

Prakriti impacts us on two primary levels. First, the doshas are the forces that shape the physical body and are responsible for both its structure and function. Our tissues are primarily Kapha, or watery in nature. The digestive system is mainly Pitta, or fiery in nature. The nervous system is predominantly Vata, or wind-like in nature.

However, the doshas are dynamic energies that constantly shift in response to our actions, thoughts, emotions, diet, the changing seasons, and all other sensory inputs that influence the mind and body.

Characteristics of Vata

  • Thin, bony frame with little muscle development

  • Usually very tall or very short

  • Dry, rough skin, hair, and nails

  • Variable appetite with little consistency

  • Weak digestion

  • Irregular menstrual cycles

  • Variable sex drive

  • Attracted to vigorous exercise

  • Light sleeper, prone to insomnia

  • Weak voice, tires easily, prone to hoarseness

  • Prefers warm, tropical climates

  • Dislikes cold, windy, or dry environments

Characteristics of Pitta

  • Medium build, well-developed and proportional

  • Medium height

  • Delicate, oily skin, prone to acne, moles, and freckles

  • Strong appetite, becomes irritable when skipping meals

  • Strong metabolism and digestion

  • Regular menstrual cycles with heavier and longer flow

  • Attracted to vigorous exercise and competitive sports

  • Strong sexual appetite

  • Light sleeper but not easily disturbed

  • Loud, piercing voice

  • Low tolerance for sunlight and hot, humid weather

Characteristics of Kapha

  • Heavy bones, broad frame, strong physique

  • Shorter or taller than average

  • Oily, smooth skin with few moles or wrinkles

  • Moderate appetite, can easily skip meals

  • Slow metabolism

  • Regular bowel movements

  • Regular menstrual cycles with mild cramps

  • Avoids physical exertion

  • Steady but moderate desire for sex

  • Deep, heavy sleeper

  • Thick, melodious voice

  • Prefers dry climates

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