Ayurveda and its relationship to Yoga

Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga, and it means the “knowledge of life”. Those yogis with knowledge of Ayurveda, can teach yoga specific to the individual and based on the natural bio rhythms of the constitutional energetic ebbs and flow. This will be harmonious with the nature of the student and will benefit both the teacher and the student in their daily practices.

It’s about getting in sync with nature. Science of Ayurveda tells us about the effects of nature and its relationship to the human body and mind and the play of the 5 element within the human system. Based on the science of yoga and Ayurveda the entire universe is made up of the 5 elements; Earth, Water, Fire, Air and space. Depending upon the predominance of these bio-elements and how they are naturally embedded within the human system, one’s nature and tendencies are determined and identified. The play of the 5 elements in this way in the human system then determines the individual constitution and it explains how total health is only possible if we are in sync with our nature and in harmony to our individual make up.

So therefore a daily practice of meditation and yoga that is in sync with our nature and our individual natural tendencies can be harmonious with our individual constitution and daily rhythms of nature thus lead us to well being, health and longivity.

Knowing this wisdom a teacher well versed in the wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga will teach the student practices that are in harmony and in sync with their natural tendencies and constitution what we call “Dosha” in Ayurveda. There are 3 main Doshas:

• Vata is made up of air and space. Vata is light, mobile, cold, dry, and subtle.
• Pitta is made up of fire and water. Pitta is hot, light, fluid, viscous, and sharp.
• Kapha is made up of water and earth. Kapha is heavy, slow, stable, cold, and soft.

The doshas impose their subtle energies on the person as well as on the quality of the day during their period of domination during the day, as each dosha is also dominant during certain times of the day as well as each season. Using this knowledge, Yogis and Ayurvedic practitioners can teach yoga classes that help balance the dosha’s inherent qualities. Ideally, yoga would be taught on an individual basis according to each student’s dosha, their imbalances, the time of day, and the season.

This is why in the past yoga was traditionally taught one on one by a teacher who has mastered the science of yoga and Ayurveda. This was done to ensure the safety and the well being of the student. In this way the student will achieve the maximum results and attain their highest potential in the most effective way most conducive for spiritual growth and evolution as well as physical well being and health. Ayurveda is the science of life and longevity.