Ayurveda and Yoga

Ayurveda and Yoga therapy According to a lot of experts, Ayurveda and Yoga therapy are designed to 'promote human happiness, health and creative growth'. Ayurveda and Yoga therapy are both among the worlds oldest medical systems that trace their origins back to over 5,000 years ago. Literary translated, Ayurveda means Science of Life (‘Ayur’ life and 'Veda' knowledge). They both help us nurture and take care of our bodies and minds through healthy- practices, eating and general living. Yoga and Ayurveda have a lot of good advice to offer us in terms of nutrition and well-being. Both yoga and Ayurveda are holistic, natural systems of healing rooted in the Veda’s. Both consider prevention better than cure and diet and nutrition vital to prevention of disease and ill health. While Ayurveda aims at balancing the 3 doshas in the body, Yoga aims to balance all aspects of life, physical, mental and emotional. In Yoga and Ayurveda, all disease, misery and agony, are the result of dissonance and imbalance in the body. Hence both Ayurvedic therapies aim is to treat by restoring balance in a bid to prevent and cure disease. Besides Yoga and Ayurveda therapies aim at getting rid of toxins from the body and calming the senses thus improving overall physical and mental well-being. In both, Yoga and Ayurveda, therapy is aimed at getting rid of the disease permanently, by raising the body’s immunity. The only difference is that Yoga believes in the principles of the 5 elements in nature, viz earth, water, fire, air and ether. Ayurveda, on the other hand, believes in the tridosha theory. According to this, there are three humors in the body – vata, pitta and kapha. These, and their combinations in an individual’s body determine his / her body type (also called Prakriti in Sanskrit). So while Yoga attempts to treat by bringing all 5 elements into balance, as far as possible, Ayurveda attempts to do the same by bringing the 3 doshas into a state of balance. Best part is that both therapies are compatible because both work separately with natural cure as their basis. In so doing, if employed in unison, Ayurveda and Yoga therapy is most effective in achieving a quick and permanent cure. The ancient Ayurveda Yoga series The ancient Ayurveda Yoga series, (that lost connection between Ayurveda and Yoga) has, thankfully, been revived According to ancient Indian philosophy, originally there used to be 3 schools of study – Ayurveda, Yoga and astrology. They were consulted as valuable sources of knowledge and information. This information had been lost, till recently, and the above disciplines had become fragmented in their approach. Now, this really holistic approach to health has been revived. The Ayurveda Yoga Series shows this holistic way of working with yogasanas (postures), pranayamas (breathing exercise) shatkriyas (cleansing techniques) and use of herbs to heal one on all levels – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. There are literally dozens of poses in the Yoga Series. However, for purposes of healing and maintaining good health just 25 basic asanas will suffice. The first 7 poses that correspond to rajas guna are energizing. In these the practitioner learns to rein in his powerful energies and direct to heal himself. As a result of these 7 poses, the practitioner is inspired, invigorated and directed. The next 7 poses correspond to sattva guna and are attuning. In these the practitioner imbibes the qualities of balance and equanimity and learns to connect with the positive qualities within. Going a step further, he is even able to stabilize his relationship with the Self like in meditation. The last 7 poses correspond to tamas guna and are relaxing. In these the practitioner imbibes discovers the quality of relaxation and is able to let go of tensions – literally unwind tensions – which impede the natural flow of energy in his life. All these sets of poses are accompanied by appropriate breathing exercises (pranayamas) for optimal results. Next, every individual's diet has to be tailored to suit his / her constitution if the doshas are to be kept in balance. While certain foods which are recommended for a particular Ayurvedic constitution they may not be considered suitable for another. For instance, milk, a Sattvic food, is normally good for a Pitta constitution. But it may not suit someone with a Kapha constitution. The ideal Ayurvedic diet also varies with seasonal changes, the weather and the time of year. Nonviolent yogic diets consider not just the doshas or the Ayurvedic humors of vata, pitta and kapha but the role of prana as well. Good raw foods, such as carrots, cilantro, cucumbers, parsley, radishes, sprouts, tomatoes, together with spices such as basil, cayenne, cinnamon and ginger flushes both the body and mind with pranic energy. Traditionally, raw foods, grains and dairy products have been used to cleanse the Nadis (channels of the subtle body) as they bring with them an increase in Prana. A combination of yogasanas, pranayama, mantra, meditation and a yogic diet works wonders for people intent on cleansing their physical and the subtle bodies. Good eating etiquette Eat seasonal fruits Go in for fresh food as against processed / preserved stuff Have foods that are lovingly prepared Take into consideration cooking place and atmosphere Never eat when upset Always make it a point to sit down and eat Eat only when hungry Never talk while eating (or drinking) Never discuss work during meals Before having the meal wait until the first has digested Include all six tastes in a meal – these include Sour, Sweet, Salty, Pungent, Bitter, and Astringent Never stuff yourself, leave a third to a quarter empty to aid digestion After the meal sit quietly for a couple minutes When the series in this amazing sequence has successfully been completed, over time, you will experience a balancing effect in your entire being. When working with specific aspects of the series the practitioner is, as a rule, recommended ways in which to practice all of the above to best serve his unique tendencies in all the areas of his life. These are powerful healing tools particularly when used with other lifestyle suggestions that have been made.