Ayurvedic Way of Practising Yoga, Today's Therapist- July/ August 2005 - Issue 35

Every one has some idea of Yoga as it has become an integral part of health and fitness. But Yoga is not only about performing certain positions and breathing exercises. When combined with Ayurvedic principles, the effects of Yoga practice are enhanced. This includes a lifestyle which comprises of food, diet, massage, Yoga according to a persons body type (Vata, Pitta or Kapha).

Yoga is not simply a type of exercise but a way of life. Similarly Ayurveda is not only a system of medicine but a way of life. When one integrates both Yoga and Ayurveda in ones life, the benefits are numerous.

Each Yoga position or Asana has a particular effect on all the three Doshas (or body types). Some Asanas are more beneficial to a particular body type than the other. This can be compared to foods in Ayurveda which are classified according to their effects on Doshas. Some foods are more beneficial than the others for Vata, Pitta or Kapha body types. The same rule applies to the six tastes in Ayurveda (sweet, sour, pungent, salty, bitter and astringent).

Because a particular Yoga position is not beneficial to a body type does not mean that it has to be completely omitted from practice. On the contrary, it has to be performed in such a way that one is protected from any imbalances.

Ayurveda does not view Yoga positions as static forms that increase or decrease Doshas. It considers them as energy carriers that help balance Doshas when performed correctly. This can be compared to Ayurvedic principles of food intake. Although individual food articles tend to increase or decrease Doshas in ones body, it is very important to bear in mind how the food is cooked and prepared. Combination of food articles, spices added while cooking etc play a very important role along with the food articles themselves.

According to Ayurveda, certain tastes (sweet, sour, pungent, salty, bitter and astringent) increase or decrease certain Doshas in the body. But at the same time one needs to integrate all the six tastes in every meal to balance all the three Doshas. The important thing to remember is the dominance of the beneficial tastes.

Hence a balanced Yoga practice is like taking a balanced meal everyday which includes all the six tastes and all the important nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, fibres, vitamin, minerals etc) but concentrating on Asanas that are more beneficial than the others.

Yoga practice can also be compared to Ayurvedic herb combinations. Sometimes single herbs are not as effective as herbal combination as these herbs enhance the effects of the other herbs when given together. The same principle can be applied to performing groups of Yoga positions that enhance each others effects.

To be able to advise Yoga positions effectively, a Yoga teacher must find out the following from their client:

Ayurvedic body type and imbalances if any
Physical condition, age, posture and any structural abnormalities
State of the different organ systems of the body especially respiratory and circulatory systems
Mental state and emotional condition of the client
Medical and health problems if any

The four main aims of performing Yoga are:

To balance the Doshas
To improve the physical condition of the body
To improve the movement of Prana (life energy) along with development and support of the main organ systems of the body
To calm, relax and energize the body and mind depending upon the body type.

Following are some simple tips for a better effect during each Yoga session.

Yoga exercises are most beneficial when performed early in the morning.
Always perform the exercises on a Yoga mat and on a flat surface.
Perform poses of opposite movements one after the other.
One should relax for at least 15 minutes after every session (maximum half an hour) and try not to eat for the next half hour.
People with serious illnesses, fevers, after fasting, must avoid Yoga exercises or perform them under the guidance of a qualified, experienced Yoga teacher.
One should gradually increase Yoga practice and try to reach the final position of each pose by regular practice so that the joints and muscles are relaxed as well as become flexible.
Yoga poses should not be done by quick push and pull movements as this may lead to straining of the muscles. Each exercise or pose is done slowly so that the movement gradually increases tension in the muscle without causing any damage.
During each pose one should maintain silence and concentrate on breathing and on the part of the body which is affected by the particular Yoga pose.
Any one can practice Yoga exercise, but is advisable to take some initial training from an experienced Yoga teacher to assess the body type and imbalance.
One must not forget to lie down in the Shavasana (corpse position) after each session of Yoga exercises (the length of relaxation varies depending upon the body type).