I’ve been practicing Yoga for many years and it’s an important cornerstone of my personal wellbeing. That’s why, when I work with clients, I usually recommend specific practices as part of my holistic treatment plans. These will be tailored to the person’s individual constitution, preferences and circumstances. There simply isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach in Ayurveda.
And it really doesn’t have to be difficult, expensive or time consuming. There’s no need to attend intense hot yoga sessions or mould yourself into a pretzel shape. A gentle 10 minute home practice often does wonders, especially if practiced regularly and mindfully.
A Shared Foundation
Yoga and Ayurveda are deeply interconnected, both originating from the Vedic traditions of ancient India. Ayurveda is the science of life, focusing on balancing the body and mind through diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies, while Yoga is the science of self-realisation, guiding individuals toward physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.
Both systems operate on the understanding that health is a dynamic balance of energies, known as the doshas in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurveda provides the framework to assess imbalances, while Yoga offers physical and mental practices to restore equilibrium.
How Yoga Supports Ayurvedic Healing
- Asanas (Postures): Different yoga poses can help balance specific doshas. For example, grounding poses stabilise Vata, cooling postures soothe Pitta, and invigorating movements uplift Kapha.
- Pranayama (Breathwork): Controlled breathing techniques regulate energy flow, aiding digestion, circulation, and emotional well-being.
- Meditation: Helps calm the mind, reduces stress and supports Sattvic living, the Ayurvedic ideal of inner peace, harmony and clarity.
Ayurveda’s Influence on Yoga Practice
Ayurveda helps personalise a yoga routine, considering factors like time of day, season, and individual constitution. A fiery Pitta type benefits from cooling, restorative postures, while a sluggish Kapha may need energising vinyasa flows.
Ayurvedic guidance on exercise in general:
- The best time of day to exercise is in the morning – between 6am and 10am ideally.
- Avoid exercise when hungry or just after eating.
- Exercising after 6pm negatively impacts sleep quality.
- Like with anything – we want to find the right balance. Light to moderate daily exercise is advised, depending on your body type, but we don’t want to overdo it.
Together, Yoga and Ayurveda create a holistic path to well-being, addressing health at every level—physical, mental, and spiritual. When practiced in harmony, they provide a complete roadmap for vitality, self-awareness, and balance.
Get in touch if you want to find out more and book your personalised consultation.
