Redefining Our Connection To Nature Using Ayurveda & Yoga

“Ayurveda is an ancient Hindu system of medicine that looks at all systems of the body to determine where dis-ease may be showing up.”

In the west, we often look at yoga and Ayurveda (defined as the "Science of Life") as two separate modalities. When in reality, Ayurveda and yoga go hand-in-hand as the sister science of yoga. Ayurveda is an ancient Hindu system of medicine that looks at all systems of the body to determine where dis-ease may be showing up. 

Whereas yoga focuses on easing our mental state and ego through movement and accessing our pranayama (breath). The two work together in tandem to help us reach optimal health for our unique body type or our Dosha. There are 3 Doshas that determine our constitution: Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. Each Dosha is associated with different seasons, parts of the body, and elements.

Ayurveda looks at the philosophies of opposition to find balance. Achieved through food, environment, and emotional experiences for your Dosha.  

I was first introduced to these ancient studies during my yoga teacher training through Shivakali Yoga. The brilliant Ayurvedic practitioner William Jackson of @biospiritual_medicine came to teach us. I felt something unlock within in me—this way of looking at health made so much sense.

Since then, I have continued to study and incorporate the teachings into my life. The thing I love most about Ayurveda is its fluid, coming into your life when you need it most. Especially as we move into this new paradigm of awakening, Ayurveda can be our anchor for emotional and physical healing.

Below is a quick look into the 3 Doshas and how they can be simply defined:

KAPHA

Elements: Earth & Water

Season: End of winter through spring

Qualities: Cool, heavy, slow, smooth, soft, and static.

Kaphas are our caretakers, our earthly mothers, the selfless leaders in our society. The thing about Kaphas however, is they also have the tendency to help more than asking for help. ⁣They can fall into patterns of depression, loneliness, overeating, exhaustion. A lethargic heaviness (think clay).

 Kaphas need stimulus in all forms. They need to declutter their homes and their mental space. ⁣They need to move the body through energizing yoga, running, and dance. Eat warming, light foods. Anything that keeps the clay-like energy from being too stagnant.

 The first thing in the morning is Kapha time, hence the heavy, clay-like energy felt when first waking up. It is encouraged in Ayurveda to begin the day with an awakening yoga ⁣class to balance the Kapha energy. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) is a perfect way to start the day.

“Ayurveda is an ancient Hindu system of medicine that looks at all systems of the body to determine where dis-ease may be showing up. ”

VATA

Elements: Air & Space

Season: Fall into winter

Qualities: Light, dry, changing, cold, and moving. 

⁣Vatas are our big energies. Creatives, always moving, extroverts, and the ones always thinking out of the box who can’t sit still. They can easily experience anxiety, overthinking, sleepless nights, poor appetite, and bloating/gas (think wind-like qualities).

Vatas need to establish routine and grounding rituals. The afternoon into the early evening is ruled by Vata. The "afternoon slump is actually a societal imbalance. This time of the day can actually be the most productive when balanced.

 Yoga best for Vatas is grounding, hip-opening, and balancing postures. Focused on rooting through the feet. Along with eating warming, foods that are easy to digest.

PITTA: 

Elements: Fire & Water

Season: Summer

Qualities: Transformational, hot, intense, sharp, and acidic.

Pittas are our go-getters, hustlers, planners, athletes, and entrepreneurs. Because of these fire-like qualities, they can experience overexertion, hormonal imbalance, and inflammation. Such as acne and rashes. They also have a tendency towards anger and aggression.

 Pitta needs to relax and surrender to things not always being perfect.

 Their water/fire qualities also show up in the digestive fire called Agni in Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda having a strong Agni is the key to health. Pitta energy helps this flame burn brightly when balanced. Helping us to properly digest food. Late morning into the early afternoon is Pitta time when the digestive fire is strongest. Eating a large lunch and cooling, non-spicy foods rich in minerals is best for Pitta.

 Yoga best for Pittas is cooling, grounding yoga. For instance a Moon Salutation (Chandra Namaskar). Instead of a Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar).

Deepen your knowledge of Ayurveda in the Coincide Yoga portal with my program:  6 Days Of Redefining Our Connection To Nature Using Ayurveda & Yoga

For 6 days, we will dive deep into the Pancha, Mahabhutas, or 5 great elements: space, wind, fire, water, and earth. Known in Sanskrit as the sacred language of Vedic India: Akasha, Vayu, Tejas, Apas, and Prithvi.

Tuning into how Ayurveda defines nature through our Prakruti. Not only our constitution but our unique presentation of consciousness. Each class is dedicated to the element associated with it's Dosha. Exploring how the elements arrive in the body.

The postures in the classes are nourishing and restorative. Aimed at relaxing our nervous system. At the end of each class, further the ancient teachings with a beautiful tip from the Ayurvedic expert William Jackson.