Use Yoga and Ayurveda to Find Balance

If you practice yoga, you might have heard of its sister science, Ayurveda. Many scholars consider Ayurveda to be the oldest healing science, having originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “The Science of Life.”

The practice of Ayurveda is based on the belief that each person is unique and should be treated accordingly. Additionally, it holds that everything on Earth—including humans—is composed of a distinctive mix of five elements: fire, space, earth, water, and air. Ayurveda recognizes three fundamental types of energy, known as doshas, which are combinations of these elements: pitta, vata, and kapha. 

The elements linked to each dosha are: vata is air and space, pitta is fire and water, and kapha is water and earth. Understanding your personal blend of elements (or primary dosha) can help you identify your ideal diet, mental triggers, physical tendencies, and optimal yoga practices. 

While everyone embodies aspects of each dosha, typically one dosha is dominant in an individual. To determine your dominant dosha, note which of the following tendencies are most similar to you, or take this quiz from Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health.

You might be primarily vata if three or more of these tendencies apply to you: 

• Thin-framed, lose weight easily, and have difficulty gaining it

• Prefer a warm climate and don’t like the wind or cold temperatures

• Hair tends to be frizzy and dry

• Skin tends to be rough and dry

• Are energetic, talkative, restless, and active

• When you’re under stress, you tend to become anxious and fearful

You might be primarily pitta if three or more of these tendencies apply to you:

• Medium build with medium bone structure

• Enjoy competitive activities as well as physical and intellectual challenges

• Prefer a cool climate to a warm one, and dislike heat (especially humidity)

• Your digestion and appetite are strong, and you have a tendency to get “hangry”

• Are driven, decisive, and sharp, and like planning and organizing

• When you’re under stress, you become easily frustrated, impatient, or angry

You might be primarily kapha if three or more of these tendencies apply to you:

• Large bone structure, easily gain weight, and have difficulty losing it 

• Skin is fair and oily

• Hair is thick and wavy

• Energy and stamina are consistent

• Are calm, stable, grounded, and enjoy routine

• When under stress, you become withdrawn, unmotivated, and resistant to change

Restoring the Natural Balance

In Ayurveda, illnesses are seen as dosha imbalances. To treat these imbalances, the goal is to restore the natural balance of vata, pitta, and kapha. Ayurveda emphasizes two main principles: that the body and mind are deeply connected and that nothing heals and transforms the body more than the mind. According to Ayurvedic practices, freedom from illness relies on expanding our awareness to restore balance.

Vatas are mentally sharp, creative, and enjoy movement and variety. Signs of imbalance for them include insomnia, constipation, anxiety, fatigue, and headaches. For those experiencing vata imbalance, slow, steady, grounding yoga poses such as standing poses, spinal twists, and deep, calming breaths are recommended. Due to the hyperactivity of a vata’s nature, it's most balancing to include a long Savasana (resting pose at the end of yoga).

Pittas are especially passionate, enthusiastic, and courageous. Signs of imbalance include irritability, excessive competitiveness, rashes, diarrhea, stomachaches, and increased inflammation. Forward folds, heart openers, and spinal twists can help balance these traits. When practicing pranayama (breathing exercises), a pitta should focus on cooling, relaxed breathing. Exhaling through the mouth occasionally can be an effective way to release excessive heat.

Kaphas are consistent, devoted, and emotionally and physically stable and strong. Signs of imbalance for Kapha include procrastination, difficulty paying attention, weight gain, bloating, dullness, and congestion. Stimulating movement like sun salutations, backbends, and vigorous breathing exercises can help bring enthusiasm, heat, and focus.  

Honor Your Individuality

The most important message to take away is to honor your individuality. Your body isn’t supposed to work the same way as everyone else’s. Every person is made up of their own energetic constitution.

When you’re in balance, you naturally desire what nourishes and improves your health. You get restful sleep, move around as you should, and nourish yourself with positive experiences. When you slip out of tune with nature, you invite imbalance. You may start craving junk food, stop sleeping well, and ignore your need to move and exercise. 

Finally, sleep is crucial. During sleep, your body has the best opportunity to repair and rejuvenate itself. A lack of restful sleep disrupts the body’s innate balance, weakens the immune system, and speeds up the aging process. Humans generally need between seven and nine hours of restful sleep each night. Restful sleep means naturally falling asleep, sleeping through the night, and waking up feeling energetic and vibrant. 

The Impact of Changing Seasons

Summer's heat and intensity correspond with the pitta dosha. As autumn brings cooler temperatures and drying winds, it often increases vata. Focusing on gentle yoga during this transition can help ground excess vata energy.

Join us for a four-part yin yoga series to help you create balance during the changing seasons. Through this series, we'll concentrate on slowing down, getting grounded, and tapping into our inner wisdom.

Classes will be held on Thursdays, November 6 & 20 and December 4 & 18 from noon to 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Classes are held via Zoom, so you can join from wherever you are. If you need to miss a class, you will be provided with a recording. Register for the series here for $60. Students who hold a 10-class pack with Firefly can use their punches for this series.