The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, together with Yoga, constitutes a powerful healing tool. Both originate as part of a greater system of Vedic knowledge.

Both yoga and ayurveda are based upon the principles of trigunas (sattva, rajas and tamas) and the panchamahabuthas or elements (earth, air, fire, water, space). 

Both of these sciences have eight branches: Ashtanga yoga and Ashtanga ayurveda. The two have a common understanding of health of the body being dependent on the health and balance of the mind. They share virtually the same metaphysical anatomy and physiology, which consists of 72,000 nadis (subtle channels), seven main chakras (energy centers), five bodily sheaths and the kundalini shakti (energy).

In treatment, both yoga and ayurveda advocate for the regular practice of asana, pranayama and meditation as well as the use of herbs, body purification procedures, food and chanting of mantras for physical and mental health. In yoga, the body purification procedures have been explained as ‘Satkriyas’ whereas in ayurveda they are known as ‘Panchakarma’.

Keeping the body healthy through aligning our yoga practice with the tides of the seasons is vital for fulfilling the four aims of life: dharma (duty), artha (wealth), kama (desire), and moksha (liberation).

It has been a revelation to see how yoga and ayurveda are interrelated. For me, as a yoga instructor, the experience of unveiling the magic of ayurveda is something I endeavour to bring to my students.  Ayurveda understands that In our practices, we address the seasonal Ayurvedic shifts, and work to calm the pitta, vata, and and kapha doshas through balancing asanas, foods, aromatherapy and music.

Please enjoy reading through the Ayurvedic lessons under the header.