The combination of Yoga and Ayurveda can be termed a complete System of Well-Being. Yoga and Ayurveda are interrelated branches of the great tree of Vedic knowledge. It encompasses the entire human life and the universe. Yoga and Ayurveda are related healing disciplines in India. Each one has its unique place and function and they overlap with the other on various levels.

Vedic knowledge is an ancient science formulated by the seers and yogis of India. It is designed to show us the inner workings of the universe and our consciousness to lead us to a state of self-realization and liberation. It is also the way to reach Mukti from the constant cycle of birth and death. Ayurveda is one of the four Upavedas also known as secondary Vedic teachings, along with Gandharva Veda (music), Sthapatya Veda (directional science), and Dhanur Veda (martial arts). Ayurveda principles supplement the Vedic quest for wholeness and liberation of the human body.

Yoga is the practice that comes from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and is one of the six systems of Vedic philosophy. The other Vedic systems are Nyaya (Logic), Vaisheshika (Categorization), Samkhya (Enumeration of Cosmic Principles), Purva Mimamsa (Ritual), and Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta or Metaphysics). Yoga pervades all the above six systems. It also represents their practical side and outlines the prime principles and methods for developing the meditative mind which is the foundation for all Vedic knowledge.

The classical understanding of Ayurveda and Yoga intertwines Vedic traditions. Ayurveda is a science developed specifically for healing purposes. There is no other healing without Ayurveda in the Vedic system. Yoga is the spiritual practice of Sadhana in the Vedic system. All Vedic sadhanas involve some aspects of Yoga practice. Yoga includes various methods of practice like asana with various breathing exercises and pranayama. These techniques help in quieting our minds and put us in unison with nature. This will achieve the healing of the body and mind. In yoga, various asanas serve different purposes in the body. This helps to maintain a balance in all doshas. For example, forward-bending yoga poses help in pacifying pitta dosha, asanas that involve twisting help in balancing Kapha, and backward-bending yoga poses help in maintaining Vata. Both yoga and Ayurveda focus on being in tune with our bodies by utilizing the healing power of nature for the best results and no side effects.

The common goal of Yoga and Ayurveda

The term Yoga means to unite, harmonize, or integrate. A yogic approach is truly a holistic approach for harmonizing the body, prana, senses, mind, and consciousness. A yogic approach to healing is not a side-line technique. It requires a synthesis of everything and involves all aspects of healing.

Classical Yoga has an eightfold approach to lifestyle practices through asana, pranayama, and samadhi. The practice of Yoga cannot be reduced to just asanas or yoga postures. If that happens then it is not being practiced as an integrative approach but mainly focuses on the outer material reality. One must never lose track of the inner reality like prana, mind, and consciousness.

The yamas and niyamas, limbs of yoga provide knowledge about the principles and practices of right living. It gives the right to the foundation necessary to sustain spiritual or healing practices. It is the ideal code of conduct for Ayurvedic doctors, therapists, and Yoga teachers.

Asanas are considered an external medicine of Yoga. It not only treats musculoskeletal disorders but also is an ideal form of exercise for everyone.

Without the proper diet yoga’s healing potential is limited. Body activity is the reflection of the nutrition the body receives. Yoga asana works best when it is complimented with an ayurvedic diet and lifestyle.

Pranayama brings prana or vital energy directly into the body and can be directed to the needs of the body. Pranayama directly impacts the doshas of Ayurveda like Vata, pitta, and Kapha which are modifications of prana.

Vata dosha remedies are mentally quick, enjoy movements, and are creative. Signs of imbalance are insomnia, anxiety, and dryness. People who experience Vata imbalance can do slow, steady, grounding postures like mountain poses, spinal twists, and inversions. This will also develop deep, calm breathing and help cultivate stillness and self-care.

Pitta dosha comprises passion, enthusiasm, and courage. But on the negative side, it shows anger, competitiveness, and inflammation as a sign of imbalance. Practicing cooling, and relaxing postures to release heat and tension helps remedy this dosha. Asanas like forward bends, heart-openers, Bow, and Camel encourages compassion and patience.

Kapha constitution tends to be consistent, devoted, stable, and strong. Kapha imbalance includes procrastination, dullness, and congestion. Stimulating movements like Sun Salutations, vigorous breathing exercises, and kapalabhati can foster enthusiasm, heat, and focus.

How are Yoga and Ayurveda interdependent?

Yoga is the most ideal non-strenuous exercise and works in sync with Ayurvedic principles. Some of the key aspects present within Yoga and Ayurveda are:

Discipline

Those who follow the discipline of Yoga and Ayurveda advocate that with time both practices become an integrated lifestyle choice. Having a balanced diet, going to bed early, waking up at sunrise, and practicing yoga asanas every day might sound challenging. But with proper intentions and determination, these practices become a priority over time.

Detox & Digest

Yoga practitioners can significantly benefit from following an Ayurvedic lifestyle which aids in purifying the body or sauca. Ayurvedic massage called abhyanga increases circulation clears toxins and removes digestive impurities or ama from the tissues. This also provides mental benefits like calming the mind and relaxing the muscles. Yoga asana provides relaxation by increasing blood flow to the vital organs and activating the relaxation response. This increase in blood circulation is beneficial to the digestive system and all the systems of the body and brings about good health. Healthy digestion is the cornerstone of good health. Digestion converts food into vital energy-producing nutrients or prana according to Ayurveda.

Dissolve

Stress or anxiety is the outcome of the challenging times we live in. Stress takes a toll on the mind and body over a period of time. These practices provide a healthy balance between work and relaxation, thereby physical and mental wellness. Asanas are the preferred Ayurvedic way of exercise. Yoga when practiced with the help of an expert never put undue strain on any part of the body.

Excerpts from Vedic texts

Yoga Chitta vritti nirodhaha – This verse from the Yoga sutra describes yoga as the settled state of the mind. This when compared to a verse from the Ayurvedic text, ‘svasmin dishati iti svasthah’, which states that one who remains united with the self will remain a healthy person. Both verses show that yoga and Ayurveda have the same goal of ultimately attaining union with the self, which is the most settled state of the mind.

Many other verses from Ayurvedic texts point to this self-referral state of the mind. A verse from the Sushruta Samhita states those whose doshas are in balance, whose appetite is good, whose dhatus are functioning normally, whose malas are in balanced, and whose minds and senses remain in bliss, is a healthy people. This verse points out the self-referral state of bliss as an essential part of the definition of health in Maharishi Ayurveda which can be attained through Yoga.

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