Are you aware that Yoga and Ayurveda are inextricably linked? Yes, these two ancient healing methods are believed to be sisters and began thousands of years ago in India. Now, regarding their relationship, Ayurveda teaches that our lives are governed by three energies, or doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – that are critical to our functioning. These three doshas, or energy forces of the body, are created by condensing the five elements of the universe: earth, fire, water, air, and space (ether).
While each of these three doshas exists in every individual, each dosha possesses distinct talents, and each human experience, whether emotional, physical, or environmental, influences the dosha balance. As a result, an imbalance or fluctuation in one of these doshas might increase your chance of experiencing health issues.
However, there is no need to be concerned, since Yoga asanas play a critical function in assisting your doshas in maintaining equilibrium. Let’s learn a few of these asanas from yoga trainer and Ayurvedic lifestyle coach Namita Piparaiya that will assist you in living a holistically healthy existence.
Pavanmuktasana (Standing Pose) (Wind release pose)
When you begin your morning practice with asanas, it is critical to first balance Vatta Dosha. Vatta is the air element that contributes to the body’s rigidity. And the most effective method of resetting this is through dynamic joint motions. Therefore, begin with ‘Standing Pavanmuktasana’.
Similarly, you must stand on your mat. Exhale and draw the right knee toward the chest, exactly as you would in Pavanmuktasana, then inhale to return the right leg to its original position. Exhale, then draw the left knee into the chest, inhale, and release. Consider doing it a bit quicker but softly, at your speed.
Circles Around the Shoulders
The shoulder and hip joints, as well as the rest of the body, are heavily utilized in yoga practice. As a result, it is important to lubricate them before beginning. To do the shoulder circle, simply stretch your arms and move them freely in a circular manner from both the front and rear sides.
Asana Utkatasana (Chair Pose)
The following stage, or activation, is to generate heat in the body, which assists in mobilizing Kapha, which assists in sustaining the body’s muscular structure. To do this, you must perform Utkatasana or Chair Pose. To replicate, stoop down and lift your fingertips across the ground, then raise your hands over your head.
A nice method to determine whether you are in Chair Pose is to glance down and check to see whether you can see your alt and toes. If your knees have advanced too far forward, push them back and shift your weight onto your heels; once you can see your alt and toes, raise your hand in the air. Additionally, you can position your hands parallel to the ground while maintaining a neutral spine.
United States of America (Camel Pose)
This third level requires you to progress into more advanced asanas and postures. Bring yourself to a kneeling position and tuck your toes in. Rest your hands across the wast and slowly slide your shoulders back, reaching towards your heels. Then, if you’re comfortable, take your hands and place them on your heels, pushing your hips forward. You may continue to release the toes and drive the hips forward. Then slowly return the neck to its original position and hold for a few seconds. It should be repeated 3-5 times.
Asana (Child Pose) will Balance Your Doshas
Now is the time to chill your body, and Pitta will once again be used to reset the body. This is accomplished by widening the knees, extending your hands forward with your forehead on the ground, and remaining in the posture for 3-5 breaths. Then exhale and rise to your feet.
Pranayama and inhalation
Pranayama and deep breathing are all three dosha-balancing techniques. Sit on your knees with your eyes closed and attempt to equalize the duration of your inhale and exhale. For instance, if you inhale for four counts, you will exhale for four counts. Take three additional breaths.
Shavasana
It’s time to bring this asana to a close-by synchronizing the whole body and Balance Your Doshas. To begin, lie on your mat with your feet comfortably apart and your hands away from your body, palms facing up, and surrender and relax your body.