Yoga and Ayurveda by Eshita Dayani
The word “Ayurveda” is derived from the Sanskrit word Ayur (long and healthy life) and Veda (the science of life wisdom) and thus it essentially means “Knowledge of Life”.
Ayurveda, in totality, encourages a person to live their life according to seasonal practices and principles as per their body constitution. Primarily, our bodies have three main doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha which can create an imbalance and diseases due to inappropriate lifestyle and dietary habits. Hence, there is a lot of significance in seasonal eating and living in Ayurveda.
Ayurveda and Yoga are the two sister sciences that stem from the same philosophy in the ancient Indian Scriptures. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ meaning to unite and it aims to connect you to your higher self. The main purpose of doing yogasana is not how you can twist and turn your body rather it is to connect with your breath and go deep to find stability in your body and mind. Through the practice of yoga, one can train their body in such a manner that it can stay longer in any position.
The foundation of our health is dependent on how well our body and mind function on a daily basis. When you start practicing yoga it starts with healing your bodily problems first by addressing structural imbalances, and dysfunctions and creating harmony in your overall system. Pranayama and breath control allows the life force (prana) in your body to revitalize the energy and treat the nervous system bringing stability to your mind.
In this modern life, we are so caught up by materialistic desires that we forget to give importance to our health. Whether it is diet, food, or exercise we blindly follow the trend rather than finding out our body type and what food to eat, which seasonal practices to follow. Due to the fast-paced nature of our mind, we engage in certain activities, desires, wrong food habits, and other that creates disharmony in our body and mind.
Because every individual is unique, Ayurveda helps us to recognize our body constitution and guides us to follow seasonal practices. You can correct your lifestyle by seasonal eating practices and following daily rituals as mentioned in the scriptures. Once you know your body type, the experience of doing asanas, pranayama, and meditation will have tremendous effects resulting in stability and balance in your body and mind. A balanced approach towards yoga can also stabilize the doshas in your body.
Food plays an important role in Ayurveda and again we must eat as per our body constituents. The majority of diseases happen due to incorrect food intake and dietary habits. In Ayurveda, there is a proper description of what to eat as per the six different seasons and our body types. These practices when implied under the Guidance of Ayurvedic Vaidya can bring long-term benefits to your body and mind.
As Yoga and Ayurveda go hand in hand, these practices can have an extraordinary impact and healing effects on your body and mind. If you start living your life in accordance with the Prakriti (Nature’s) principles then it can maintain a balance in your body, mind, and soul which can ultimately lead to your highest self and consciousness.
