Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary in as much as, both spring from the same well of concern for human health and well-being. Though, while Ayurveda is more restricted to the body – and, to a certain extent the mind – Yoga extends to the emotions and Spirit as well. The human constitution depends on a particular configuration of humors (doshas) that influence the body's functioning and structures growth requirements. They are also known to influence emotional and psychological reactions. A healthy body demands a balance of factors; for instance, as external conditions change, dietary changes may be necessary to maintain good health. Further, as Yoga affects the human constitution, balancing the entire system, physical, mental and emotional, you can use different Yoga techniques to benefit different doshas.
One important method of asana classification is according to the humors (doshas) that they stimulate. A number of postures inherently push on the base the humors. This, subsequently, influences human health. For example as the pelvis and the colon are the base of vata, seated poses will affect vata humor. Likewise, the abdomen and the small intestine are the seat of pitta is, twisting and backward bending poses affect pitta dosha. The chest and the stomach are the seat of kapha; hence poses such as bridge pose (Sethu Bandhasana) and Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) help affect kapha dosha.
In Yoga and Ayurveda, all 3 styles are incorporated; the teachings are custom designed for individual students. All the nuances of a person's constitution, health, sex, age, temperament, interest, and spiritual inclination are all taken into account. So, the ideal is to adapt Yoga and Ayurveda to the individual. However, the more important feature of Yoga is how the asanas and pranayamas are practiced. Holding the same pose or breath differently alters the effects of the practice. Naturally the yoga practitioner's constitution will determine the manner in which they approach their practices.
For instance, a balanced vata would seek a long-term practice that stresses the need for relaxation. An unbalanced vata dosha afflicted person tends to skip from one method to another, never committing oneself to any for enough to experience the benefits of practice. This way, Vata practices would be stressed during the spring and fall when weather is changing. Likewise, in the summer Pitta practices help you adapt to the heat of summer. These practices also strengthen the Jatar Agni (digestive heat), improve circulation and vision.
Within the framework of Yoga and Ayurveda, there are 3 main techniques to the Hatha Yoga curriculum. Gentle, specifically sequence practices are ideal when performed rhythmically with Ujjayi pranayama to promote flexibility and sensitivity and balance the air / ether quality of vata. Here the stress is on moving slowly and deliberately with focus on the internal wave motion and glottal sound of Ujjayi breathing.
The second method focuses on promoting vitality, greater energy, and adequate heat to balance the fire / water quality called pitta. Very little attention is paid to the breath except to allow it to move freely. Here the stress is on moving with vigor and enthusiasm to produce body heat and / or sensitivity to energy flow within the body. By and large pitta's practices end up creating vitality, luster, and the increased energy levels.
The third technique promotes strength while purifying the body. It also develops stamina and balances the earth/water quality called kapha. Here the focus is on developing a sense of strength created during the poses and repetitive breathing sequences. This technique brings weight into balance while promoting courage, hopefulness, faithfulness, and humility, on the mental and emotional levels.
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