“Ayurveda and yoga are concurrent and inherent healing systems. Yoga heals through Asana, Pranayama and meditation. Ayurveda heals through panchakarma (detox program), rejuvenation, herbs, and proper diet and lifestyle regimen. That is why a Yogi who doesn’t know Ayurveda, he is a half Yogi and an Ayurvedic physician who doesn’t know yoga, he’s a half physician. Ayurveda and yoga go hand in hand. They are two sides of the same coin. “– Dr Vasant Lad, Ayurvedic Physician
Yoga and Ayurveda have often been described as “sister sciences”, two distinct, yet complimentary systems that originated in India thousands of years ago.
The word yoga originates from the Sanskrit word “yuj”, meaning “unity” or “to yoke”. And the Yoga Tradition, as compiled in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, is much more than just a physical practice. Yoga’s primary orientation is on the development of self-awareness, and on the nurturing and healing of the mind. The traditional yogic path is designed to guide us to fully understand the totality of who we are, as well as the world in which we are a part.
The word Ayurveda, translates as “knowledge of life,” “Ayur” means life, and “veda” means knowledge. Ayurveda is a system of holistic health, and is considered to be the oldest system of recorded medicine in the world. The teachings of Ayurveda offer us extensive knowledge of how to work with the forces of nature, so that we can achieve greater harmony, and balance within ourselves.
Ayurveda and Yoga both teach that we are one with Nature, and consider our bodies as a microcosm of the larger environment; meaning that what is happening in Nature is also happening within our own body-mind. So as we transition through the rhythms of the day, the seasons, the life cycle, etc. we are constantly engaged with a process of dynamic change.
But how are Yoga and Ayurveda complimentary? And what is the potential benefit of bringing them together?
Yoga and Ayurveda are complimentary in that Ayurveda is a complete medical system that is in harmony with many aspects of yoga philosophy. Ayurveda provides life-style, dietary and herbal recommendations that support us to unfold the full healing potential of all aspects of yoga. And Yoga, with it’s emphasis on healing the mind, and developing our consciousness, adds spiritual and psychological dimensions to all Ayurvedic applications.
By utilizing the science of Hatha Yoga and Ayurveda together we can assess what is needed to bring us into greater balance, at a given time, and apply specific techniques and practices in order to achieve desired results. As we change, our practice evolves, and this combined knowledge can continue to inform us in how to be more creative and sophisticated in our yoga practice.
Through combining Yoga and Ayurveda we gain access to a complete system of well-being.
Want to go deeper? Would you like to learn practical and transformative tools that will serve you in your daily life, and foster your greater health and vitality? Please join me for an upcoming class, or online Yoga & Ayurveda Immersion.
