Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : May 9, 2016 9:49 AM IST
Read this in Hindi
Yoga and Ayurveda are inseparable sisters who walk hand in hand. Both yoga and Ayurveda originated from a greater system of Vedic knowledge. Yoga originated from the Yajur Veda while Ayurveda originated from the Atharva Veda and Rig Veda. They are both based on the principles of trigunas (satva, rajas and tamas) and panchamahabuthas (earth, fire, space and water). Both advocate regular practice of pranayama, meditation and use herbs for physical and mental health.
Ayurveda emphasises on how your body works (doshas) and the effect of food and medicines on your body. Art of Living Teacher Jyoti Agarwal says 'Understanding and knowing your doshas will help customise your yoga practice and get maximum benefits from it.' Here's how.
Vata
People with vata dosha are mentally quick and creative. Insomnia and anxiety are a few signs of imbalance in them. For those who suffer from these conditions, doing slow and steady yoga postures as mountain pose, twisting poses such as ardha matsyendrasana and inverted poses like sirsasana and sarvangasana help. These yoga asanas, when accompanied by deep breathing, cultivates nurture and peace and helps beat anxiety.
Pitta
Passion, courage and enthusiasm are some of the traits of pitta dosha. When there is an imbalance, people suffer from anger and competitiveness. Cooling and relaxing postures such as ustrasana and the dhanurasana release heat and tension from the body and encourage patience and compassion.
Kapha
Those with kapha are strong, devoted, consistent and stable. Signs of imbalance in them include procrastination, dullness and congestion. So yoga movements such as surya namaskar or sun salutations and deep breathing exercises such as kapalbhati and ujjayi pranayam foster enthusiasm and focus.
Have you incorporated Ayurveda in your yoga practice?
Image source: Getty Images
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