The connection between Ayurveda and Yoga

Yoga and Ayurveda are two of the best things that India has gifted to the world. For more than 5000 years, both Yoga and Ayurveda are practiced in India for the wellness and benefit it brings to our lives. Both of these practices complement each other very well. In fact, Yoga and Ayurveda are not merely two separate disciplines but are two ‘sister’ practices in the ancient Vedic system. Let us see in detail how Yoga and Ayurveda are deeply linked with each other.

Ayurveda:

Ayurveda is one of the oldest and complete systems of medicine and healing in practice today. Ayurveda focuses on bringing the body in tune with nature to preserve life and prevent sickness. According to Ayurveda, anything and everything in the universe is composed of vata, pitta, and kapha. They are considered as the force of nature in Ayurveda that helps us understand the universe better. In essence, they are derived from the five basic elements: Space, air, water, fire, and earth. Ayurvedic theory states that all areas of life impact one’s health and for one to remain healthy, he needs to balance all the three doshas in his body.  

Thus, Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine of India that seeks to treat and integrate mind, body, and spirit using ayurvedic herbs and traditional treatment. 

 Yoga:

The popular Yoga that is being practiced worldwide today is more than just asanas or poses. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means ‘to unite’. The practice of Yoga focuses on the union of individual consciousness with that of the universal consciousness, indicating a perfect harmony between the mind and body, man, and nature. Yoga has also been mentioned in the ancient Indian text, the Rig Veda as an inner spiritual practice with the ultimate goal of attaining moksha or liberation.

Thus, Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline based on science that focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. In simpler terms, it is the art and science of healthy living. 

The connection between Ayurveda and Yoga:

Principles of Yoga and Ayurveda:

In essence, both Yoga and Ayurveda are based upon the principles of trigunas (Sattva, rajas, and tamas) and five basic elements (Space, air, water, fire, and earth). Yoga and Ayurveda encompasses an understanding of how the body works and how the food and environment impact our body.

Health and body:

Both of these sciences have a common understanding of health and body which consists of 72,000 nadis, 7 chakras, and 3 doshas.

Read about Ayurvedic body types

Yoga and Ayurveda in ancient texts:

Both Yoga and Ayurveda are interrelated branches of the ancient Vedas. In an ancient Ayurvedic text called ‘Charaka Samhita’, Yoga is mentioned as an important practice to reduce physical stress and calm the mind.

 Yoga in Ayurvedic practice:

Yoga is an integral part of many Ayurvedic treatments and practices. In certain Ayurvedic practices like ‘dinacharya’, Yoga plays an important role in rejuvenating the body and removing the stress of the patient. 

 Ayurveda in Yoga:

Practicing yoga balances all the three doshas mentioned in Ayurveda. Different poses in yoga have different effects. For example, the forward bending yoga cools pitta dosha. Thus, both Ayurveda and Yoga are deeply interlinked.

 Ayurveda and Yoga are two very similar sciences that share a close relationship. They both have their origin in the Vedic texts and deal with health and health practices. So, it is time we appreciate these two sciences and start practicing them to lead a healthy and peaceful life.