Yoga and Ayurveda: The Vedic Sisters

The renowned ancient therapies of yoga and ayurveda are considered sister sciences. These teachings have been practiced for thousands of years, both have their roots in the Vedas and share many similarities in their fundamental principles. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘knowledge of life’. Yoga from which the word ‘yoke’ is also derived, means the unification of the individual body with the Supreme. You would find mentions of either science in each other’s texts.

Both yoga and ayurveda have their unique place and function, but intertwine often. But what both these two healing disciplines have in common, is that they teach man that he is a microcosm of the universe, his own temple which must be balanced in all aspects – physical, mental, spiritual and emotional. Neither yoga nor ayurveda are passive disciplines and require commitment and focus, and will reward a devoted practitioner with many holistic benefits that most modern sciences do not offer.  As yoga and ayurveda share not only philiosophical ideals but similar attitudes to nutrition, diet, hygiene, exercise, spiritual and purification practices, used in conjunction they complement each other so any practitioner can maximise his or her lifestyle.

Not surprisingly, in recent years, yoga and ayurveda have earned international popularity and gained entrance into many homes and health centres worldwide.

The idea of an instant cure or seeking immediate relief are alien to both yoga and ayurveda. Both prefer to identify the source of the problem and treat the body accordingly.

Ayurveda and Yoga both emphasize cleansing of the body for health and support of spiritual practices. Their methods are similar and work by expelling excess dosha and ama, or toxins, using the body’s natural routes of elimination. For instance, in Ashtanga yoga, shat karma or six purification processes and in Ayurveda, panchakarma or five cleansing techniques.

Both share the same metaphysical physiology made up of the chakras, nadis and the Kundalini shakti.

In Ayurveda, the belief is that as long as the three humors in the body, the elemental doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha; are present in a dynamic state of equilibrium, one will remain healthy. See our next article doshas explained.

Various yoga asanas and pranayamas can influence the various doshas present in the body by stimulating them. For instance, a pose such as Bhujangaasana (the cobra pose) will affect the pelvis, the seat of the Vaata dosha, by providing a stretch and strengthening it. Yoga postures can help tone the body, ridding the internal organs of toxins, which is one of the goals of ayurveda.

Conversely, yoga practitioners would find ayurvedic practices like abhyanga (massage) extremely useful in eliminating toxins and relaxing muscle tension. Without implementing at least some ayurvedic practices, the yogi may run the risk of experiencing only pure physical exercise.

Both Vedic sciences also advocate meditation for healing, and Ayurveda practitioners can avail of yoga benefits to attain peace of mind.

For optimal results and the ultimate healthy lifestyle, ayurveda and yoga should go hand in hand and be adapted to the individual. This is absolutely essential as the constitution will determine the manner in which they approach their practices.

*Photo credits: Omnos, Kerala Tourism, MyYogaOnline