Why I practice Yoga and Ayurveda; Side by side as they have been practiced for thousands of years
Ayurveda is the science of life and over the past decade, it has become my life. The journey into my personal yoga and meditation practice commenced at the age of 16, looking to learn something I wasn’t attaining from my small town high school in Alberta. Eager to travel at 18, I left my family and friends to live and study in Southeast Asia, Mexico, India and Costa Rica. Living out of a backpack while learning how to adapt to new cultures, languages and places; it has always been my yoga practice that has afforded my self confidence and stability. As I studied various styles of yoga, meditation, therapeutic and cleansing modalities, I was distinctly drawn towards any aspect that involved Ayurveda and a therapeutic approach to yoga. I decided I needed to delve deeper into this ancient wisdom that ultimately brought a clear understanding of myself and my life path.
Ayurveda is a living science, since it incorporates modern developments and techniques along with ancient wisdom and it provides effective tools for all to value. The basic concepts define that man is a microcosm of the macrocosm, there are twenty attributes or qualities harmonizing the entire universe and like increases like. Therefore imbalance is corrected using qualities that oppose the qualities pertaining to the dis-ease. Although the essence of this system of healing is prevention of disease and maintenance of immunity; when there is an imbalance or illness, the cure is realised by eliminating the root cause. Numerous effective remedies and techniques are utilized for this process of elimination, that bear no harmful side effects. With stress and disease on the rise, this 5,000 year old science of life is more relevant and useful today than ever before. It is both systemized knowledge and practical wisdom, an art of healthy living that encompasses all phases of life, body, mind and spirit.
Balance is accomplished with ease if one strives to understand and live in accordance to their unique constitution; the combination of the elements which makes up their psychobiological disposition. The constitution is composed of the ‘five great elements’ known in English as ether, air, fire, water and earth, which later form into the ‘three doshas’ or the three main psycho-physiological functional properties of the body. They are Vata (ether + air) Pitta (fire + water) and Kapha (water + earth) and they determine each individual’s constitution and maintain the integrity of the human body. Personal well-being means maintaining this unique proportion as conditions change. The delicate balance of the doshas in our mind-body system can change due to external and internal influences such as weather, dietary choices, fatigue, stress, emotional state, exercise or lack of it.
As a student of Ayurveda, I have tried and tested many of the theories on myself to understand the recommendations provided, as strange as some of the may seem. I have become versed with Ayurveda philosophy and clinical experience, providing me the honor to witness the glory of this holistic system and how it positively changes the lives of those who dare to explore and dedicate to its wisdom. It takes a little bit of time, discipline, study and self inquiry to understand and live by the foundation of Ayurveda, but once one integrates the concepts and recommendations offered into their daily life, they will wonder how they ever went without.
I have observed radical changes in individuals in all aspects of health, from physical to psychological to spiritual; I’ve even witnessed clients experience a great sense of well-being from only one Ayurveda treatment or from practicing an Ayurveda inspired yoga class, because it is executed in a very personalized therapeutic manner. In my personal experience I have found great relief from acneic skin, digestive issues such as gas, bloating and constipation, fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression to name a few. As I continue along my journey of self healing with Ayurveda, I enjoy a happy and balanced daily life, simply from remaining dedicated to my appropriate daily routine.
Five simple but effective Ayurvedic guidelines for everyone to apply in their daily life are as follows.
Rise early, close to 6am, which is the most sacred time of day.
After brushing your teeth, scrape your tongue with a stainless steel tongue scraper 7-14 times. Then drink a glass of warm water. This stimulates digestion and cleanses organs.
Give yourself a daily warm oil massage with an oil suited for you; sunflower oil is a good one for all doshas, this helps to soothe the nervous system and nourish your tissues and soul.
Find silence in the morning to set the tone for your day and in the evening to wind down. Meditate or take five minutes in silence and gratitude, practicing deep breathing.
Eat the largest meal when the Sun is at its highest point (midday) This is when the digestive capacity is greatest.
To learn more about Ayurveda and your unique constitution, don’t hesitate to contact me for any questions or concerns, an Ayurveda consultation or to register for my upcoming educational and rejuvenating Ayurveda and Yoga retreat in Guatemala.
