Ayurveda and Yoga

Ayurveda and Yoga – why is it known as Yoga’s sister science?

Ayurveda is widely regarded as the sister science of Yoga. It is an ancient Indian healing system that emerged thousands of years ago and remains relevant in modern life. Its approach to healthcare is holistic, taking into account every part of a person’s day-to-day living, with particular emphasis on diet. It brings together therapies, remedies, food, and physical practice.

Ayurveda is also described as a science of longevity. Its scope is broad and far-reaching, and it teaches that beauty arises as a natural by-product of robust health.

These teachings have endured through time and offer extensive guidance on living in balance-physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally-so that each person is supported in reaching their full potential.

Ayur/Ayus translates to life or lifespan

Veda – knowledge or science

The purpose of this system is to help prevent illness and dis-ease. Ayurveda offers both preventative strategies and curative methods aimed at achieving optimal health. It holds that all matter carries energetic vibrations, which may be high or low, healthy or unhealthy, strong or weak. The intention is either to elevate the energetic quality of an affected area or to sustain equilibrium to support perfect health.

Ayurveda and Yoga are closely linked: Ayurveda uses Yoga therapeutically, and Yoga is Ayurvedic in both theory and practice. A central idea in both is that everything in the universe is interconnected. Human beings contain the same elements found throughout nature. A healthy mind supports a healthy body, and a healthy body supports a healthy mind. When there are disturbances-physical, emotional, spiritual, or any combination-dis-ease can arise.

Every person is understood to have their own distinct constitution, encompassing physical and psychological traits as well as bodily functions.

The Doshas in Ayurveda and Yoga

Universal intelligence is said to steer life through three primary life forces known as doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These forces influence everything that occurs within body and mind. Each individual expresses a unique mix of all three doshas. The doshas themselves are derived from five foundational elements.

According to Ayurveda, everything we perceive is composed of these five elements: Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.

Earth is formed from water, and water has its origin in fire. Fire cannot exist without air, and air arises through the condensation of space. Space alone is not dependent upon any other element or condition. Space is considered essential for existence.

Human beings engage with these five elements through the five senses: hearing, touch, sight, taste, and smell.

Characteristics of the elements

Space

• Present everywhere
  
• Cold
  
• Cannot be trapped or controlled
  
• Without it, we would cling together
  
• Separates objects
  
• Sound/ears
  

Air

• Condensation of space
  
• Because it moves, it is more noticeable than space
  
• Consider clouds shaping forms across the sky
  
• Can be hot/sticky
  
• Has a drying quality
  
• A fan can shift air
  
• A draught can feel cool
  
• When imbalanced or extreme – tornadoes, hurricanes
  
• Body – bloating, lung disorders, dry skin, a restless mind
  
• Skin/touch
  

Fire

• Its greatest natural expression is the sun
  
• Provides light in darkness
  
• Powers visual and intellectual capacities
  
• Can change matter or circumstances (e.g. a sun tan; raw food becoming cooked)
  
• AGNI – digestive fire
  
• When imbalanced – heatwaves, destructive fires
  
• Body – inflammatory diseases, fever, aggression, heated emotions
  
• Eyes/sight
  

Water

• Purifying, cleansing
  
• Cooling
  
• Easily absorbed
  
• We cannot survive long without it
  
• The body is 80% water
  
• When imbalanced – floods, tsunamis
  
• Body – water retention, kidney failure, fluid on the lungs
  
• Mouth/tongue/taste
  

Earth

• Hills
  
• Mountains
  
• Vegetation
  
• Heavy and stable
  
• Sun and rain interact with earth
  
• When imbalanced – landslides, earthquakes
  
• Body – bones, hair, teeth; brittleness; split ends
  
• Smell/nose
  

The Doshas in relation to the elements

Vata – space and air
Pitta – fire and water
Kapha – water and earth

Vata Dosha (air or movement: restless)

Because Vata is formed from space and air, it functions like wind within the body. When you consider the body’s hollow spaces-such as bones, veins, and arteries-these are understood to be governed by the Vata dosha.

As air must circulate, Vata oversees all forms of movement: breathing, blood flow, circulation, the delivery of nutrients, and the removal of cellular waste. It is also central to the nervous system.

Characteristics of Vata type - Cold – aversion to cold
- Dry – skin/constipation
- Light – lean body type
- Quick – quick to grasp new concepts but quick to forget
- Rough – skin, cracking joints, cracked heels
- Subtle – subtle twitching
- Mobile – restless, needs physical activity
- Astringent
- Blackish
- Tendency towards anxiety
- Tendency towards light and interrupted sleep

Pitta Dosha (fire or transformation: fiery)

Pitta is composed chiefly of fire with a smaller contribution from water. As warmth rises within the body, metabolic activity increases. Pitta’s primary role is transforming food into nourishment and energy.

Digestive organs are regarded as part of the pitta domain. The liver and pancreas, for instance, work alongside the digestive system. All metabolic processes are associated with Pitta, particularly those related to the endocrine system. Pitta is also responsible for producing red blood cells. The creation and function of haemoglobin depends on heat. The spleen then filters and repairs red blood cells, either returning them to circulation or removing and breaking them down.

Pitta also manages body temperature. Sweating is another pitta function, switching on the body’s cooling mechanism through an ideal blend of fire and water. It is also notable that Ayurvedic medicine speaks of “digesting” in a wide sense-digesting thoughts, visualisation, and external stimuli as well.

Characteristics of Pitta Dosha - Heat – aversion to heat
- Oily – skin
- Fluid – adaptable
- Sharp – sharp facial features, sharp memory, intelligent
- Hunger – can’t skip meals
- Thirst – prefers cold food and drink
- Courage
- Quick-tempered and tendency towards irritability
- Moderate build
- Sweating
- Digestion and metabolism
- Liver, spleen, pancreas

Kapha Dosha (earth or structure: calm)

Kapha is made from the water and earth elements, the two heaviest qualities. It provides cohesion and structure by binding tissues through the combined action of water and earth. Kapha helps keep the body moist and compact.

Because water is present, Kapha expresses gentleness, flow, and flexibility. Bodily functions linked to fluids are ruled by Kapha, including plasma and the immune system. Other examples of bodily fluids include synovial fluid, pericardial fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid.

As the lymphatic system is closely tied to the body’s defence, lymph nodes and glands are also associated with Kapha.

Kapha is often wrongly assumed to be merely slow or inactive; in reality, it underpins and safeguards all organs. It supports growth, nutrition, and nourishment, as well as reproductive tissues and organs. Body fat and muscle are likewise functions of Kapha dosha.

Characteristics of Kapha - Solid, heavier build
- Heaviness – voice, build, bones and muscles
- Coolness – cold skin, tendency to bouts of colds, slow metabolism
- Softness – soft skin, kind and caring attitude
- Oiliness – oily skin, hair and nails; flexible and mobile joints
- Sweetness – sweet cravings
- Stability – patient and relaxed nature, slow to become excited or irritated
- Sleep is heavy and long
- Hair is plentiful and thick
- Strong – physicality and immune system

Balance of Doshas

A central principle shared by Hatha Yoga and Ayurvedic medicine is balance: balance between the left and right sides of the body, balance within the brain and nervous system, and balance between opposites throughout the whole system.

The doshas are continuously active within both the physical body and the subtle body. When the doshas are balanced, the elements are also understood to be in harmony. Dosha balance is not fixed; it shifts continually. Repeating cycles influence these changes, such as daily rhythms and the cycle across a 12-month year.

Diet and lifestyle habits can be adjusted according to whichever dosha is most prevalent. Stability of the doshas is supported by using the senses wisely, applying the intellect appropriately, and aligning habits with the recommended times of day, seasons, and stages of life.

When a dosha becomes imbalanced, Ayurveda applies the principle of opposites. For instance, if Pitta is excessive-such as with a high fever-cooling measures are recommended to settle the heat. Likewise, if the skin becomes very dry, oils or moisturisers are applied.

Put simply: like increases like, while opposites restore balance. This approach can be used in both diet and lifestyle.

The main ten pairs of opposites in Ayurveda Heavy ⇔ Light
Dull ⇔ Sharp
Cold ⇔ Hot
Oily ⇔ Dry
Smooth ⇔ Rough
Dense ⇔ Porous
Soft ⇔ Hard
Static ⇔ Mobile
Cloudy ⇔ Clear
Solid ⇔ Liquid

Potential symptoms when Doshas are out of balance

Vata Dosha imbalances - Dryness of skin, hair, ears, lips, joints
- Dryness internally – bloating, gas, constipation, dehydration, weight loss
- Dryness and lightness of the mind – restlessness, dizziness, feeling ungrounded
- Cold – poor circulation, muscle spasm or constriction, asthma, pain and aches, tightness
- Roughness, especially skin and lips
- Excessive movement – anxiety, fidgeting, agitation, muscle twitching, palpitations

Pitta Dosha imbalances - Red skin or irritated rosacea
- Burning, bloodshot eyes
- Indigestion, heartburn or acid reflux
- Loose stools or diarrhoea
- Inflammation
- Painful menstrual cramps

Kapha Dosha imbalances - Cold symptoms (e.g. cough, congestion, post-nasal drip)
- Seasonal allergies
- A heavy feeling in the stomach
- Sluggish digestion
- Lack of appetite
- Weight gain
- Water retention, swelling and puffiness
- Lethargy, depression, lack of motivation

The Three Gunas

The three gunas are referenced in the Bhagavad Gita, though the idea originates in Samkhya philosophy. These three gunas have always existed and will continue to exist. They are foundational to Ayurvedic psychology and are generally understood to influence the workings of the mind.

By contrast, the doshas are said to govern the physical body. The gunas are also known as the qualities of Prakriti (nature).

The three gunas are called 1. Sattva – goodness, constructive, harmonious, associated to Pitta
2. Rajas – passion, active, confused, associated to Vata
3. Tamas – darkness, inertia, chaotic, associated to Kapha

Healthy mental and spiritual development is supported by keeping the gunas in balance. Progressing from tamas to rajas and then to sattva is seen as a sign of spiritual growth. Ayurveda tends to prioritise balancing the doshas.

Yoga can complement this by bringing the gunas into balance. The gunas naturally fluctuate, and they depend on one another in the same way that the three doshas do.

An Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle can build a strong physical and mental foundation that supports the Yogic path. Yoga is said to strengthen one’s ability to ease mental dis-ease and stress, and to open the possibility of reaching higher states of being.

This is why Ayurveda is often referred to as a sister science of Yoga.