How do Yoga and Ayurveda compliment each other?

By:  Jenny Griffith

The fifth philosophy of Ayurveda is Yoga. It is important to understand that both systems are separate but related healing forms from India. Yoga overlaps into Ayurveda on various levels. Yoga means “union”-the union of the lower self with the higher self. It was formed through the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali- one of the six systems of Vedic Philosophy (shad darshanas). Ayurveda has accepted Pantanjalis organized yogic discipline through his Sutras for healing purposes. These sub yogic categories prescribed are; asana, meditation, and pranayama.

Ayurveda is one of the four Upavedas or secondary vedic teachings. These Upavedas apply vedic knowledge for the quest of wholeness and liberation. Yoga connects with Ayurveda because it outlines the principles for developing the meditative mind that is the basis of all vedic knowledge.

Ayurveda recommends that one of the best forms of exercise is asana, which is the physical practice of yoga. Exercise is important for circulation in the body every day. Yoga is recommended because you exercise at half your capacity, (unless you’re doing hot yoga which is not recommended) just until sweat comes to the forehead, under the armpits and along the vertebral column. Yoga only uses half the energy necessary for maintenance of physiological functions of vital organs like the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver. Vigorous exercise beyond your capacity may lead to dehydration and can cause constipation. A regular yoga practice is better for the Shleshaka kapha. This is a thick, sticky, liquid oil that is present all over the body and especially in-between the joints. It is important to be gentle physically on your joints because it can aggravate the Shleshaka kapha, leading to arthritis or sciatica.

Asana can be an adjunct for physical therapy for the treatment of diseases that may be prescribed by an Ayurveda practitioner. The yoga asana is a way of bringing awareness into action in a certain position. You learn how to control the mind by stilling the mind, so that perception becomes the self. Yoga brings attention to yourself so you can find value in yourself. Certain poses are names of animals, flowers, structures (lotus, lion, and staff) When you put yourself in these postures you can become these things and there is a communication between the mind, body, and consciousness. Every asana has “siddhi” which creates biochemical changes in the body. It is very important to reintegrate asana and Ayurveda in order to bring out the full healing and spiritual potential in each person.

Meditation is one of the 8 limbs of yoga. Meditation is essential in prescribing a health regimen for clients. Meditation empties the content in the brain, creating space and consciousness that is necessary to live a pure life. With a daily meditation practice you can become aware and let love be the answer. In an effortless state of meditation, the para ojas becomes active. When this happens you realize your true nature, which is PEACE AND LOVE. In Ayurveda this para ojas becomes the soma, which releases molecules of bliss throughout the body and throughout your day.

Pranayama is also one of the 8 limbs of yoga. Pranayama is essential to control prana (our energy life force). Different breathing techniques are prescribed depending on your metabolic constitution. For instance, Kapal Bhati breathing helps to improve alertness, concentration, strengthens muscles and helps burn calories. So it is most beneficial for Kaphas who are more on the lazy side. Nadi Shodhana can benefit all constitutions (tri-doshic) and is stimulating and calming.

We must bring yoga into Ayurveda to add a spiritual and physical dimension to Ayurvedic treatments. Ayurveda prescribes the daily regimen and health guidelines for an optimal yogic practice. Yoga provides the spiritual basis to receive the optimal benefits for an Ayurvedic practice. When practicing a daily regimen of cleansing, meditation, pranayama, vedic diet, and asana on a routine schedule in congruence with the sun, moon and cosmic force you will see how Yoga and Ayurveda go hand in hand.

Coconut Nectar Sweet Potato Oats
-2 cups of quick oats
-4 cups of H20
-1 Tbsp cinnamon
-1 Tsp nutmeg
-1 Tsp ginger powder
-1/4 Tbsp chai spice
-1/tbsp salt
-1 cup of cooked sweet potato
-1/4 cup of coconut nectar syrup
1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds
-1/4 Tbsp chia seeds
Mix all ingredients together and cook of medium in pot for 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle with chia and pumpkin seeds!:) yum yum.

Bulldog Yoga

 

 Alumni Spotlight: Emily Maehler

 By: Jenny Griffith

           

             Yoga is for everyone and everybody, at least that is what Emily Maehler is preaching. Emily took her first yoga class in 1998 as an undergrad at the University of Utah. Fifteen years later she enrolled in the 200-Hour Summer Intensive Teacher Training at Prana Yoga Center. She is a full time English teacher at Ramona High School, as well as a wife and Mom of two kids! But within this past year she began to find her niche in the yoga world.

She also teaches the Ramona High School Football team’s yoga class. She leads the Bulldogs in a morning yoga class that is a new element to their training regimen. Emily presented the idea of a yoga class to the head coach, Damon Baldwin. He was all for it when Emily explained that his athletes will improve strength, flexibility, and help prevent injuries.

    She teaches the classes one day a week during the summer training. She leads the varsity, junior varsity, and coaches in a one-hour class every Thursday morning.

    The players claim that the yoga leaves them energized and feeling really good. The players quickly realized that yoga was a lot harder than they thought. They came to appreciate the practice and found how amazing it was for their tight bodies.

    The program became so successful that they asked Emily to become an official member of the football training program and asked her to teach a class every Saturday morning during the season as well. The team replaces the regular lifting class with yoga to help their muscles recover after games. Emily wants the players to get a handle on the poses and then start to work in the mental and spiritual benefits of the practice as well.

Her next goal is to add some prana to her regular school day in a PE yoga class! Emily will continue teaching the football teams post-game recovery classes on Saturdays. She also teaches a class that is open to the public Thursday evenings at 6:15 at Crossfit Brand X in Ramona as well. We are happy to showcase Emily as one of our students and her success in her yoga career.