YOGA AND AYURVEDA

The word Yoga means ‘yug annena ithi yoga’ - one, which unites you. This can be to unite your body and mind or unite the universal self with the individual self or unification of indriya (sense organ) with mind or unification of jeevathma with paramathma. Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary in as much as, both spring from the same well of concern for human health and well-being. Though, while Ayurveda is more restricted to the body – and, to a certain extent the mind – Yoga extends to the emotions and Spirit as well.

Yoga and Ayurveda have a lot of good advice to offer us in terms of nutrition and well-being. Both yoga and Ayurveda are holistic, natural systems of healing rooted in the Veda’s. Both consider prevention better than cure and diet and nutrition vital to prevention of disease and ill health.

In Yoga and Ayurveda, all disease, misery and agony, are the result of dissonance and imbalance in the body. Hence both Ayurvedic therapies aim is to treat by restoring balance in a bid to prevent and cure disease. Besides Yoga and Ayurveda therapies aim at getting rid of toxins from the body and calming the senses thus improving overall physical and mental well-being.

Yoga and Ayurveda are two paths intertwined in such a close relationship that it is hard to imagine traveling down one of these paths without knowledge of the other. Ayurveda, which means "knowledge of life", is the ancient art and science of keeping the body and mind balanced and healthy. Yoga is the ancient art and science of preparing the body and mind for the eventual liberation and enlightenment of the soul.

Both yoga and Ayurveda spring from the ancient Sanskrit texts called the Vedas. According to Vedic scholar David Frawley, "Yoga is the practical side of the Vedic teachings, while Ayurveda is the healing side." In practice, both paths overlap.

Benefits of Yoga

Yoga works on the body, mind and soul and is part of an entire philosophical system. The ultimate aim of which is enlightenment and union with our own higher place.

Yoga creates an opportunity for people to go within themselves to explore their needs and behaviour; it also encourages communication and self-acceptance. As everybody has their different levels of strengths and weaknesses, yoga has various styles to accommodate each person. The practise of yoga makes the body strong and flexible; it also improves the functioning of the respiratory, circulatory, digestive and hormonal systems. Yoga brings about emotional stability and clarity of mind.