Doing yoga regularly is crucial since it increases stamina, strengthens the immune system, and wards off numerous illnesses and health issues. It aids in weight regulation and keeping our joints lubricated. Initiating an internal metabolic fire, or 'Agni,' which maintains the paths of our body moving effortlessly, aids detoxification. Consequently, this enhances the removal of toxic substances and waste, keeps our tissues hydrated, and boosts our circulation and digestion. Muscles grow and stay strong through exercise, which also improves our mood, mental acuity, and focus. It helps us relax more easily, boosts our confidence, and gets us a better night's rest. There is an importance of yoga in Ayurveda.
Plus, that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of exercising regularly. There are a plethora of additional advantages.
Most of us aren't as active and fit as we should be because of the stresses of modern life. That is a major factor contributing to the increasing global illness epidemic caused by viruses like COVID-19.
There is a strong "all or nothing" mentality when it comes to physical fitness in the West. We're taught that in order to succeed, we must first "feel the burn," and "no pain" means "no gain." Everyone seems to agree that working out is pointless if it isn't challenging enough. This explains why a lot of people either don't exercise at all or begin to exercise excessively, only to quit after a short while due to the sheer intensity.
Ayurvedic exercise is approached in a completely distinct way. When it comes to exercise, Ayurveda recommends being consistent, exercising in moderation, and finding a sport that both motivates you and works well with your body. Working out shouldn't feel like work. All four of these qualities—strength, stability, vitality, and energy—should be present. We should be challenged, yet not to the point that we hate or hurt ourselves trying to complete it. Maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit through exercise is central to Ayurveda, as is every other facet of the practice. Because of our differences, the kind of physical activity that works for some may not be for others. It could potentially have negative consequences.
To be healthy, according to Ayurveda, one must keep one's body, mind, and conscience in harmony. Physical and mental strains, issues at the workplace and in relationships, and even shifts in seasons and the environment are just a few of the innumerable things that could throw us off our equilibrium at any moment. Ideally, we should be aware of how everything else interacts with one another in our lives and bodies so that we can maintain our doshas and preserve the natural order. The most beneficial exercise for you will be the one that calms your dominant dosha, but moving your body is still essential.
Now, we will simply highlight two Ayurvedic concepts that are beneficial to adhere to regardless of the type of exercise you select.
As a rule, Ayurveda says to exercise at half your maximum effort. When you feel a slight sweat forming on your nose, underarms, or forehead and find it harder to breathe with your nose, it's a solid sign that you've hit that stage. (As an aside, if you want to be sure you're working out at the correct intensity, try inhaling through your nose.) It may be difficult at first, but as you get into the routine, you'll quickly develop a tolerance and can train for longer and harder sessions.
According to Ayurveda, everyone should exercise between the 6th and 10th hours of the morning and the 6th and 10th hours of the evening, depending on their dosha type. When Kapha is in the ascendant, the weighty, earthy energy of earth and water itself works against the buoyant, mobile sensations that exercise provides. If we exercise at these times, we won't feel as sluggish, our minds will be clearer, and our overall health will be better.
Yoga and Ayurveda are complementary disciplines. "Ayurveda" signifies "lifespan" in Sanskrit, while "Yoga" means "union" or "joining or connecting" in the same language. To rephrase, the goal of both Ayurveda and Yoga is to improve health by harmonizing the individual's mental, physical, and spiritual selves. Their beginnings and ends are identical. As a way of life, yoga seeks to alleviate inner suffering, in contrast to Ayurveda's focus on health and illness prevention. Asanas (physical postures) and ayurveda principles have traditionally been taught together in traditional yoga institutions because of the close relationship between the two disciplines and the vital energy of life known as prana. When put together, they provide a comprehensive framework for bettering oneself, exercising self-control, and restoring one's natural state. Ayurvedic practices guarantee the body is cleansed, so amais are less likely to return, while daily yoga practice helps to eliminate ama (toxins) from the body.
Due to its rejuvenating effects, stress-relieving properties, increased blood flow, and enhanced digestion, yoga is an ideal practice for Ayurveda. It fortifies the entire body, restores harmony to the three doshas, and aids in the purification of the internal organs. Various yoga postures have varying effects on the doshas, even within the same practice. According to Ayurveda, in order to maintain a balanced and healthy mental and physical state, some people develop a personalized yoga sequence.
Breathing exercises, Ayurveda, and Yoga. The yamas & niyamas are two of the eight branches of yoga.
Various physical postures called asanas
Breathing exercises called pranayama
Practicing sensory withdrawal or pratyahara
Concentration or focus called Dharana
Meditation or dhyana
Bliss or being 'at one' with the universe = samadhi
Because breathing is fundamental to our own being, pranayama is relevant to each of them. Practicing pranayama allows us to regulate the rhythm of our breathing, which in turn influences all of our mental and emotional states. Our interior organs feel massaged and soothed as a result. Because of this, pranayama, or "breath awareness," is fundamental to all yoga traditions, and you should make the most of each yoga session by focusing on your breath. A calm mind is the result of regular breathing, according to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
Pranayama is an integral part of yoga, but it also helps those suffering from anxiety, panic illnesses, depressive disorders and other mental health issues. This method of purifying the air we breathe in and out might help us feel better physically and mentally.
Incorporating yoga into your Ayurvedic routine is something we wholeheartedly endorse. They provide a holistic system of health for the body, mind, and spirit when practiced combined every day, and we don't think anything else on this planet can compare. To put it simply, it is life-altering, spiritual, and comprehensive. We will definitely revisit this topic in future posts.
