Ayurveda & Yoga Intro

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, we introduce the philosophical foundations of Ayurveda and its relationship to yoga.

Objective

Become familiar with the foundational theory and purpose of Ayurveda and how this relates to yoga.

Description

Provide the original source and definition of Ayurveda. Explain how the goals of Ayurveda and yoga are related and describe more about the link between Ayurveda and yoga. Describe Ayurveda philosophy and practice in a nutshell. Explain how the doshas are experienced when they’re in optimal balance. Describe how the theory of elements is related to Ayurveda and explain the role of each. Give examples of each element in the outer world and in the human body. Note how knowledge of Ayurveda can support yoga teachers.

Introduction

While we have endeavored to summarize and present Ayurvedic principles here, please note:

• The mind-body system is very complex, and so is Ayurveda.
• In India, Ayurvedic Practitioners are Doctors who study the Vedas in great detail. There are many schools dedicated to teaching Ayurveda and its healing and balancing practices.
• Most modern healing modalities have their roots in Ayurveda including Reiki, Acupuncture, Herbalism, Aromatherapy, Sound, Color, and Gem Therapies.

Here we offer a big picture perspective so that that you may be better prepared to offer support to students in becoming ever more balanced and aware of their wholeness.

• Ayurveda, often called the “sister science” of yoga, is an ancient healing system dating back 5,000 years.
• Ayurveda teaches that health is the balanced and dynamic integration between our environment, body, mind, and spirit.
• Ayurveda is derived from the Vedas (the Athara Veda in particular). The Vedas translate Ayurveda as “the science of life.”
• It is based on unchanging, immutable laws that govern the universe.
• Ayurveda aims not only to heal sickness but to prevent illness and promote the preservation of life.
• Self-realization — the goal of yoga — requires a healthy body-mind — the goal of Ayurveda.

See Also

• For a 12-minute video summary, see Introduction to Ayurveda by Dr. Raakhi Mohan, MD and Ayurvedic Practitioner.
• For a far more in-depth look at the relationship between Yoga and Ayurveda by the renowned expert, Dr. David Frawley, see Yoga and Ayurveda on the American Institute of Vedic Studies website.