Exploring The Historical Connection Between Yoga and Ayurveda
Exploring The Historical Connection Between Yoga and Ayurveda
As you may know, the more you advance as a yoga teacher, the more opportunity you will have to explore the history of yoga. Exploring the rich history of yoga has great value as it will deepen your knowledge and improve your teaching ability as a yoga teacher.
In this blog, we will explore the origin, history, and commonalities between yoga and Ayurveda (or Āyurveda in IAST).
The Vedas
The Vedas are ancient religious texts that guided Hinduism centuries ago. Early teachings of the Vedas survived from mentor to student through oral storytelling. It wasn't until approximately 1500-500 BCE that the written Vedas came to be.
The Vedas are organized into four individual Vedas, Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Each Veda is further explored in four subsections:
· Samhitas (mantras and benedictions)
· Aranyakas (texts about rituals)
· Brahmanas (discussion of rituals)
· Upanishads (meditation, philosophy, spiritual knowledge)
From these ancient scriptures come yoga and Ayurveda.
The History of Yoga
While the Vedas are shruti (“the heard text”) yoga traditions appear later in The Bhagavad Gita as smriti (smṛti - “the remembered text”). The Bhagavad Gita (c. 200 BCE) recalls tales and conversations between Arjuna, a prince, and Krishna, his divine charioteer. The script defines yoga as: “balance, emotions, intellect, behaviors, and selfless actions.”
Similarly, Patanjali's Yoga Sutra documents yogic truths based on oral traditions passed from gods to sages. This text appears sometime between 500 BCE and AD 400.
The physical practice of asana as part of the yoga journey appears as early as the 11th century. The hatha yoga postures guide the nervous system into stillness, creating the foundation for meaningful meditation.
Modern yoga is rooted in both ancient scriptures and the movement of hatha yoga.
History of Ayurveda
Ayurveda as holistic medicine also grew in the time of the Vedas and is often dated as being about 5,000 years old. Medical knowledge passed from gods to sages to physicians and healers is documented in the Vedas, including much discussion about herbs and medicines.
Subsequent scripts describe Ayurveda as well. The Sushruta Samhita is another ancient text of medicine and surgery. Parts of this scholarly manuscript recommend exercise and study of the Vedas for healing. Ayurvedic practices survive the test of time, and as recently as 1970 were introduced into the Western world.
Principles of Ayurveda
The universe underscores the principles of Ayurveda, which expresses in the five elements of vayu (air), jala (water), ākash (ether), prithvi (earth), and teja (fire).
The three doshas of Ayurveda - vāta, pitta, and kapha - characterize a human's energies.
Vāta links to electrolytes, cellular balance, and elimination in the body. Vāta is associated with air and ether, with energy that resonates in the fall, and is described as flowing, dry, and light.
Pitta connects with thermoregulation, optic nerve function, and hunger and thirst. Pitta associates with the hot summer and includes fire, heat, and liquid (although this “liquid” is often overtaken by pitta’s fire).
Kapha associates with joints and anabolic body functions to build components of the human body. Spring is the time for Kapha energy, as it steadily awakens with softness and cold.
Commonalities between Yoga and Ayurveda
Yoga and Ayurveda grew from the Vedas, based on centuries-old storytelling and knowledge. Their similarities and parallel paths overlap, and it is said that Ayurveda is the field of study and science, while Yoga applies the principles and teachings.
They share the common denominator of seeking a balance between mental and physical health to improve life and prevent disease. Yoga and Ayurveda are holistic approaches to health via movement, diet, breathing, meditation, and rituals.
Complementary factors and applying ancient teachings to modern-day practices
As a yoga teacher or yoga therapist, you can use this knowledge to address today's stressors with ancient teachings. Creating unique and appropriate yoga classes for students starts with understanding their doshas and any areas of imbalances. Pay attention to the season, the temperature, and any specific ailments a student may have.
For strong Pitta types, create flows that are cool, gentle, and soothing. For strong Vāta students, focus on slow components of the practice while emphasizing pranayama (prāṇāyāma– IAST). For strong Kapha types, create vigor and energy with challenging exercise. An individualized approach allows the body to find freedom in the asana, creating an ideal meditative state.
Pairing Ayurvedic principles with appropriate asana provides coping tools for mental health while supporting the body's physical health. Let the diagnostic features of Ayurveda work together with the therapeutic movement of Yoga!
Consider incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your yoga teaching with an accredited 100-hour Ayurvedic Yoga Training available online
Consider broadening your continuing education into the time-honored tradition of Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga. The partnership of the two addresses the body, mind, and spirit holistically and appropriately.
Ayurvedic guidelines can help you serve your students' current balance. Paired with Chakra theory to understand their bodies and Kosha theory to understand their minds, you will accurately recognize your students' needs. Apply specific asana in your classes to create the balances that each individual needs. Then your yoga guidance will be most effective and kind.
If this interests you, consider enrolling in Prema Yoga Institute’s 100-hour Ayurvedic Yoga Training, which is now available 100% online. This accredited training can go towards a Yoga Alliance 300-hour Yoga Teacher Certificate.
Prema Yoga Institute, which is longer limited to New York City, is now available online with interactive trainings through 2022. PYI is an accredited program based in New York city, teaching students around the globe through online classes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you advance your yoga practice and teaching!
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