Why Yoga and Ayurveda?

Maybe you’ve heard that Ayurveda is Yoga’s sister science? Yoga and Ayurveda developed around the same time in the Indian Subcontinent and have often influenced one another throughout history — we see elements of the tradition of Yoga in the Ayurvedic system, and elements of Ayurveda in the Yogic system. Both Yoga and Ayurveda share their philosophical roots with the Samkhya philosophy and its theory of the evolution of matter into consciousness.

Ayurveda is the science of Self-Healing. Yoga is the science of Self-Realization. Together they are a complete system to cultivate optimal health, wellbeing and higher awareness. Yoga and Ayurveda share the common goal of uncovering the Truth of who we really are.

In 2018 it was estimated that 36 million American’s practice yoga, and that number is growing annually. Yoga classes are easily accessible at local yoga studios and gyms, on-line, and via podcast. Ask almost anyone in America and they know what yoga is.

While Ayurveda may not share the same fame that its sister does, Ayurveda is growing in popularity in its own right as an alternative, natural health modality. Most health food stores sell Ayurvedic herbs, and the Ayurvedic constitutions known as doshas are commonly known in holistic health circles. But, healing through diet and herbs is only PART of the system. For either system to be complete both systems should be practiced together. The yoga sutra do tell us, after all, that the body and mind are intimately entwined. For one to work optimally the other must work optimally as well.

Over the years I’ve incorporated more knowledge of Ayurveda into my personal yoga practice, carefully studying the Ayurvedic effects of certain yoga postures and techniques, noting how practicing at certain times of day imparts a different quality, and using the knowledge of Ayurveda to better understand myself to make my yoga more beneficial.

After 12 years of teaching group yoga classes and seeing how yoga has transformed my student’s lives I’m ready to help YOU incorporate Ayurveda into your personal practice so you can customize your yoga for the most physical, mental, and spiritual benefit.

Together we can build your knowledge and understanding of yourself so you can live your happiest, healthiest, most vibrant life. Yoga and Ayurveda put YOU in charge of your health and wellbeing.

Over the next few months I’ll be sharing some practical information and tips about Yoga and Ayurveda as I complete my training to be a certified Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist. I’m honored that you are joining me on this journey and I look forward to helping you support your health.