Did you know that Yoga is a sister science to another ancient science from the Vedic scriptures?
Did you know that Yoga (along with its sister science) are the longest, continuously practiced sciences, sustained for the past 5,000+ years?
Did you know that Yoga (and its sister science) have always been meant to be studied and practiced one to one for its greatest effect for the individual?
For many, here in the West, we are familiar with one particular form of Yoga – the movement practice. It has so beautifully swept cultures and nations all over the world for its capacity to connect people with community, like minds and deeper within themselves. We have seen the introduction of various movement styles within Yoga to include Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative and Yin Yoga. And in recent years, we are learning more about the incredible effects that both the movement and mindfulness practices have on our mind, body and nervous systems.
However, its important to note that Yoga is much more than just movement. It is a full system that meets the individual where they are, in order to bring balance and unite the various bodies – physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual. Throughout this profound practice, healing is occurring on every level.
History, science, reason and purpose, all back this popular system of practices that has come to the West. But what is humbling to remember is that Yoga and its sister science, Ayurveda are the longest and continuously practiced, complete sciences, upholding wisdom for the past 5,000+ years. One of the greatest reasons for this, is that these sciences are holistic in nature, understanding the living being to have a complex inter-connection between the mind, body, emotions, senses and energy.
And so why are these two sciences considered ‘sisters’? It is said that Yogis understood that it would take time to reach the “goal” of enlightenment. And thus, their bodies needed to be healthy in order to age. The ancient science of life – Ayurveda provides the intelligence to keep the various bodies (mind, body, energy, spirit) healthy and well. It addresses how to live in accordance with nature, and return to the basic rhythms of life. As part of the lifestyle for balancing and healing, Ayurveda leverages the many practices within the Yogic system, to include the appropriate Asana (movement), Pranayama (breath work), Introspective Practices (mindfulness, meditation, Yoga Nidra, reflection), Kriyas (cleansing practices), Mantra (sound healing) and more in order to bring the individual’s whole self back to balance.
There is a saying in Ayurveda that “nothing is right for everyone, everything is right for someone.”
And this is the the key for how these two science systems create powerful change. The deep wisdom that each individual is facing their own requirements for balance, means that the daily lifestyles will shift for the individual. There is no one size fits all, which is quite different than the modern day approach to health & healing, where we see access to too much information and not enough context.
When you take an Ayu-Yoga class, you will be cared for by a teacher that has considered the season, time of day, who is in the room (age and general constitution), and cultivates a space and practice that is right for them. When you work with an Ayurvedic Practitioner and Yoga Therapist, you take your healing journey one step further by getting individualized lifestyle protocols specific to YOU, to bring harmony to your imbalances.
When we approach our practice from this purposeful and meaningful insight, it illuminates the wisdom within us on a cellular level, which brings harmony to our physical and mental health, and reconnects to the greater source beyond us — an incredibly profound experience beyond any movement or exercise regime. Join our free Digital Discovery Program for weekly tips on how to start introducing Ayurveda into your Yoga practice.
To really deepen your practice, join our Founder & Head Holistic Health Practitioner, Karen, on November 27th for a 2hr Workshop: Deepening Your Yoga Asana Practice for Greater Holistic Health. She will create the space to explore the Asana practice from the lens of Ayurveda, and create the appropriate holistic protocols for you to integrate into your daily practice.
Karen will also be hosting a free Instagram Live event on Thursday, November 10th @ 12pm EST to explain what the workshop will cover in more detail and why approaching your Yoga practice with the support of Ayurveda can be so transformational to your overall health.