We crave the very things that create imbalance, this is why knowing your Ayurveda type helps you choose the right yoga practice for you.
A Vata dominant person will crave cold and light foods. I met more Vata people who are raw foodists than any other dosha!
They will run away from routine and fight grounding. But, they’re also the ones who will crowd the vinyasa yoga classes and the faster the better!
None of these things are wrong, but they perpetuate instability and imbalance in the Vata Ayurveda type.
Knowing your Ayurveda Type can help you choose the right yoga practice!
Yoga is not just something you do, it’s a practice of self development.
“Yoga in its original intention is a science of spiritual development aiming at Self-realization, the discovery of our true nature.” Dr. David Frawley, Ayurveda and the Mind
Therefore, what good is a yoga practice that creates balance?
The best yoga practice for a Vata Ayurveda type is a grounding practice that keeps you in poses for longer periods of time like Forrest yoga or Iyengar yoga. And if you have a tendency to get anxious or be on the go go go, then you will benefit from a calming practice like Yin yoga. Most of all, make sure that the room is warm.
So what if you’re really attached to that vinyasa class?
Then you want to consider doing certain things after the class to counter-balance its effects. For example, take a warm caffeine-free rooibos tea with organic dairy or nut milk, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and raw sugar. Lay in shavasana for a longer period. Or practice Kaya Sthairyam, body steadiness meditation.
How about if you’re a Pitta Ayurveda type?
Ayurveda helps you choose the right yoga practice for you no matter what your Ayurveda type.
A Pitta type person will crave spicy and hot foods! The hotter the better! And they’re addicted to Hot Yoga!
Once again, none of these things are wrong, but they perpetuate inflammation and imbalance in the Pitta Ayurveda type.
The best yoga practice for a Pitta Ayurveda type is a cooling, light-hearted practice like Sivananda. The Pitta Ayurveda type will also benefit from a calming practice like Yin yoga.
So what if you’re really attached to that hot yoga class?
Then you want to consider doing things during and after class to counter-balance its effects. For example, make sure you drink room temperature dandelion root tea that is cooling and have plenty of ice packs to place around the neck and shoulders area. Take a cool shower and practice Satyananda Yoga Nidra to cool your mind. Do NOT go back to work and try to focus on anything!
What is the best yoga practice Ayurveda recommends for the Kapha type?
A Kapha person will crave heavy, dense foods. And they’re the ones who will choose the restorative class that requires little effort on their part! The slower, the better!
None of these things are wrong, but they maintain the sluggishness and imbalance in the Kapha Ayurveda type.
The best yoga practice for a Kapha Ayurveda type is a hot, aerobic class that keeps them moving and gets them sweating, like a hot yoga class or a hot vinyasa flow class.
So what if you’re really attached to that restorative class?
Then take it after the hot, aerobic yoga class. And while you’re taking the restorative class, drink a hot chai tea without the milk! Give yourself a dry brush massage before taking the class to get circulation going!
Understanding your Ayurveda type helps you choose the right yoga practice.
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