How Do Ayurveda & Yoga Intertwine?
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Ayurveda has been developed over 4000+ years and is the oldest system of natural medicine in the world. In combination with yoga, Ayurveda is a powerful remedy.
Both originating from the Indian culture, Yoga and Ayurveda are both traditional disciplines but target different wellness dimensions. Ayurveda is a science of life (Ayur = life, veda = science or knowledge) with its origins in the Indian subcontinent.
Ayurveda views the human in a holistic sense and prescribes health remedies, practices and procedures primarily in relation to sustainable lifestyle changes. Ayurveda and yoga go hand in hand. Therapies are typically based on dietary changes, herbal compounds, and techniques of purification, including massage, herbal steams and body wraps, colonic cleanses and deep rest.
While both yoga and Ayurveda focus on improving both the mental and the physical aspects of their practitioners, Ayurveda is leaning more towards the physical while yoga leans towards the mental and spiritual.
This is true especially of the more authentic yoga forms taught by Eastern practitioners and less true for the Westernized forms of yoga which focus more on movement. Learn more from these two main disciplines on an Ayurveda and yoga retreat in India.
What is the Ayurveda approach?
Ayurveda is a science of folk medicine founded millennia ago. According to historical sources, its roots can be traced to the Indian subcontinent to over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda retreats and resorts are plentiful across India, particularly in Kerala, where the practice is well developed and many top practitioners are based.
An Ayurveda retreat will typically begin with a careful evaluation of your body type based on the system of Three Doshas. This will determine the diet you’ll be prescribed to follow, as well as the treatments you are advised to take.
Many of these treatments are most pleasurable, particularly the Shirodhara massage therapy whereby a massage session ends with warm aromatic oils being gently poured over your forehead as you recline in complete relaxation.
Traditionally, Ayurveda has been used especially for crafting herbal remedies and administering folk medicine practices. A healthy diet was also among the teachings developed and offered by Ayurveda, together with the preference for vegetarian options.
There is also a strong emphasis on philosophic principles such as the 5 elements and the human energies that correspond to each of them. Illness or disease is usually viewed as an imbalance between the elements, which can be remedied by encouraging the type of energy that is under-represented, so balance can be restored.
In time, of course, Ayurveda blended with other traditional practices from the subcontinent, especially with yoga.
Nowadays, Ayurveda is more about the use of teas, spices, a few recipe ideas for snacks or natural supplements, and the use of essential oils and fragrances. Turmeric and frankincense are two of the most popular Ayurvedic remedies known far and wide.
How is the yoga approach different?
Yoga evolved to address the realm of natural remedies less, but to focus more on self-work towards a healthy body and mind. Yoga does not rely on natural remedies, but on movement (asanas) and meditation instead.
While there are lots of different types of yoga being practiced, some very old and some of the newer variety, there are proven benefits to practicing yoga, regardless of the style.
The two main pillars of the practice of yoga are asanas (practicing yoga poses) and meditation (for stilling the mind and teaching the body better breathing techniques).
The theory of yoga also teaches philosophical principles on how to lead a good life and how to better yourself. In this regard (life principles and advice), yoga and Ayurveda blend even more tightly together.
How do Ayurveda and yoga intertwine?
The popularity that yoga gained in the Western world is well-known since many Westerners choose it as their form of preferred exercise.
Ayurveda enjoys some popularity as well, especially among people with a penchant for alternative medicine. While yoga is regarded as something you do, Ayurveda is considered a complement to it in regards to dietary supplements, aromatherapy, and teas.
As for how effective these two practices are when mixed, there isn’t a lot of research yet to prove or disprove their health claims. Still, there is one ground-breaking study that shows how the combination of yoga and Ayurveda can stave off cardiovascular disease.
The blend of these two traditional disciplines is, of course, not meant to treat diseases, but to preserve your health. It’s like a preventative therapeutic life regime that allows you to be in your best shape for longer.
Also, one of the modern perks of Ayurveda is the fact that it includes massages, especially as part of a specialized retreat. You shouldn’t be surprised to see Ayurveda mentioned in some of the world’s most luxurious spa centers. All the more reason to indulge in a fantastic yoga and Ayurveda journey away from the world!
Note: BookYogaRetreats offers a flexible cancellation policy. Should you not be able to travel as scheduled, we’d be happy to help you alter your booking with the same organizer or with a different organizer.
Top Ayurveda yoga retreats in India to indulge in
If you’d like to learn more about how you can combine yoga and Ayurveda in your everyday life, and also indulge in a pampering experience, it’s never been easier. A specialized yoga and Ayurveda vacation is just what you need.
While we can facilitate your access to hundreds such havens, here a few of our favorites:
5-Day All-Inclusive Ayurveda Rejuvenation Retreat in Rishikesh
Are you looking for a shorter stay, just to relax a bit and dip your feet in all the goodness of Ayurvedic yoga?
This 5-day retreat in Rishikesh is the ideal place to start. Nature walks, mountain treks, village tours, mouthwatering vegetarian food, and serene and panoramic views will make for the best 5 vacation days you’ll ever spend.
You’ll also get to practice yoga each morning, join guided meditation sessions, learn how to cook Ayurvedic meals, and more.
7-Day Ayurveda Detox, Meditation, and Yoga Retreat in Goa
In this yoga, meditation and Ayurveda retreat in Goa, you’ll get amazing detox treatments combined with daily yoga and meditation to refresh your mind and body.
During this retreat, you’ll have the guidance of a professional yoga instructor and the supervision of an Ayurvedic doctor for detoxing your body using the Basti method.
The program includes 6 nights of accommodation, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily yoga and meditation classes, consultations with an Ayurvedic doctor and a massage as per doctor’s recommendation.
14-Day Yoga and Ayurveda Course in Rishikesh, India
This yoga & Ayurveda retreat aims to guide practitioners to reveal their deeper layers of the mind and cultivate a harmonious lifestyle.
During your stay, you’ll study Ayurveda theory & treatment, as well as yoga theory & practice. Each day, you’ll join two Ayurveda sessions, a yoga class, a pranayama practice, and mantra chanting.
You’ll be served daily vegetarian, nutritious vegetarian meals, detox juices, and herbal teas.
Want to see more places where you can indulge in combining yoga and Ayurveda? Browse through hundreds of lush options!