Yoga and Ayurveda together form a complete approach for optimal health, vitality and higher awareness. They are both closely connected spiritual sciences deeply rooted in the Vedic tradition of India. Ayurveda is the Vedic science of healing for both body and mind. Yoga is the Vedic science of self-realization that depends on a well-functioning body and mind. Both disciplines developed together and have always been used together. Therefore, those who are interested in one would greatly benefit from studying the other.
One of the hallmarks of Yoga is balance; hence practitioners of this ancient art and science must pay proper attention to both the body and the mind. Sometimes over-zealous Yoga enthusiasts seek to cultivate meditation and higher states of consciousness apart from the physical body, but the body is indeed the ground for realizing enlightenment. If we don’t take care of the body, sooner or later it is likely to succumb to illness. In Yoga, illness is considered to be one of the obstacles to successful completion of the yogic process. If you question this, try meditating with a toothache or while feeling sick in your stomach! It can be done, of course, but presupposes considerable skill in concentration. Somatic imbalances give rise to mental disturbances, and vice versa. Therefore, cultivating a strong, healthy body and training the mind should go hand in hand, and both pursuits should ideally be powered by a desire for self-realization.
An understanding of Ayurveda, particularly your constitution type, will assist you in choosing the right kind of yogic postural or meditation practice. The yogic path is intrinsically challenging, and wise practitioners welcome any information that will be of benefit to them. Thus, the typological knowledge of Ayurveda is one of the best-kept secrets of Yoga. If you make little progress on the yogic path, it is perhaps because you are on the wrong track. Understanding your constitution type is important not only when determining your diet or a course of medical treatment, but also when embarking on a journey of spiritual practice.
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Tags: Ayurveda, Yoga, Yoga Ayurveda, Yoga Benches, Yoga Equipment, Yoga Mats
January 30th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Hello
How do i find out my ayurvedic constitutional type
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Simon,
For your Ayurvedic constitutional type…Check off beside each statement that applies to you. When you are finished, count the total for each section (type A, B or C).
Type A
* Thin build and small-boned. Can be tall or short.
* Prominent joints, don’t put on weight easily
* Skin is dry, chaps easily, rough, cool, prominent veins
* Hair is coarse and dry
* Small, active, dark eyes
* Lips are thin, dry, chap easily
* Brittle, ridged or cracked nails
* Little strength, tires easily
* Variable appetite, can get very hungry
* Very physically active
* Bowel movements irregular, hard, dry
* Mind is active, restless
* Tendency toward fear or anxiety when under stress
* Recent memory is good, long-term memory is poor
* Light sleeper
[liCold hands and feet, little perspiration
* Dreams are fearful, flying, movement
* Tendency towards constipation, anxiety, nervousness, poor sleep
Type B
* Medium build
* Moderate body weight, may be athletic, muscular
* Oily skin, warm, sensitive skin, reddish, inflamed
* Hair is fine, oily, may have balding or premature graying
* Medium, penetrating, light sensitive eyes
* Lips are soft, medium-sized
* Soft and flexible nails
* Medium strength
* Strong appetite, irritable if you miss a meal or can’t eat when you’re hungry
* Enjoys physical activity, especially competitive
* Bowel movements easy and regular, soft, oily and loose
* Mind is focused and sharp
* Tend toward anger, frustration or irritability when under stress
* Excellent memory
* Usually sleep well
* Good circulation, perspire frequently
* Dreams fiery, angry, violence, passionate
* Tendency towards inflammation, high blood pressure, hypersensitive, aggression
Type C
* Thick, ample or stocky build. Larger bone-structure.
* Overweight
* Thick skin, cool, prone to acne
* Thick hair, shiny, lustrous
* Large, round eyes with thick eyelashes
* Lips are large, smooth, full
* Strong and thick nails
* Strong, good endurance
* Less active, sometimes lethargic
* Bowel movements thick, oily, heavy, slow
* Mind is calm and slow
* Tendency to avoid situations that are difficult
* Memory is slow but sustaining
* Sound, heavy sleeper
* Moderate perspiration
* Dreams peaceful, romantic, water, ocean
* Tendency towards respiratory congestion, water retention, lymph congestion, cystic acne, tiredness
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If you selected mostly A, you are Vata
* Vata types tend to be fast, wiry and creative types.
* The Vata’s primary organ is the colon.
* You need routine in your life to ground your moving energy.
* Travel, especially air travel, can imbalance a Vata.
* Vata’s are aggravated by cold, frozen or dried foods.
In order to be balanced, you need to eat foods that warm you, avoiding extreme cold, raw and frozen foods. Moist rather than dry foods are also recommended.
Maintaining a regular routine is important.
If you selected mostly B, you are Pitta
* Pitta types are determined and strong willed with good digestion.
* The Pitta’s primary organs are the small intestine and stomach
* Pitta’s tend to be hot, oily, and light.
* Pitta is associated with the fire element, and tend to have a fiery quality.
* When a Pitta becomes imbalanced, he or she may notice skin rashes, burning, inflammation, fever, ulcers, anger, jealousy, copious urine.
In order to be balanced, Pitta’s should remain cool, avoiding excess heat, steam or humidity. They should also avoid excessively oily food or fried foods as well as caffeine, alcohol, red meat, hot spices, or salt, choosing instead to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Pitta types should also try to get plenty of fresh air. Expression of emotions is also important.
If you selected mostly C, you are Kapha
* Kapha types have good endurance, strength and stamina.
* Although it is easy for you to follow routine, it is healthier for you to periodically break from routine.
* You tend toward inertia and tend to attach to people or things.
* Food and security are important to you.
* The primary organ is the chest.
* Kapha is often correlated with the production of mucus.
* Kapha types have a tendency towards congestion, sinusitis, slugishness, weight gain, diabetes or water retention.
In order to be balanced, Kapha’s should be physically active, consume little fried or fatty foods, avoid icy drinks, sweets or excessive amounts of bread. They should enjoy plenty of fresh vegetables.
Kapha types should allow excitement, change and challenge to become a regular part of their lives.
Note: If you have marked two constitutions nearly equally, you may be a combination.