The classic yogic text ‘Hatha Yoga Pradipika’ has a mention about how doshas (Ayurvedic understanding of energetic imbalances) have a deep impact on our physical, mental, emotional & spiritual health. When out of balance, these doshas can create energetic shifts that may manifest into physical health conditions if not addressed. Since Yoga works on the body and mind as a whole, it is important to understand Ayurveda approach to Yoga to bring about fundamental shifts in our energy imbalances.
Energetic Imbalance & Yoga Asanas
As per Ayurveda, the vata dosha impacts the lower body specifically gastric & colon related health issues. The seat of vata accumulation in the body is the colon which can be easily related as bloating generally gets accumulated in the lower belly. Thus, performing asanas that work on lower body specially, colon and pelvis can help alleviate vata and related manifestations.
Practice of movements like pelvic compression and flexion of the hips and asanas done slowly with a substantial holding time can release excess vata out of the system.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold) from an Ayurvedic Yoga Perspective
Paschimottanasana at the physical level stimulates the digestive organs, stretches back, shoulders & hamstrings. This posture has a deep calming effect and reduces fatigue.
However, from the lens of Ayurveda, Paschimottanasana helps pacify the vata and pitta dosha imbalance. The characteristics in humans that represent high vata and pitta state may include digestive troubles, lean gait, dry skin, curly frizzy hair, cold hands and feet, irregular digestion, tendency to bloat and constipation. Emotionally this energy imbalance in a person may manifest as fearfulness, nervousness and anxiety. Such people are prone to worry and easily get fatigued.
The effect of Paschimottanasana when done with awareness, breath synchronization and proper alignment, not just supports the health physically by optimizing digestion, stimulating colon and releasing excess gas & bloating, it also helps ground a person creating a calming and anxiety reducing effect on the nervous system.
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