Alternative Adjunctive Complementary Medicine

Ask the Doctor about Prevention and Natural treatments

Natural Healing Products

Health Updates

Complementary Medicine Practitioners

Recommendations of natural products

Resources for the whole person

Schools with holistic medicine training

Ayurveda and Yoga

How are Ayurveda and Yoga related?

Ayurveda is the healing side of yoga, and yoga is the spiritual tradition from which Ayurveda emerged. Through Yoga one prepares the body and mind for self-realization or union with the Divine. Through Ayurveda one supports the spiritual journey by maintaining body and mind in a state of balance and well-being. The paths of Yoga and Ayurveda are so closely intertwined that it is hard to imagine traveling down one without knowledge of the other. Using the wisdom of Ayurveda, a Yoga practitioner can choose asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing practices) and mantra (sacred sounds) specific to his or her unique constitution in order to maintain health. The Ayurvedic practitioner prescribes specific practices to prevent illness and assist the healing process.

Used with permission of the author. Click here to visit the California College of Ayurveda