We're not really sure which Greek sage first said "Know thyself." But it's a saying that has always motivated me to examine my ways and means.
Yoga philosophy certainly encourages one to know oneself, and the Bible, too, states in Galations 6:4-5: But
let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his
own conduct and his own work. He can then have the personal satisfaction
and joy of doing something commendable [in itself alone] without
[resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor. For
every person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive)
his own [little] load [of oppressive faults].
Amplified Bible
I like the way The Message puts Galations 6:4-5 too: Make a careful exploration of who you are and
the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be
impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must
take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
So this week we're going to look at basic Ayurvada principles to help us to know ourselves in a new way. Ayurveda, which translates into “life knowledge” or “science of life,” is a sister philosophy to Yoga. Ayurveda
is an assortment of natural healing methods which, together, form a complete
system for developing optimal health and higher awareness.
In the Ayurvedic system there are three “Constitutional
Types” or “Doshas” of the physiological body:
Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These Constitutional
Types reflect a psycho-physical model to help us balance the conditions of our
body-mind complex.
Each Dosha or Constitutional Type has both positive and
negative qualities and is effected by food, environment, lifestyle, and
exercise. A balanced Dosha or
Constitution brings happiness and ease, whereas an imbalance fosters discomfort
or illness.
- Vata types are dominated by air but
have a secondary component of ether.
Ether is the element of space, mainly in the bones and joints, which
contains Vata in the body.
- With
their fluctuating airy nature, Vata
types have the weakest build and stamina, but also have the greatest
capacity for change and adaptation in order to protect it.
- Fall
is the Vata season.
- Pitta types are dominated by fire but
have a secondary component of water. Water is the element of liquids, such as the
hot liquids like the blood and digestive juices, which hold Pitta in the body.
- With
their firey nature, Pitta types
possess a moderate physical strength and stamina, but have a mental and
emotional force and determination that can make them strongly pursue the
factors of health or disease, depending upon their values.
- Summer
is the Pitta season.
- Kapha types are dominated by water but
have a secondary component of earth.
Earth is the element of substance, such as the lining of the skin and
mucus membranes, which contain Kapha in the body.
- With
their watery and earthy nature, Kapha
types possess the strongest bodily build and reserve of vital energy, but
can lack in the motivation and adaptation to use it properly.
- Spring
is the Kapha season.
All of us have aspects of all three Constitutional Types
apparent in our makeup, but one or two doshas will be most dominant in most people.
The reason we practice Ayurveda or Life
Knowledge is to understand our unique makeup so that we might know which steps
and which attitude to take in order to find balance in our constitution.
A gentle, slow asana practice evenly balanced on both sides of the body is an ideal exercise for
Vata types.
Pittas benefit from asana practice to cool the head and the blood, calm the heart and relieve tension.
Kaphas need movement and stimulation to counter their tendency to complacency and inertia.
Ayurveda does not look at asanas as fixed forms that by themselves either increase or decrease constitutional types. It views them as vehicles for energy that can be used to help bring balance, if used correctly.
So, why not give it a try? Take this simple overview of the Doshas, examine your constitution, and step on your yoga mat with a greater understanding of
how you can practice to bring balance to your body and mind.
