Dosha Pacifying Yoga Practices for Dual Doshic Imbalances
Yoga Sutra 1.2 clearly defines that yoga is the cessation of mental activity. The end of mental fragmentation; the perfect abode of tranquility. Ayurveda and Yoga are sister sciences, each supporting the other. Their ultimate goal is to restore wholeness in the body, mind, and spirit.
In life, everything is in the preparation. For today’s groundwork, I’m going to introduce some of the basic yoga practices that will help pacify dual doshic imbalances.
1. Vata-Pitta
In balancing Vata dosha without aggravating Pitta, you want to focus on fluidity in the poses. Take time to settle in each pose especially, in standing asanas. This would help in grounding and stability as you go through the flow. Make your intention slow, deep, deliberate, and mindful. Lastly, conclude your practice with a nice long savasana.
In balancing Pitta dosha without aggravating Vata, it is best to do less poses. Adding twists and forward bends to your sequence will help since these affect the mid and lower abdomen where Pitta and Vata accumulates. “Posture-Rest” is important since fire pushes and rushes; hence, to rest after a Vinyasa is beneficial to diffuse the fire energy.
2. Pitta-Kapha
In balancing Pitta dosha without aggravating Kapha, focus on your exhalation. Surrender to your practice and perform postures without tension. Adding backbends like cobra pose and camel pose is beneficial since these poses allow for free movement of energy which is helpful for Pitta, and it opens the chest where Kapha accumulates.
In balancing Kapha dosha without aggravating Pitta, focus on deeper breath with longer exhalations. This will clear stagnation. It is recommended to do a gentle Vinyasa style linking postures with Ujjayi breathing. Add Lion pose, bridge pose, and shoulder stand to your sequence.
3. Vata-Kapha
In balancing Vata dosha without aggravating Kapha, start your practice by rotating your joints like wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. This will help to warm them up. Use Ujjayi breath to tame the gypsy mind. Add floor sequences that opens the chest like dynamic cobra pose to keep you grounded.
In balancing Kapha dosha without aggravating Vata, focus on poses that open the heart; and strengthens the skeletal muscles and lower back muscles. Do more standing and balancing postures to promote stamina and decrease lethargy. A more heating practice is recommended, this will help in balancing both Kapha and Vata. You want your poses to be stimulating to purify the body of excess mucous.
If you’re a yoga teacher or a yoga practitioner, it is important to understand these simple yoga practices. Remember that much of the body and mind connection is being fragmented with sensory stimulation. But above all, simple living and a disciplined life are the answers to health and happiness.
