Ayurveda and Yoga

Explore the Yoga Science of Ayurveda and Yoga

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is a sacred science from the Vedic tradition in India to heal the body and mind. It has a long history of being a holistic medical system. It includes eating, exercise, yoga, meditations, and lifestyle ways to help with self-healing. Ayurveda is based on the principle that the universe is made up of five elements; Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether.

In Kevala Health's online live-stream Yoga classes, we aim to educate everyone on how to restore more wholeness and strength in body, mind, and spirit. Knowing your Dosha (mind-body type) is important to help you eat and move for your body type correctly and feel more balanced. Most people generally have a combination of two types, but dominate more in one.

More information on your Ayurveda mind-body type (dosha).

What Are The Five Elements?

These five elements make up the world around us and within us. They are principles of matter and energy.

  1. EARTH: Manifests stability and is solid.

  2. WATER: Manifests flowing motions.

  3. FIRE: Manifests light.

  4. AIR: Manifests direction.

  5. ETHER (space): Manifests connection.

More reading information on the five elements.

Three Doshas (mind-body types) | Kevala Health

In the Ayurveda tradition, a person’s health is based on their dosha.

  1. VATA: Vata means ‘wind’ and it’s based on the Air and Ether elements. Autumn and spring seasons. It is the motivating power behind the other two dosha’s. It is our vital energy.

    Vata Person: Tall or very short, thin, good muscles, lower weight, dull/dry/thin skin, small eyes, thin/dry hair, brittle nails, stiff joints, poor circulation, cold/wind sensitive, prone to inflammation, restless, poor sleep patterns, nervous temperament, can be adaptable, be more fearful.

    Those with dominant Vata dosha are normally, creative, thin-built, energetic, and distracted easily. They learn quickly, are kind-hearted, and are flexible. Can be anxious and forgetful at times.

  2. KAPHA: Kapha means ‘what makes things stick together’ and it’s based on the Earth and Water elements. Winter season. Kapha depends on Vata for movement and stimulation and Pitta for warmth.

    Kapha Person: Usually short but can be tall/large, hard to lose weight/heavier, pale skin, larger eyes, thick/oily hair, soft nails, sensitive to cold/damp, suffers from more congestion, moves slowly, excess sleep, content temperament, shows more love, negative emotion is attachment.

    People with dominant Kapha are normally strong, caring, thick boned. They rarely get upset, go through life slower, trusting, patient, calm, romantic, wise, and have a healthy immune system. They can be prone to weight gain easily.

  3. PITTA: Pitta means ‘the power of digestion’ and is based on the Fire and Water Elements. Summer season. Pitta depends on Vata for movement and vital energy and Kapha for its support.

    Pitta Person: Medium height, moderate frame and weight, warm/oily skin, piercing eyes, thin/oily hair, soft nails, loose joints, good circulation, sensitive to heat/sunlight, suffers more from fever/edema, moderate activity, variable sleep, motivated temperament, has more courage, negative emotion is anger.

    If you have more Pitta, you will be of a muscular build or athletic, highly motivated, goal-orientated, learn quickly, and prone to conflict. Also can be impatient, and have mood swings.