Understanding your connection to nature in Ayurveda and Yoga

When we first discuss Ayu-Yoga; it is helpful to understand the primary foundations of matter Pancha Maha Bhuta; the five great elements.

These elements are what makes the entirety of the universe and ourselves. The elements are: Akasha (Space/Ether), Vayu (Air), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire) and Pritvhi (Earth). Of course in nature, we understand these elements in nature, but when it comes to the human body - they may not be as obvious.

Firstly, these 5 elements derive from one another. So technically, we need one to form the other. They also work in relationship (whether good or bad) within the body and of course in nature.

The first element Space/Ether is needed for Air to express itself. Air is movement, but without space - air would have no where to go. This is important when we start to work with Ayurveda and Ayu-Yoga as it is a science. There is definite laws on how nature works, as the functions on these elements and their affects on our mind and body.

Out of Air then forms Fire (important element of transformation) into water (all fluids) and then the densest element of Earth (solids- structure).

Additionally, like everything in the universe, these elements all have qualities (gunas) that make up their energies. The gunas help us also understand how these form in our existence.

To keep it simple - in the body:

Earth - bones, hair, nails, skin and tissues
Water - blood, urine, sweat, semen
Fire - digestion, metabolism
Air - all movement in the body
Space - necessary for expansion of all elements expression

Out of the 5 elements forms the Doshas, Vata (Air/Space), Pitta (Fire/Water), Kapha (Water/Earth). By understanding our relationship with the elements in the mind and body, their expressions and their manifestations through the doshas- we can pacify, balance and connect for optimal health.

To give an example - if fire is high in the mind and we are irritated, angry, controlling or “hot headed”… we would classify this as a Pitta imbalance. To pacify Pitta and its heat, we need cooling.

With the growing knowledge of Ayurveda in the west - there is a lot of focus on the Dosha. And while this is important to manage, the support of the elements need to be considered. A Pitta dosha is also made of water ….so the solution is to optimize this element to create some balance.

A cooling solution could be pranayama like Shitali or a cooling Yoga class (Detox Flow, Yin or Moon Dance). A regularpower vinyasa or hot yoga class could irritate the dosha more.

This is where Ayu-Yoga (and Ayulates) differs, than a regular Yoga Class. To form a class, I use the energetics of the elements, with Dosha consideration so that you can intuitively choose a class you need to pacify the elements, rather than just a yoga class to move.

To clarify - there is nothing wrong with any style of yoga. But if you’re looking for a more align approached, this ancient wisdom does not fail. Using the example as a dominant Pitta dosha myself; I have changed my practice based on this knowledge and have had more benefits and balance this way.

That doesn’t mean you always need to take a cooling class if you’re a Pitta, but it is best to balance and work with the dominant elements and follow that inner guidance to understand what it needs.

This of course is all just an intro, as Ayurveda is a science and very holistic in it’s approach to each individual. If you want to learn more about your Dosha, you may book a 1:1 with Me to dive deeper into these teachings.

For now, consider how these elements function currently in your body and mind! Start journaling how the energy of fire, water, space, air and earth manifest themselves in different situations and stages of your life (including seasons…we’ll chat about this another time!).

Namaste,

Mel