Ayurvedainyogatherapy

The Practical Application of Ayurveda For Yoga
Therapists: SYTAR 2015
Ayurveda: The Science of Life

Brahman: Eternal, Pure Awareness
⇓
Purusha: Indwelling Witness Prakruti: Inherent Nature
- Passive energy - Active energy
⇓
MAHAT (Cosmic Consciousness)
⇓
BUDDHI (Individualized Consciousness)
⇓
AHAMKARA (I-Former)
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SATTVA RAJAS TAMAS
⇓ ⇓
Jnana Indriyani Karma Indriyani Panchamahabhutani Tanmatrani
Sense Organs Motor Organs 5 Great Elements Subtle Senses
Ear Mouth Akasha Hearing
Space, Ether, Potential
Skin Hands Vayu Touch
Air, Wind, Movement
Eye Feet Agni Sight
Fire, Heat, Light
Tongue Urino-genital Jala Taste
Water, Liquidity, Cohesion
Nose Anus Prithvi Smell
Earth, Solidity, Density
GUNAS: 20 qualities
Heavy/light—Dull/sharp—Cold/hot—Oily/dry—Smooth/rough—Solid/liquid—Soft/hard—
Static/Mobile—Gross/subtle—Cloudy/clear
Arunachala Yoga & Ayurveda ©

Arun Deva 310.435.4197 yogarasayana@gmail.com
DO SH AS: biological humors
Dosha Vata Pitta Kapha

Composition of Akasha & Vayu Agni & Jala Jala & Prithvi
Elements Ether/space & Air Fire & Water Water & Earth
Main Location Colon Small Intestine Stomach

Qualities Cold, dry, light, Hot, motile, liquid, Dense, heavy, cold,
mobile, rough, subtle, sharp, intense, liquid, oily, gross, dull,
clear odorous, clear cloudy, cohesive
Physical Short or tall, thin, Medium, wiry, Stocky, large bones,
Characteristics irregular frame, dry proportionate, reddish oily or lustrous skin,
skin and hair, smaller complexion, receding full features, thick and
eyes, prominent joints. or early grey hair, wavy hair,
piercing eyes. large eyes.
Habitual Always cold, intuitive, Always hot, focused, Dislike cold, wet
characteristics, traits quick thinking, intelligent, list maker, weather but can handle
nervous, planner, short all weathers,
Irregular and small tempered, critical, determined,
appetite, insomnia or strong appetite, good deliberate, love
disturbed sleep, sleeper, luxuries and food,
cautious and sensitive, demanding sleep very well, calm,
impetuous, good steady working
constipation, aches habits, put on weight
and pains easily and get sluggish
and sensitive.
Mental characteristics Intuitive, creative, Intelligent, Steady, reliable,
enthusiastic, compassionate, understanding to a
High energy, nervous, focused, clever, fault, strong reserves
anxious, forgetful, manipulative, of energy, great long
impulsive persuasive, hot term memory, can get
tempered, impatient, possessive and stingy
righteous, jealous, though usually loves to
selective memory spoil close ones
Imbalances Constipation, arthritis, Loose motions, Sluggish motions, rigid
cracking popping hyperacidity, inflamed thinking, depression,
joints, dry skin, absent joints, congestion, dull pains,
mindedness, fatigue, Always hungry, oily skin, acne, weight
Rashes, skin gain
conditions,
inflammations,
INDIVIDUAL CONSTITUTION: unique combination of Vata, Pitta and Kapha:

7/10/infinite possible combinations theories: fixed: any variable is a vikruti
MENTAL CONSTITUTION: predominance of Sattva, Rajas or Tamas:
Changeable nature: Variations can become new patterns: Vikruti.
Unchanging nature: What we try to balance with: Prakriti.

DHATUS: 7 concentric tissues of the body
RASA: plasma, lymph, serumà

RAKTA: blood, specifically red blood cellsà
MAMSA: muscleà
MEDA: adipose tissue, fatà
ASTHI: bone, teeth, cartilageà
MAJJA: marrow as well as nerve tissueà
SHUKRA: reproductive tissueà
OJAS: immune reserve
SROTAS:
Channels that supply nutrition and carry out waste from the various
systems, tissues, waste channels, and mind.
3 Systems:
Respiratory, Food, W ater
7 Tissues:
Plasma, blood, muscle, fat, bone, marrow and reproductive
3 Waste Systems:
Feces, Urine, Sweat
Mind
In addition for females:
Lactation
Menstruation
Total 16.
MALAS: wastes
MUTRA: urine, maintains moisture
PURISHA: feces, maintain integrity of colon
SWEDA: sweat, maintains temperature and keeps skin moist.
AGNI: 4 possible states

SAMA AGNI: balanced metabolism
VISHAMA AGNI: irregular metabolism, mainly a vata condition
TIKSHNA AGNI: hyper metabolism, mainly a pitta condition
MANDA AGNI: slow metabolism, mainly a kapha condition
MIND: 4 states
MANAS: sensory, immediate consciousness
AHAMKARA: I-former consciousness
BUDDHI: discriminating, observant consciousness
CHITTA: conditioned, underlying consciousness
MIND: 3 qualities
SATTVA: clarity
RAJAS: drive
TAMAS: inertia
________________________________________________________________________
Ayurvedic Definition Of Health:
Samadoshaha, samagnishchaha, samadhatumalakriyaha,

Prassannatmatmoindriyamanoha, swastha, ityabhidhiyiate
Su.Sa. 15.41
A healthy person is established in Self, with balanced doshas & agni, properly formed
tissues, has proper elimination of wastes, properly functioning body processes, has clarity of
mind and senses and is able to experience the Bliss of knowing Self.

Aggravate
Accumulate Alleviate
Healthy Cycle of the Doshas
RMD -‐ Disease

Aggravate Condition
Accumulate Over/low
Creation of Disease Condition
© 2013, Patterns For Living Devi Mueller, CAS, MAyu Devi@Patternsforliving.com

That which moves things
Elements: Air / Ether (space)

Key Attributes: Cold, DRY, light, MOBILE, clear, flowing
When in balance:
Like a butterfly or bumblebee: D Vibrant and enthusiastic
Flits about/ has many interests. D Excited about life
Can become disconnected! D Bubbly and energetic
D Many interests
Physical Characteristics: D Can make changes quickly
D Tend to tall or short D Generate great ideas
D Usually quite thin D Artistically inclined
D Tend to dryness D March to own drummer
D Often feel cold D Excellent natural healers
D Appetite and digestion tends to vary D Speak quickly and change
D Curly, fly-away hair topics often
D Poorly defined musculature D Move quickly, but indirectly
D Fun and light hearted
Out of balance:
Physically: gas, constipation, dryness, pain, cold
Mentally: scattered, disoriented, confused, forgetful, indecisive, spacey
Emotionally: Worried, nervous, anxious, fearful, obsessive, moody
What drives Vata out of balance?

Food: Dry, cold, light foods (like salads, popcorn), cold drinks, stimulants (like sugar
coffee and chocolate), fast foods and eating at irregular intervals
Sleep: Lack of sleep
Energy: Doing too many things at once, over-stimulation of the senses,

changing directions frequently, too many demands on time,
lack of routine in life
© 2003, Patterns For Living

That which digests or transforms
Elements: Fire / Water (mostly fire!)

Key Attributes: HOT, light, sharp, moist (oily)
When in balance:
Like a bull: a Strong, natural leaders
Strong / Focused / Can get angry! a Passionate
a Have vision and clarity
a Warm and friendly
Physical Characteristics: a Focused
a Medium height and build a Goal oriented
a Ruddy or rosy complexion a Highly accomplished
a Freckles and/or moles a Organized
a Feel warm a Make things happen
a Hair is fair; tend to gray early – a Take joy in accomplishment
may go bald a Courageous and brave
a Appetite and digestion are strong a Speak clearly and convincingly
a Love to eat!! a Excellent teachers
Out of balance:
Physically: heartburn//hyperacidity, diarrhea, skin rashes or acne, fevers, infections
Mentally: overly focused, critical, judgmental, controlling, opinionated
Emotionally: angry, resentful, jealous, vindictive
What drives Pitta out of balance?

Food: Hot, spicy foods, stimulants (like coffee or chocolate), fried foods, alcohol
Sleep: Lack of sleep (burning the candle at both ends!!)
Energy: Competition, overscheduling, intensity in any area

That which protects, supports and holds together
Elements: Water / Earth

Key Attributes: WET, HEAVY, dense, static, soft, cloudy
When in balance:
Like an elephant or turtle: 0 Calm and steady
Slow and steady! Can get stuck! 0 Patient
0 Sweet, kind and loving
0 Thinks things through before
Physical Characteristics: moving forward
0 Usually tall with well developed 0 Loves the comforts of life and
bodies being surrounded by loved ones
0 Have large bones 0 Compassionate
0 Carry excess weight 0 Devoted and supportive
0 Hair is dark, thick, lustrous 0 Reliable, good followers
0 Skin is soft and somewhat oily 0 Devoted and loyal
0 Appetite is slow but steady 0 Focused without being intense
0 Can get overheated or chilled 0 Strong
Out of balance:
Physically: heaviness, nausea, sluggish digestion, mucous, congestion, swelling
Mentally: slow, unwilling to change, inflexible, stuck, overly attached
Emotionally: melancholy, overly sentimental, lethargic, materialistic, possessive
What drives Kapha out of balance?

Food: Heavy, sweet foods, oily foods, lack of variety with foods, bland foods
Sleep: Too much sleep, naps
Energy: Stagnation, inactivity, attachment to routine, lack of

movement or change

AYURVEDIC PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT
Quality Dosha
Face Shape Oval,
angular, square, V P K
round
Teeth Crooked, small, gray
Medium, yellow V P K
Large, white, straight
Eyes Small, darting
Piercing, medium, deep-set, V P K
Gentle, large, moist
Nose (size) Small
Medium V P K
Large
Nose (bridge) Narrow
Medium V P K
Wide
Lips Thin
Medium V P K
Thick
Neck Long
Medium V P K
Short
Hair Traits Dry, kinky, sparse, unruly
Balding, early gray, oily, fine V P K
Coarse, dense, oily
Skin Thickness Thin
Medium V P K
Thick
Skin Condition Dry, rough, wrinkles,
Slightly oily, moles, freckles V P K
Soft, moist, oily, smooth
Musculature Slight, visible bones
Medium, firm V P K
Plentiful, sound
Physique Very short or tall, thin, gangly
Medium V P K
Tall/sturdy or Short/stocky
Bones Narrow
Moderate V P K
Stocky
Palm of Hand Rectangular
Square V P K
Fleshy
Fingers Long, narrow,
Medium, V P K
Short, thick
Speech Patterns Enthusiastic, fast
Concise, clear V P K
Thoughtful, deliberate
Physical Assessment
Total V P K V P K
AYURVEDIC FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
Quality Dosha
Appetite My appetite comes and goes, I may forget to eat
I get really hungry, I don’t like to miss meals V P K
I like to eat, but I don’t really think about it unless reminded
Response to not I get light-headed, anxious or cranky
eating I get irritable or angry V P K
It doesn’t really bother me
After eating I may get gas or bloating
I may get heartburn or hyperacidity V P K
I often feel heavy or sleepy
Elimination Irregular bowel movements once a day or less
One or more bowel movements daily with regularity and ease V P K
One bowel movement daily with no straining
Stool Quality Often hard, dry, strain to eliminate
Usually well formed, may be loose or burning V P K
Well formed, slow but easy movement
Weight Don’t gain weight easily
If I gain weight, it is fairly easy to lose V P K
I gain weight easily and lose it slowly
Body I am always cold, especially my hands and feet
Temperature I am warm most of the time V P K
I adapt to most conditions, but tend to feel cool
Skin Rashes Rashes are dry, itchy; blemishes are blackheads
Rashes are red, burning; blemishes are acne V P K
Rashes are wet, oozing; blemishes are white pimples
Sleep Patterns I sleep lightly and awaken very easily
I sleep soundly and awaken refreshed V P K
I sleep late and take naps whenever I can
Sleep Issues Awaken in the early a.m. and can’t go back to sleep
Can’t fall asleep because mind is active V P K
I often have difficulty waking up and getting going
Stress Reaction Become worried or overwhelmed
Become irritable, then rise to the challenge V P K
May withdraw or become reclusive
Decision Making Have difficulty making decisions, may change my mind
Easily make decisions, only change with new info V P K
Careful, but easy-going about decisions
Projects Like to start projects, but have difficulty finishing
Start and finish projects; completion is important V P K
Like to work on projects, but let others start them
Menstrual Cycle My cycle is irregular
My cycle is regular at about 24 - 28 days V P K
My cycle is regular at 28 – 35 days
Menstrual Flow Flow is often light, but may vary
Flow is medium heavy , usually consistent V P K
Flow can be very heavy, very consistent
Menstrual Often have severe, cramping pain and PMS
Difficulties Some mild pain during menses, some PMS V P K
Rare pain during menses, but may have bloating just before
Functional
Total V P K V P K
Add totals from this side to the reverse side to determine your personal constitutional make up!
NAME:_______________________________________ TOTALS: V_____ P_____ K_____

YOGA THERAPY FOR HEART DISEASE THROUGH
AN ĀYURVEDIC UNDERSTANDING.
Arun Deva, AP-‐NAMA, AYT, YTRx, E-‐RYT500

The Sanskrit word for heart is HŖD or HŖDAYAM.
The second sounds suspiciously like “HERE I AM”.
Hŗ: To receive
Da: To give
Ya: The exchange

Āyurveda sees the heart very differently from our current medical viewpoint of simply an
organ with its primary function being to deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to cells
throughout the body and to aid in the removal of cellular waste products.

It is not that it disagrees with this. It is that its concept of heart includes three factors, not
one:
1. It is primarily the seat of manas. (Circulation of sensation, emotion and feeling:
blood)
2. It is the seat of prāna. (Circulation of red blood cells and subtle nutrients: blood)
3. It is the seat of primary rasa dhatu (Circulation of plasma and essential nutrients:
blood)

In persons who are mentally weak, the dośa`s, having undergone increase, invade the hŗdaya,
the seat of mind. They get lodged in all the channels of the mind and bring about its
derangement quickly. MN:20:5

From the heart as root, ten great vessels carrying ojas pulsate all over the body... One who
wants to protect the heart, the great vessels and the ojas, should particularly avoid the causes
of the affliction of mind. CS: Sutrasthana: XXX:1-‐15

As per Āyurveda, this heart is served by 10 Great Channels (Mano Vāha Srotas). They carry
mind (manas), the winds (vayu`s) and essential nutrients (rasa) throughout the body. It is
interesting to note that the details of these channels are actually given in other tantric and
yogic texts!
Reference Dr. Claudia Welch: Secrets of the Mind ebook: https://drclaudiawelch.com/shop/books-‐
and-‐e-‐books/

So:
• The heart is the root of the channel of the mind (Mano Vāha Srotas)
• It is the root of our prana or respiration. (Prāna Vāha Srotas).
• And it is the root of our immune strength or weakness (Rasa Vāha Srotas)
And they are all actually the same ten great channels!

Arun Deva©2015
Arunachala Yoga & Ayurveda
Intended for educational purposes only
Yoga and Tantra add to this vaster understanding by including the concept of the Chakra’s.
Āyurveda accepts this concept and also sees it clinically as the site of unconditional love,
thus covering all three above concepts, while taking them even deeper into the realm of the
spirit and the understanding that it is an imbalance in our relationship with unconditional
love that can trigger heart disease! The original sinJ
This means that any disease of the heart can arise from:
1. Disturbances in the mind. Which we can clearly see by our understanding of stress
being the #1 killer through heart disease.
2. Disturbances in our respiratory and circulatory capacity (prāna). Which explains
why we pay so much attention to proper exercise in heart disease.
3. Disturbances in our immunity. What affects our immune system the most?
Inflammation. It is inflammation of the channels that carry nutrients to the cellular
body and wastes back for removal that cause this silent disease. It is not necessarily
cholesterol. Which as we are now discovering, is the bodies’ attempt to counter
inflammation. Thus we find that only if released in excess, while the original cause
(hétu) is not being addressed, goes on itself to become the problem. Thus we should
be looking at inflammation first. Which is caused primarily by toxic buildup (āma)
in the blood vessels and organs. And the major causes of toxins are an improper
diet, excessive activity, lack of proper exercise and stress.

Yoga accepts all three of these Āyurvedic concepts.

Therefore, the 3 primary methods of treatment would be:
1. Stress management:
Both yoga and Ayurveda address this very well.
2. Exercise:
Yoga addresses this very well as we know J
Āyurvedic understanding of exercise (vyāyāma) helps to bring a clinical aspect to
the exercise routine that is based on exactly the same understandings of the heart
(hŗd).
3. Diet:
Here is where Āyurveda can truly inform a skilled yoga therapist wanting to
increase the efficiency of their yoga therapy toolbox. Āyurveda sees each of us as
sacred individuals. The relationship of our health to our digestive state is considered
the most important factor in its maintenance. Because of our unique, individual
natures, through the understanding of the dośa`s, we can clearly see how different
people would have different digestive capacities and specific weaknesses.

Thus, even when it comes to creating a yoga practice for your client, knowing
when to apply it in relation to the digestive system can be very critical in its
acceptance by the body. For one thing, the exercises including āsana and
prānāyāma, would be done away from any meal so as not to confuse the digestive
system. A simple addition to your toolbox would be making sure the practice is done
on a fairly empty stomach. And probably after a good bowel movement at least once
that day, prior to the practice!
Arun Deva©2015

While there are numerous distinct disorders that relate to heart disease, such as
arteriosclerosis, angina, heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, myocarditis,
cardiomyopathy, heart murmurs, rheumatic heart disease, valvular disease, mitral valve
prolapse and high blood pressure, the Āyurvedic understanding is, in a sense, simpler.

Vāta relates to the movements of the heart and kapha to the structure of the heart.
Thus a blockage, weakness or excessiveness in the movement will disturb the tissues of the
heart and the vessels connected to it. For this we relate heart disease disturbances to be
primarily in blood and its vessels, including the heart as an organ, but also the liver, where
cholesterol is produced, and kidneys with its relationship to diabetes. In addition, Pitta
controls the temperature and intensity of flow and is always involved in inflammation. As
per Āyurveda, there is no inflammation (jvara)with out pitta. If another toxic dośa
(Sāmadośa) is involved, this will lead to complicated inflammation.

As per Āyurveda, there are 5 primary types of Hŗd Roga:
1. Vātaja Hŗd Roga (angina like pain dominant)
2. Pittaja Hŗd Roga (suppurating or inflammatory condition involving heart or nearby)
3. Kaphaja Hŗd Roga (Organic disorders such as congestive heart failure)
4. Tridoshaja Hŗd Roga (Valvular heart disease)
5. Krimija Hŗd Roga (Parasite cause valvular diseases)
In fact, most heart conditions can fall within these 5 sub-‐types.

Now let us look at primary causes:

Heart diseases may manifest themselves in any of the three dośa`s (Vāta, Pitta and Kapha), or
primary life forces of the body.

Vāta

Most nervous heart conditions are Vāta in nature. Heart disease in the Vāta dośa
(humor) is caused by the drying of body tissue and by hardening of the blood
vessels. This is seen commonly in the elderly.

The symptoms of Vāta-‐type heart disease include:
Palpitations, tremor in the heart
Numbness, tightness in the chest
Throbbing, breaking or bursting pain in the heart region
Insomnia
Dry cough
Constipation
Labored breathing
Fear and restlessness
Dark discoloration around the eyes
Arun Deva©2015
Dark patches on the skin
The individual becomes intolerant of noise and loud speech
Heart problems will follow stress, overwork or excessive exercise
Restlessness, fear, fright, anxiety and sometimes fainting may be manifested

Kapha

Most congestive heart conditions or cardiac edema are from kapha dośa disorders.
Kapha type heart disease originates from overeating, increasing levels of
cholesterol; and fat and mucus interfering with the heart.

Symptoms of Kapha-‐type heart disease include:
A feeling of heaviness and stiffness in the region of the heart
Congestion in the chest
Accumulation of phlegm
Coughing
Increased salivation
Lack of appetite
Nausea and perhaps vomiting
Burning sensation in the region of the heart
Fatigue and excessive sleeping
May feel dull and lack clarity
Greed and materialism
An unwillingness to let things go

Pitta

Most inflammatory heart conditions such as myocarditis, endocarditis and pericarditis
relate to Pitta dośa imbalance. Heart disease in the Pitta humor often manifests as a heart
attack. They generally involve hypertension, a common Pitta disorder as Pitta is related to
the blood. Typical Type 1 personality -‐ the red faced, angry, ambitious, hard driving
executive -‐ who suddenly dies of a heart attack is typically a Pitta person who denies his
true heart.

The symptoms of Pitta-‐type heart disease include:
Burning sensation in and around the heart
A feeling of smoldering heat, spontaneous sweating, fever
Feeling of warmth all over the body
Dizziness, sometimes fainting
A yellowish tint to the skin and eyes
The face will usually be flushed, with red or bloodshot eyes
Nosebleeds, a tendency to bleed easily or slow healing of cuts and bruises
Vomiting of bile or sour fluids may occur, along with loose yellow stool
Arun Deva©2015
Anger and irritability
Outbursts of temper may aggravate the symptoms

Treatment:
All heart diseases, regardless of their origin, are treated with mental and physical rest,
herbs, yoga and meditation. Heart Disease and the Ayurvedic Mind-‐Body Constitution by Dr
George Jacob (Kotalla, Kerala)

Yoga Therapy Using the Ashtānga Model from an Āyurvedic Perspective.

1. Yama: Controlling negative impulses towards violence, deceit, stealing, sexual
perversion and greed.

2. Niyama: Encouraging positive impulses towards purity, contentment, enthusiasm,
constructive study and surrender of worry, fear, anxiety and sloth.

3. Āsana: Practice of postures to encourage comfort and steadiness of body and mind:
These can be further broken into categories such as:
Positions of the body: standing symmetrically, standing with feet separated,
standing on one leg, sitting with symmetrical legs, sitting with asymmetrical legs,
sitting with crossed legs or with folded legs, lying prone, lying supine, going upside
down and finally, difficult positions that do not fall within these 10 categories.
Movements of the body that can be done in any of the positions: Upward
stretches, forward bends, backward bends, side bends and twists.

4. Prānāyāma: Two kinds:
Kriya types such as Bhastrika and Kapalabhati. Primarily for increasing flow of
oxygen.
Conscious control of breath: Involving conscious control of inhale, exhale and the
pauses in between. Can usually include specified number of pranayama, time of
practice, as also counting numerically length of each. Primarily preparation for
internal yoga (samyama) and stress relief.

5. Pratyahāra: Taking our attention within: control of sense organs. Can include such
practices as yoga Nidra, savasana, Shambhavi Mudra and Chanting.

6. Dhārana: Trying to stay focused on one thing. Most effective at steadying the heart.

7. Dhyāna: Extending our concentration.

8. Samādhi: A sustained state of Contentment/Bliss.

Arun Deva©2015

PRACTICE:
• Being quiet and focusing on breathing with heart mudra.
• Āsana practice
• Prānāyāma practice
• Chanting
• Meditation

Specific practice:
• Begin with lying on back (Tagari Mudra)(ALL)
• Spinal stretch lying on back (Hasta Vinyāsa) (ALL)
• Spinal twist on back (Jatharasana) (ALL)
• Cobra (Bhujangasana) (MODIFY AS PER)
• Rabbit Pose to Cobra Vinyasa (Shashank-‐Bhujangasana) (MODIFY AS PER)
• Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) (ADVANCED)
• Knees to Chest Vinyasa (Apānasana Vinyāsa) (ALL)
• Spinal Stretch (Tagari Mudra)(ALL)
• Locust Vinyasa (Shālābhāsana Vinyāsa) (MODIFY AS PER)
• Camel Variation Vinyasa (Ustrasana Vinyāsa) (MODIFY AS PER)
• Childs Pose (Balasana) (ALL)
• Yoga Nidra in Savāsana (ALL)
• Kapālabhati Kriya (ADVANCED)
• Prānāyāma: Simple Ujjāyi in Nādi Shodhana (MODIFY AS PER)
• Chanting: So-‐Hum (MODIFY AS PER)
• Meditation: So-‐Hum (MODIFY AS PER)
• Savāsana (ALL)

All modifications will be based on several factors:
First and foremost would be the nature of the patient (Prakŗti). Then the nature of the
imbalance (Vikŗti) that is causing the heart disease (Hŗd Roga). And finally, the nature
of the treatment (Cikitsa).

Arun Deva©2015
Lumbar Pain: A Therapeutic Approach
Low back pain, or lumbar pain, referring to the low back region, is one of the most common pain disorders
today It may be irritating, or debilitating, acute or chronic. Characterized by a persistent dull or sharp pain in
the lower back, one may also experience burning, stiffness, numbness and tingling sensations. Pain may move,
be isolated to one place or include pain moving down the buttocks and the legs.
The lower back and lumbar spine holds the majority of the weight of the body. With compromised posture,
aging and weak spinal muscles we may sink into the spinal vertebrae, compromising the integrity of the
vertebrae and spinal discs. When we move, bend, extend or rotate at the waist, instead of using the whole
back, we may add undue stress to the lumbar spine and muscles that support the spine. If the inner organs
such as the kidneys, intestines or swelling associated with menses are swollen, the tissues may place pressure
on the nerves in the lumbar region. Each of these general descriptions can be a cause of low back. The client
may end up with restricted activity, reduced work capacity, quality of life and even become debilitated,
making life miserable.
Statistically, it is the second most common reason for all US Primary Care Physician visits. Simple daily tasks
such as sitting, walking, running, and standing can cause aggravated pain. Low back pain sufferers often
resort to pain medications, injections, or even costly surgery to alleviate pain.
Broad stroke of Causes

Lifestyle issues:
• Weight - whether it is overweight or weight carried improperly in the body.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Lack of exercise or incorrect exercise.
• Ergonomics in any type of movement, even alignment in yogāsana.
Structure and Posture

• Posture. Balanced posture decreases stress on your back by aligning the muscles, bones and other
supporting parts in their natural anatomical alignment. Any change from normal spinal curve can stress
bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and the nerves.
• Lordosis.
• Kyphosis.
• Scoliosis.
• Lumbar compression.
• Imbalance of the psoas.
• Sacro-illiac joint imbalance.
• Pubic Synthesis imbalance.
Disease or injury to the muscles, bones or nerves of the spine.

• Sprains and strains. Sprains are the tearing ligaments, and strains are tears in tendon or muscle.
Damage to the mamsa and asthi dhãtu.
• Radiculopathy is caused by compression, inflammation and/or injury to a spinal nerve root. Injury to
majja dhātu, compromised movement, vata, and pitta inflammation.
• Intervertebral disc degeneration. Vata issue.
• Traumatic injury that compromises the spinal alignment or muscles. Tridoṣa.
• Herniated discs. Tridoṣa
• Sciatica pain. The nerve injury is vata and majja dhãtu, the pain is pitta.
• Spondylitis is a noninfectious inflammation of the spine. Pitta inflammation.
• Ankylosing spondylitis is stiffness and fusion of the mamsa and asthi dhātu.
• Spondylosis occurs when inter vertebral discs lose their moisture and volume, causing inflammation
and nerve root impingement. Loss of fluid is kapha, degeneration and nerve damage is vata and inflammation
pitta.
• Spondylolisthesis is a when vertebra of the lower spine slips out of place and pinches the nerves exiting
the spinal column. Improper movement is vata and nerve impingement occurs to the majja dhãtu.
• Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. Accumulation to the tissue is kapha and vata compromise
in the asthi dhãtu.
© Hansa, 2015, edited for the SYTAR conference Page 1
• Cauda equina syndrome is when the disc material expands into the spinal canal, which compresses the
nerves. Compromised to the majja dhãtu.
• Fibromyalgia. Compromise to the vyāna dhãtu.
• Myofascial pain is characterized by pain and tenderness over localized trigger points. Vitiated vata.
• Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bones of the spine. Pitta imbalance.
• Benign or cancerous tumors can also be a source of skeletal pain. Tridoṣa.
• Viral infections. Pitta / tridoṣa imbalance.
Pain arising from compromised organs within the abdomen, pelvis, or chest.
• Appendicitis.
• Aneurysms
• Kidney disease.
• Bladder infections.
• Pelvic infections.
• Ovarian disorders.
• Pregnancy.
• Osteoporosis.
Medical Perspective and Approach

Many Americans do not know is that 70 to 80 percent of low back pain is muscle related, resulting from a
disruption of the spine, muscles, intervertebral discs and nerves.
• Acute pain is short term and can be alleviated using non-invasive methods.
• Sub acute pain has not responded to the non-invasive treatments and lasted for four two twelve weeks.
• Chronic pain has persisted for twelve weeks or longer after the initial injury or underlying cause was
assessed and non-invasive treatment has not relieved the pain.
Low back pain is diagnosed through X-rays, Computerized tomography (CT scan), Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI), Ultrasounds, Blood tests and other tools.
Treatments begin with alleviation of the symptoms and moves to surgery if relief is not attained within eight
to twelve weeks.
• Hot and cold packs.
• Change in activity. If it is due to sedentary lifestyle, movement will be suggested. If the source is too
much movement, rest is recommended.
• Strengthening exercises.
• Physical Therapy.
• Medications: analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), anticonvulsants, anti-
depressants, counter irritants.
• Spinal manipulation or mobilization.
• Traction.
• Acupuncture.
• Biofeedback.
• Nerve block therapies.
• Epidural steroid injections.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
• Surgery: limited list includes: spinal laminectomy, discectomy, foraminotomy, neucleoplasty (plasma
disc decompression), spinal fusion and others.
Ayurveda Perspective
Ayurveda holds that low back pain is a result of vitiation of one of the three principal doṣa. It is considered a
vata aggravation in the bone, asthi dhātu and and muscle weakness related to the mamsa dhātu. This is a
simplified assessment. All three doṣa are involved:
• Vata doṣa is the controller of the pelvic area and the metabolism of bones.
• Pitta doṣa is the controller of the navel area and the metabolism of blood, tendons and heat.
• Kapha doṣa is the controller of the chest area and the metabolism of plasma, muscles, ligaments, fat
and nerves.

Vata is responsible for movement in the body. Pain is when movement is “stuck” in a region. Vata, moving
through the srotansi (channels) allows the other doṣa to function. When it does not move, pitta and kapha are
implicated, especially true in pain. The pain one is experiencing may indicate the vikṛti that is influencing the
condition and the approach one takes in addressing lumbar pain from an ayurveda therapist perspective.
Vata
• Vata pain is sharp, throbbing, migrates in location, variable in intensity, comes and goes quickly. It is
often superficial in comparison to pitta and kapha pain.
• Vata low back pain will be variable, migrating, throbbing and intense. Cold will aggravate the pain,
whereas pain will decrease with warmth. .
• Remembering that vata’s have a fragile body, pain can result from over use of muscles, stress, travel and
sedentary lifestyle.
Pitta
• Pitta influenced pain is burning, piercing, intense and it stays in one place. It comes to increase in
intensity. Pain often peaks in the pitta time of day, between midnight/noon and two a.m. or p.m.. It is
in the middle tissues of the muscle.
• Pitta’s stable burning, piercing, intense pain is aggravated by heat. It is better with cool compresses or in
the cool evening.
• Heat builds with friction. Overuse that causes inflammation, or inflammation in the tissues will indicate
pitta predominance. Shock, suppressed anger and other pitta emotions may aggravate the pain.
Kapha
• Kapha dominated pain is dull, aching, deep in the body and is localized to one place. The pain builds
slowly over six hours plus to reach full intensity. It lingers for days. Pain peaks in the evening, due to
movement during the day or in the morning, due to stagnation in the tissue. I sometimes call it the rusty
gate where slow movement after inactivity makes the pain better. The pain tends to be located deep in
the tissues, a place that can’t be reached.
• Kapha low back pain will be a stable dull, aching pain that is deep and defused. Cold will tend to
aggravate and warmth will help to slowly relieve it.
• Non-movement, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, congestion, weight issues, constipation, amenorrhea,
suppressed emotions, etc.
Yoga Perspective
Back pain is only a symptom and it can have many underlying reasons. For example:
• It may be merely anatomical.
• The person may be blocked in holding their body upright and / or walking their dharma, preventing the
lumbar spine from supporting them,
• The digestive system may not want to digest life causing abdominal inflammation that presses on the
spine.
• Kidney issues may prevent the flow of fluid, our inner consciousness, or in its purified form, ojas.
• The spine needs stability and, therefore, the mind must first be steady.
There may be an imbalance in the prānavāyu, especially the apāna and udāna balance.
If we look from the perspectives of the Tri-Śarīra, the following perspectives may be integrated into our
assessment.
Stūla śarīra allows us to the postural alignment and potential source of lumbar pain from an anatomical
perspective. It helps us identify how the sūkṣma and kārana śarīra are manifesting in the physical body.
• Collapsed arches.
• Collapsed lumbar vertebrae.
• Lordosis.
• Kyphosis.
• The inner link in the deep front body is the psoas.
Sūkṣma śarīra reflects issues association with the antahkāraṇa: the psychic apparatus consisting of buddhi,
ahamkarā and manas, along with the five tanmātra.
• The lumbar vertebrae support how we stand and the link between moving forward and holding up
“who we are.”
• The low back region is where our
• In the wheel of life the back of the body is the unconscious Spirit. Our dharma is to move the
unconsciousness of the expression of life, reflected in the front. We may collapse in the region we are
uncomfortable in expressing, or working through our “karma.”
• The coccyx is the home of Spirit. Is the client comfortable with their relationship to Spirit?
• Sacral spine is directly related to svaḍhiṣṭana, our personal self-identity. We can observe the clients
ability to know who they are versus bowing into peer, parental or ancestral definitions of who they
should be.
• The lumbar spine, as it moves upward is about defining out home, profession and relationships. Note if
the client is comfortable in their skin and in the relationship to family.
Kāraṇa śarīra, as the causal body. It is a mirror of our relationship with Spirit.
• The lumbar area is the foundation for lifting into the world. It is the long bar that links the home of
Spirit in the svayambhū lingham and the channeling of our uniqueness through kañcuka. Here we can
hold the awareness of a person’s connection to their Source.
• It is the region of the first and second cakra.
• It is the home of the nadī.
Exploring Tools for Āyurveda insights in Yoga Therapy

The following list is far from exhaustive. If the condition is chronic, or you have done everything appropriate
and the pain is not improving, it is recommended that you request X-rays or an MRI to support your
assessment and choice of tools.
Lifestyle Considerations and Tools

• Notice if the back pain is worse with stress, depletion of energy and adjust lifestyle to reduce
appropriately. Adjust appropriately.
• Stay warm. Keep the low back well covered and protected during inclement weather.
• Don’t not wear tight belts that compression and block the flow of prāna, circulation, and movement of
the dhātu.
• Stretch before strenuous movement.
• Do not slouch. Find a comfortable chair that supports you sitting straight. If necessary, purchase or use
towels to make a support for the pelvis or lumbar spine.
• Work at a comfortable height. The height a chair, the keyboard of your computer, etc. can have you
reaching or straining unnecessarily.
• Wear comfortable low heal shoes.
• Lift objects using the whole body, rather than the lumbar spine.
• Quit smoking, which reduces circulation to the spine.
• Eat a nutritious diet to support proper weight, nutrition to the muscles and bone, and related mamsa,
majja and asthi dhātu.
Āyurveda Tools
For proper treatment, both internal and external Āyurveda treatments can be recommended. Āyurveda
considers severity, duration and nature of the disease in assessing and developing a patient focused protocol.
As a yoga therapist, there are some general tools we can recommend. When it comes to the recommendations
for herbal formulas, please have the client see an Āyurveda Practitioner for proper care.
• Dinacarya tools, which are both in the Āyurveda texts as well as in the Hatha Yoga texts are appropriate.
• Āyurvedic Pañcakarma treatments like abhyanga, oil massage; basthi,meditated enema or oil
applications, and svedhana also known as kizhi, sweating, sometimes done with herbs; are helpful in
relieving backache and correcting certain conditions.
An important beginning point is to reduce vata. Three general tools for reducing vata are:
• Eat a vata balancing diet, especially focusing on minimizing pungent, hot spicy foods.
• Eat warm food rather than cold, refrigerated or frozen food.
• Oleation / Abhyanga - Oiling the body with warm sesame oil before taking a warm shower, waiting ten
to fifteen minutes and then showering, without soap if possible, makes the skin healthy and strong,
wards off aging, and reduces lower back pain.
Oleation is tool that needs to be customized.

Oleation: The oils should be adjusted to the doṣa that is instigating the pain:
• Vata – warm oil abhyanga. Best oils include Sesame oil, Mahānarāyana, Bala or Aśwagandha mixed
with Sesame oil. If applied by a therapist, the pressure should be soft, light and middle level of pressure.
Its effect can be supplemented with the application of heat for twenty minutes.
• Pitta oleation is done better with room temperature oil. Using anti-inflammatory oils such as olive,
coconut, or an oil that has pitta reducing herbs such as manijistha, bala are beneficial. Although
developed for hair, Navratna oil can be beneficial for heat in the muscle tissue. If it applied by a
massage therapist, the massage should be more vigorous integrated with soft nurturing strokes that are
mid-pressure.
• Kapha will thrive with hot oil massage done over at least twenty minutes. The oil should have heating
herbs such as calamus and ginger. Sesame oil and mustard oil blends can be used. The massage should
be vigorous, but not necessarily stimulating. A kapha can handle pressure in a massage.
The following may be included by an Āyurveda practitioner. I feel it is important for yoga therapists who
work with a Practitioner to know or know where to gain information on āyurveda applications. They can
point to the assessment by the Practitioner.
• Kati basthi, the application of warm oil, ghee or an herbal / medicated oil to the low back, isolated in a
dough ring.
• Herbal concoctions may include: Yogaraja guggulu, Lakshadi guggulu, Triphala guggulu, Dashmul or
Dashmularishtam, Ashwagandha and Brahmi.
• Vamana, purgation, may be recommended to restore the vitiated doṣa.
Yoga Tools
It is important to distinguish sciatica from lumbar/low back pain as there are tools specific to releasing the
piriformis and addressing sciatica pain.
Āyurveda considers severity, duration and nature of the disease in assessing and developing a patient focused
protocol.
Yogāsana
• Uttanāsana - done with neutral spine. Balances vata.
• Caturastrāsana - also known as pirformis stretch or 4 square. Opens up gluteal muscles, the mamsa dhātu
and the leg forward massages the colon balancing vata.
• Kapotanāsana - pigeon pose. Use one of three variations based on source of lumbar pain. Works with the
mamsa and asthi tissues. Leaning forward balances vata, the back bend version balances pitta and kapha.
• Ardha Matsyendrāsana variations. Works with the mamsa and asthi tissues
• Cakravakāsana variation – Stimulates the discs of spine and loosen the ligaments and muscles, all components of
the asthi and mamsa dhātu.
• And many more . . .
In working with yogāsana and Ãyurveda, here are further considerations:

Vata considerations:
• Key words are calming, grounding, consistent.
• Vata may have great flexibility and agility and lack energy and stamina. They may be fearful of new
experiences. They can become restless in class.
• Vata people need to focus on keeping the spine flexible. They need to be aware they can create over
flexibility which will destabilize the spine.
• Vata people need to warm up and prepare their body for movement.
• Their attitude should be gentle and flowing.
• Āsana should be strengthening, but not held too long as a vata body is slight in build.
• Vata āsana should be guided with conscious awareness, as they will have a tendency to drift away.
The steady flow, not too fast or too slow, is important.
• Āsana should emphasize the pelvic region and colon. They should release tension from the spine and
pelvic region.
• Balancing āsana assist in focus, strength and stability.
• Floor and sitting āsana ground vata.
• Forward bends relieve vata, creating calmness and inner stillness.
• Back bends should be done slowly.
Pitta considerations:
• Key words are cool, relax, nurture, be gentle and surrender.
• Pitta people have good musculature. They have good circulation and the oily quality that lubricate
joints.
• Pitta is intense and the intensity may destabilize their joints. As teachers, void any form of intensity in
language or expectations. Intensity triggers the pitta fire creating aggravation for the practitioner.
• Pitta people are aggressive and competitive. They can be overly ambitious in their practice.
Integrating breath can assist in balancing the pitta qualities.
• Pitta needs to avoid overheating. They need to balance the internal fire as well as the mental fire.
• Their solar energy is around the navel.
• Inversions help balance the solar energy by stimulating the lunar prāna in the palate of the mouth.
• Pitta benefit by āsana that release tension from the mid-abdomen including the small intestine and liver.
• Forward bends benefit pitta because they bring energy to the mid body as they cool and ground pitta.
• Back bends, brahmana in nature, can heat pitta. They should be done gently. Follow back bends with a
forward bend to balance the fire.
Kapha considerations:
• Key words for kapha are stimulating, moving, energizing, releasing, warming.
• Strong, strengthening āsana, increases flexibility. Kapha people benefit from a focus on the heart and
finding pleasure and strength.
• Strengthening increases flexibility and movement, rigorous routine. Hold āsana long extended time.
Feel strength.
• Kapha have shorter bulky bodies. Therefore, they should not force themselves into āsana, which are
not appropriate for their body type or joints.
• Fluid, mucus and excess adipose tissue are an issue for vata. Excess fluid can accumulate in the
synovial fluid of the joints. Kapha weight centers in the lower body and thighs and will affect their
āsana practice. They will also accumulate mucus that can affect their lungs, create swollen glands and
benign cysts.
• Kapha will have a tendency to gain weight and may come to yoga classes with the intension of loosing
weight, which, based on their dosha may not happen. They need to learn to love their body.
• Kapha people tend to be more sedentary. They need to activate, energize and move, stimulating
metabolism and circulation. They need to build in slow, conscious steps.
• Kapha are cold and warming their body helps the inner river to flow and move out stagnation.
• They benefit from āsana that causes the to sweat. They should be doing āsana “stronger” than they
prefer.
• Practicing warming prānāyāma are beneficial for kapha.
• Sitting can decrease movement, therefore increasing kapha. Held too long, sitting āsana can allow the
kapha to fall asleep!
• Vinyasa and namaskar, with constant activity, activate the body and can reduce kapha.
• Back bends open the chest and increase circulation to the head. This reduces mucus in the chest and
increases circulation to the head. The circulation in the head reduces the build up of mucus in the
sense organs.
• Forward bends are not as effective for kapha. They contract the chest allowing mucus build up.
• Āsana that work on the navel region will support the slow digestion and low metabolism
characteristics of kapha.
Prānānyāma
• Dirgha prānāyāma - full body breath, top down bottom up for best results. Tridoṣa balance.
• Nadi Śodhana - alternative nostril breathing. Balances the prāna in the left and right sides of the body.
Balances the prānavayu.
• So Ham - calms the mind. Encourages pratāyāhara.
• Kapālabhātī - Increases / balances cellular agni.

Mudrā
When people are in severe pain, āsana may not be the first choice. Using mudrā can reduce the pain, or be
used at a time when āsana cannot be practiced, such as in the middle of a workday.
• Back Mudrā - Works with the asthi dhātu.
• Ganeśa - Balances the vayu, releasing kyphosis and relaxes mamsa dhātu. releasing the muscles around the ribcage.
• Garuda - Relaxes and releases the mamsa dhātu around the spine.
• Joint - Balances kapha in the joint.
• Māhā Sacral - Reduces pitta component of menses cramps. Stimulates peristaltic action of sluggish intestines, vata
balancing.
• Matsayama - Works with mamsa and majja dhātu along the spine.
• Pṛthvi - Grounds vata doṣa.
• Surabhi - Tridoṣa balance to reducss pain in mamsa dhātu.
• Vajrapradama – Balances the pranavayu, balancing the scoliotic tendency and the psoas muscle.
• Varuna –Balances kapha doṣa.
• Vāyu - Great for vata disturbances.
Mantra
It is challenging to choose mantra without knowing the source of the lumbar pain. Many chants could be
incorporated based on how the person may be locked into walking into their dharma.
• Om Namaḥ Śivaya could be used to change the focus on ones life.
• Om Gum Ganapataye Swaha would benefit new paths in life.
• Om Aim Saraswataye Swaha or Namaḥ brings in knowledge for growth.
• Om Srīm Laksmaye Swaha offers abundance of whatever is needed.
Anatomically:
Saturn rules the bones while sun governs the agni for healthy bones. Either may be indicated:
Sun: Oṁ Śri Sūryaya Namaḥ. Governs the agni in the asthi, and other, dhātu.
Saturn:- Use a Hanuman chant if it is from stagnation and a vata imbalance: Oṁ Śri Hanumate Namaḥ
If it is skeletal based use the Śani chant: Oṁ Hrīm Śam Śanaye Namaḥ
Spiritually:
Ganeśa resides in the root cakra region, home of vata and pitta.
Glauṁ is the seed sound for Ganeśa. Using the simple bija sound will enhance the function of the sacrum, the
home of Ganeśa in the body.
Another Ganeśa chant is: Aum vakratundaya hum. This mantra is used for healing any spinal deficiency,
such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs.
Marma
Marma points are junctures in the body where two or more types of dhātu meet, such as muscles, veins,
ligaments, bones or joints. They bring the area into tridoṣic balance. Balanced marma points release the prāna,
allowing cellular intelligence to flow freely. Marma do not have to be specific to the lumbar region for relieve
of pain because they work with balancing the srotansi. Therefore, working with marma can be deceptive.
In using marmani therapy for back pain, we consider marma that affect:
Mansa marma - muscle
• Sira marma - vessels conveying body fluids and impulses
• Sanyu - tendons
• Asthi - bones
• Sandhi - articulate points specially bone joints
I integrate marma with āsana when possible. You can also teach a client with pain a mini-series to release
chronic pain.

Key marma points I use include:
Front of body:
• Guda - coccyx
• Bhaga - pubic synthesis
• Basti - half way between the navel and the pubic synthesis
• Nabhi - navel
Organs:
• Yakrut - by the liver
• Pliha - by the spleen
Back of body:
• Trik - sitz bones
• Katikataruna - low gluteal, posterior to the hip socket
• Kukundara - each side of the sacrum -
• Nitambha - just below the iliac crest
• Urvi - middle of thigh, front and back
With this foundation, let us look at the three major categories of causes and begin some observations. There
are several ways in which we can approach the next component, the application. We will choose as a group a
format for exploration and applications of the ideas.
Inciting Factor Considerations and development of Protocol for Therapy

Please distinguish how the doṣa is taken into consideration in the development of protocol.
Lifestyle Issues Vata:
• Weight.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Lack of exercise or
incorrect exercise.
• Ergonomics in any type of Pitta:
movement, even alignment
in yogāsana.
• Posture - see next section.
Kapha:
Posture Vata:
• Kyphosis
• Lordosis
• Scoliosis
• Lumbar Compression
• Imbalance of the psoas. Pitta:
• Sacro-illiac joint imbalance.
• Pubic Synthesis imbalance.
Kapha:
Compromise of the spine: Vata:

• Sprains and strains.
• Radiculopathy.
• Intervertebral disc
degeneration.
• Traumatic injury.
• Herniated discs..

• Sciatica pain. Pitta:
• Spondylitis.
• Ankylosing spondylitis,
Spondylosi.
• Spondylolisthesis.
• Spinal stenosis. Kapha:
• Cauda equina syndrome.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Myofascial pain.
• Osteomyelitis.
• Benign or cancerous
tumors.
• Viral infections.
Congestion / Organ Vata:
Compromise
• Appendicitis.
• Aneurysms
• Kidney disease.
• Bladder infections. Pitta:
• Pelvic infections.
• Ovarian disorders.
• Pregnancy.
• Osteoporosis.
Kapha:

Using Ayurveda to fine tune your assessment and treatment plans
when working with someone suffering with depression or anxiety
The first, and perhaps most important tool is listening to the language/words used to determine the
doshic involvement in the condition:
• KAPHA (water & earth) – heaviness, lack of motivation, clinging to grief (beyond the norm),
holding onto hurt and grudges, can’t (doesn’t want to) move from the bed/couch, nothing
inspires interest, escapes into sleep or over indulgence of the senses, self care and personal
hygiene suffers, lack of caring, does not make decisions
• VATA (air & ether) – emptiness, overwhelm, inability to be in stillness, sleep disruptions,
feeling of loss and being lost, disconnection, deprivation or over-stimulation, self-punishment,
whirling and looping of thoughts, addictions, obsessiveness, sudden and/or repeated fears,
may have self-destructive thoughts/behaviors
• PITTA (fire & water) – anger, deep seething, judgmental, sleep disruptions, vivid and intense
(often violent) dreams, takes on more than reasonable “because no one else is competent,”
destructive to self and others, controlling, vindictive, misuse of senses in a destructive way
Once you have a sense of which dosha(s) is out of balance, using the elements and their qualities as
you consider your treatment will help to bring about positive results more effectively. Varying your
techniques and protocols to take into consideration how each out of balance dosha can be best served
with understanding the following:
Cycles
• Daily
• Yearly
• Lifetime
Physical condition
• Agni – digestive fire strength and stability
• Apana – clearing of the digestive tract daily
• Ama – complications of toxins in the system
Environment – considerations for where, when, how you meet and work with your clients
• Climate
• Surroundings
o Residence
o Relationships
o Sounds
o Colors
o Scents
o Tastes
o Touch
• Season
• Age
• Constitution (balanced doshic make up)
Devi Mueller, CAS, MAyu, AP
Pitta
Summer
Menopause/
Retirement
Puberty
10 2
Spring Fall
Winter
Birth Death
Kapha Vata
Kapha Pitta Vata
6 am to 10 am 6 pm to 10 pm 10 am to 2 pm 10 pm to 2 am 2 pm to 6 pm 2 am to 6 am
Daily Body Strongest Body Weakest Most active time Most active for Most active time Most active
Best time to arise Wind down physically and metabolic mentally dream state
& get moving, & prepare for for digestion processing Brain needs most Preparing
exercise bed Eat largest meal Be sleeping of nutrients for awakening
Late winter through spring Late spring through summer Fall through early winter
Annually Slowest, least active time Most active time of year Activity begins to wane, more time
Heaviest foods – root vegetables Freshest, most abundant foods – spent in doors; weather becomes
and meats from winter store fruits, early vegetables colder
Spring – melting and thawing Overheating may occur; Late season foods – heavier
occur, new growth begins Longest daylight hours vegetables and autumn fruits,
Move to lightest foods – sprouts, meats
bitter greens Winter – freezing and decrease in
Activity increases, light increases sunlight
Move to heaviest foods that can be
stored
Birth to puberty Puberty to Menopause (Retirement) Menopause (Retirement) to
Lifetime Time of rapid growth – muscle and Most active time of life – advanced Death
bone grow from infant to young education, productive output Physical activity begins to wane,
adult size! Managing multiple responsibilities – mental activity becomes more
Development of lungs, joints to home, family, work highlighted
support larger organism Time of wisdom and understanding
Evaluation of life and its meaning
© Patterns For Living, 2003

The 3 “A”s of Ayurveda
The underlying tenet of Ayurveda is that health begins in the digestive
system(s)! If we keep our digestive system(s) healthy, our whole being
benefits.
Daily “do’s”
Avoid Ama (the toxic result of poorly digested, impure, or non-dosha supporting food)
Activate Agni (the digestive fire – strength)
Achieve Apana (the force of Vata that moves wastes out of our bodies)
The 3 Digestive Systems

The Alimentary Canal: The digestive system for food
The Integumentary System: Our skin
The Cognitive System: Our brain and ability to process and use thoughts and ideas
The 3 Mental States:

Sattva: Clear, pure awareness where the mind is free of any distraction, turbulence, or ignorance.
Rajas: Turbulence and activity within the mind; the space of internal chatter that keeps our
attention moving from the past to present to future.
Tamas: Slowness and mental lethargy, where the mind is in ignorance of any higher awareness.
(c) 2015 Patterns For Living

For educational purposes only
Adaptations for increasing efficacy by addressing the
doshic imbalance as you work with your client
How might you vary the protocols you use when working with mental/emotional conditions in the
following:
OUTER
• Yamas
• Niyamas
• Asanas
• Pranayama
• Pratyahara
INNER
• Dharana
• Dhyana
• Samadhi
“The scope of yoga therapy is vast, particularly if we include the many diagnostic procedures and
healing tools of Ayurveda. Yoga therapy can help revolutionize both our physical and psychological
systems of healing.”
David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri)
Yoga – The Greater Tradition

Vata Pitta Kapha
Stressors Too many activities, too Taking on too much, Too much partying (eating
and much cold, too much partying unrealistic expectations, too and drinking), feeling left out
Reactions (too many!) much partying (too many or alone
holiday toastsJ)
Fear, anxiety, stress, Weight gain, stress,
nervousness Anger, irritability, stress melancholy
Best Slow, warm, moist bath, Slow down! Cool down! Spend time with friends, or
Relaxation Calming self-massage Limit multi-tasking! get involved with community
Breaks Find time to rest Calming self-massage activities (other than eating)
Warming cup of tea (ginger) Cooling cup of tea Stimulating cup of tea
or cocoa if you prefer (chamomile) (ginger)
Breathing ! Slow, full breaths ! Slow, full breaths ! Slow, full breaths
and ! Add alternate nostril ! Add lunar breathing to ! Add solar breathing to
Imagery breathing to balance cool stimulate
! Imagine a warm, quiet ! Imagine a cool, quiet place, ! Imagine a quiet, warm,
moment, perhaps by a like a forest glade active experience like
fireplace with a loved one soaring in a glider with the
sun on your face
(c) 2015, Patterns For Living

Vata Pitta Kapha
Herbs, Oils, " Nutmeg, licorice, ginger " Cumin, fennel, coriander " Ginger, cinnamon, cloves
Colors, and " Sesame, Ghee " Olive, Sunflower, Almond " Safflower
Aromas " Gold, Green, Orange, Pink, " Blue, Green, Violet (more " Gold, Green, Orange, Red,
Yellow and Purple (more red) blue), White Purple (more red), White,
" Almond, Clove, Jasmine, " Rose, Lavender, Jasmine, Yellow
Orange, Frankincense Sandalwood, Mint " Sage, Cedar, Pine, Myrrh,
Eucalyptus
Stress " Restorative Yoga " Restorative Yoga " Stimulating Yoga
Relieving " Listen to soothing music " Listen to calming music " Listen to upbeat music
Activities " View happy movies " View funny movies " Act in a community play
" Roast chestnuts by an " Take a cozy ride in a horse " Bundle up and go ice
open fire! drawn carriage! skating or sledding
(c) 2015, Patterns For Living


Ayurvedainyogatherapy

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Ayurvedainyogatherapy

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The Practical Application of Ayurveda For Yoga

Therapists: SYTAR 2015

Ayurveda: The Science of Life

Arunachala Yoga & Ayurveda ©

Dosha Vata Pitta Kapha

Main Location Colon Small Intestine Stomach

INDIVIDUAL CONSTITUTION: unique combination of Vata, Pitta and Kapha:

Arunachala Yoga & Ayurveda ©

RASA: plasma, lymph, serumà

AGNI: 4 possible states

Ayurvedic Definition Of Health:

Samadoshaha, samagnishchaha, samadhatumalakriyaha,

Arunachala Yoga & Ayurveda ©

Healthy Cycle of the Doshas

RMD -­‐ Disease

Creation of Disease Condition

© 2013, Patterns For Living Devi Mueller, CAS, MAyu Devi@Patternsforliving.com

Elements: Air / Ether (space)

Mentally: scattered, disoriented, confused, forgetful, indecisive, spacey

Emotionally: Worried, nervous, anxious, fearful, obsessive, moody

What drives Vata out of balance?

Sleep: Lack of sleep

Energy: Doing too many things at once, over-stimulation of the senses,

© 2003, Patterns For Living

Elements: Fire / Water (mostly fire!)

Mentally: overly focused, critical, judgmental, controlling, opinionated

Emotionally: angry, resentful, jealous, vindictive

What drives Pitta out of balance?

Sleep: Lack of sleep (burning the candle at both ends!!)

Energy: Competition, overscheduling, intensity in any area

© 2003, Patterns For Living

Elements: Water / Earth

Mentally: slow, unwilling to change, inflexible, stuck, overly attached

Emotionally: melancholy, overly sentimental, lethargic, materialistic, possessive

What drives Kapha out of balance?

Sleep: Too much sleep, naps

Energy: Stagnation, inactivity, attachment to routine, lack of

© 2003, Patterns For Living

NAME:_______________________________________ TOTALS: V_____ P_____ K_____

Broad stroke of Causes

Structure and Posture

Disease or injury to the muscles, bones or nerves of the spine.

Medical Perspective and Approach

© Hansa, 2015, edited for the SYTAR conference Page 2

Exploring Tools for Āyurveda insights in Yoga Therapy

Lifestyle Considerations and Tools

Oleation is tool that needs to be customized.

In working with yogāsana and Ãyurveda, here are further considerations:

© Hansa, 2015, edited for the SYTAR conference Page 6

© Hansa, 2015, edited for the SYTAR conference Page 7

Inciting Factor Considerations and development of Protocol for Therapy

Compromise of the spine: Vata:

© Hansa, 2015, edited for the SYTAR conference Page 8

© Hansa, 2015, edited for the SYTAR conference Page 9

© Patterns For Living, 2003

Activate Agni (the digestive fire – strength)

The 3 Digestive Systems

The Integumentary System: Our skin

The 3 Mental States:

(c) 2015 Patterns For Living

© 2015, Patterns For Living

(c) 2015, Patterns For Living

(c) 2015, Patterns For Living

RMD -‐ Disease

NAME:_____________________________________ TOTALS: V_ P_ K___