OE: What is Ayurvedic Yoga?

  Dr.H: Ayurvedic Yoga is the application of Ayurveda to the practice of Yoga. It emphasizes the healing aspects of Yoga.

OE. How is it different than other forms of Yoga?

  Dr. H: Ayurvedic Yoga is individualized to a person's needs. It takes into consideration their body type and their current state of health.

OE: It sounds like Yoga Therapy. Is it similar?

  Dr. H: In some ways it is. Ayurveda is the healing side of Yoga. Whenever Yoga is applied toward healing it is Ayurveda. What is generally called ìYoga Therapyî however is somewhat of an allopathic approach to yoga. For instance, ìYoga for Back Pain.î Ayurvedic Yoga includes this but is also much deeper. It takes into consideration the inherent nature person of the person that is practicing and structures a program to meet their needs.

OE: So it works on prevention of disease as well as correction?

  Dr. H: Exactly. If you practice Yoga according to your Ayurvedic constitution you will be at less risk of injury and bring greater balance to the subtle energies of your body. Ayurvedic Yoga can be an important part of the healing process from most diseases. And, regular practice will help to prevent disease as well.

OE: Is there more to Ayurvedic Yoga than the choosing appropriate body postures (asana).

  Dr. H: Yes, Ayurvedic Yoga also includes the individual application of breathing practices (pranayama) and meditation along with an understanding of the psycho-spiritual journey of each person.

OE: What do you mean by the psycho-spiritual journey?

  Dr. H: Ayurveda and Yoga understand that each soul is on a journey from ignorance toward greater and greater awareness. This journey affects our psychology very deeply. Our thoughts and emotions reflect our evolution. We are not static individuals. We are growing, learning and evolving all time. As we evolve spiritually, we become more harmonious and experience both greater health and peace of mind.

OE: Is Ayurvedic Yoga a path toward enlightenment?

  Dr. H: All authentic Yoga is ultimately a path toward enlightenment. Ayurveda is the healing side of Yoga. Yoga is the spiritual side of Ayurveda. Ayurveda exists to keep us healthy so that we can do our spiritual work in this world and progress on our journey.

OE: But doesn't Yoga keep you healthy as well?

  Dr. H: Of course, the regular practice of yoga is beneficial to your body as long as you do not do too much too fast and injure yourself. However, yoga can also cause imbalances in the body when it is not practiced with due regard for the individuality of the practitioner. Ayurveda understands that there is a whole spectrum of Yoga induced diseases. Many of these are psychological. They come from not knowing how to properly work with the subtle energies of the body.

OE: Are you talking about Kundalini?

  Dr. H: Yes, this is a part of it. When subtle energies of the body are awakened in individuals who are not properly prepared both physically and emotionally, disease will manifest. These individuals suffer from both physical and psychological challenges.

OE: What are some symptoms of Yoga induced disease?

  Dr. H: Well of course there are the physical diseases of injury. However psychologically, awakening Kundalini in those who are not properly prepared can result in greater anxiety, mental instability, irritability and volatility. In the most extreme cases, these individuals can have a difficult time functioning in the world.

OE: How does Ayurvedic Yoga help?

  Dr. H: First, a proper understanding of Ayurveda will help prevent these diseases. Every yoga teacher should know the principles of Ayurvedic Yoga so that their students do not develop injuries and imbalances. Second, if imbalances are present, an understanding Ayurvedic Yoga can help a yoga teacher to know what to do and what not to do to support their student to become healthy once again.

OE: Is Ayurvedic Yoga new?

  Dr. H: Not really, the integration of Ayurveda and Yoga is very traditional. For as long as there has been Yoga, there has been an understanding of Ayurveda. The two have always worked together. However, as Yoga became popularized in the West an emphasis was placed on only some of the knowledge and practices. Today, the two are becoming integrated once again.

OE: Is there anything else you would like to ad?

  Dr. H: Only that Ayurveda and Yoga are together a complete path of body, mind and spirit well ñbeing. Neither is whole without the other. The practice of each is enhanced by the other.

Dr. Marc Halpern is a Western pioneer of Ayurvedic Medicine and Ayurvedic Yoga. He is the founder and director of the California College of Ayurveda with branches in San Francisco , San Jose , Grass Valley and Seal Beach . He teaches Ayurvedic Yoga Intensive Certification classes in Grass Valley and at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram in the Bahamas each year. For information call ------------------ or visit their website at www.ayurvedacollege.com