“The foundation of yoga should be Ayurveda and the fruits of Ayurveda, yoga.”
David Frawley, Founder of American Institute of Vedic Studies.
Today, most of us have heard of Yoga, Ayurveda and Mindfulness. We’ve probably all attended a Yoga class (or meant to!), taken an ayurvedic quiz to discover our dosha (are you vata, pitta or kapha?) or perhaps you’ve taken 5 minutes in the day to sit and meditate. In the last 10 years, Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine and Mindfulness meditation have exploded in the western world, with up to 460,000 Brits attending a yoga class every week, I’d bet you know one of them!
Whilst these ancient practices are sometimes undertaken separately, and in isolated forms, they are branches of the same tree, woven together and intertwined over thousands of years.
Mindfulness and Yoga are inseparable, with Yoga often described as a guide for arriving in the present moment, which we’re all aiming for in our practices of mindful living. Similarly, Ayurveda and Yoga are two sides of the same coin. The roots of Yoga and Ayurveda can be traced back thousands of years to the oldest known sacred texts: the Vedas. Written in Sanskrit, these texts were the first to mention both spiritual practices, working in harmony with each other. There are wonderfully accessible translated versions available too. Other ancient texts such as the Mahabharata Epic and the writings of Patanjali explore the extensive connection between Ayurveda and Yoga. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, he details the eight limbs of yoga with the final four limbs, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi aimed to still the mind through meditation and mindfulness. Samadhi is the ultimate goal, nirvana, enlightenment… overcoming that binge-watching habit!
Another subtle parallel between Ayurveda and Yoga can be found within the Doshas (mind-body types) and the ever-shifting Gunas (energies), in which both philosophies complement each other to further our deeper understanding of the mind, body and spirit.
So, next time you go to a Yoga class, remember how intrinsically connected your practice is to mindfulness and the classical system of Ayurveda. These ancient practices bring balance, calm and help us work towards contentment and wholeness in ourselves. Whilst all three techniques add much value to our lives separately, their interconnected power, grounded in the same philosophy, language and culture, is incomparable.
Holy Lama Naturals began in 1938 when Mr D. V. Deo migrated to Kerala, India, an area of significant influence in the history of Ayurveda due to its world-famous spice production. Our Spice Drops provide a convenient and straightforward way to blend an Ayurvedic diet into your lifestyle, transforming the taste of your dishes. Discover what Nigella Lawson, Great British Bake-Off finalists and many more are raving about with our award-winning Spice Drops range. Since what you put onto your body externally is just as important as what you put into it, we offer a natural body care range. The collection is based on the ancient principles of Ayurveda that are distilled from a combination of superior essential oils known to help balance mind, body and spirit.
Christmas is just around the corner, and the excitement is starting to build. The time when kitchens smell sweeter, and baking becomes part of the celebration. Those warm, nostalgic flavours are what make festive treats so special, whether you are...
As winter draws near and with it, of course, the Christmas season, the familiar scents of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg fill kitchens and cafés. Yet, one flavour quietly making its way back into festive menus is peppermint, fresh, bright, and...
There is something undeniably enchanting about the aroma of cinnamon at Christmas. Whether it’s wafting through the air as you bake spiced biscuits, simmer mulled wine, or light a festive candle, cinnamon has a unique power to transport us to...
As Christmas approaches, many of us begin the familiar search for meaningful gifts. Choosing presents for loved ones can sometimes feel like a challenge. The shelves are full of seasonal favourites, yet it can be difficult to find something truly...
Mulled wine is a classic winter drink that brings warmth and cheer to any gathering. It is a favourite during the festive season, from Christmas parties to cosy nights with friends. Traditionally, making mulled wine for a crowd could be...
Vanilla is one of those flavours that seems to touch every corner of our lives. You’ll find it in cakes, biscuits, puddings, ice creams and chocolates. It is warm and gentle yet it can also be bold and bright. Often...
