Ayurvedic Yoga

        Ayurveda itself is a form of Yoga. It can be called the yoga of healing. Ayurveda employs aspects of all the yogas depending upon the level, temperament and constitution of the individual to aid in their healing, right lifestyle and spiritual development. A true Ayurvedic practitioner, therefore, is also be a yogi.The mind of true healer is attuned with the divine or the inner self.

        Ayurveda should be practiced as karma yoga, as  a form of service to living beings. It should be done for the purpose of helping others, not merely for one's own personal or material benefit. Without this sense of service, the spiritual side of Ayurveda cannot grow in a person. 

    Ayurvedic adept should possess a good knowledge of hatha yoga and its understanding of posture, breathe and awareness. Yet Ayurveda also employs the techniques of raja yoga for heaing the subtle body and soul. Those studying Ayurveda should examine the Yoga Sutras as  well and have a knowledge of its system and application.

   Ayurveda uses mantra yoga as a means not only of healing but of projecting all healing energies. Ayurvedic medicines are traditionally prepared with mantras which serve to energize them on a subtle level. In addition , Ayurvedic therapies are traditionally given along with the chanting of mantras. Along with Ayurveda, one should learn the basis of the Sanskrit language and the science of mantra so as to be able to  benefit from this side of the teachings.