Ayurveda is an ancient system of healing originating in India over 5000 years ago. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda translates to “Knowledge of Life”. It is based on the underlying principle that we are one with nature, and that we are made of the elements of nature - Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Ether. The qualities and actions of these elements work together in ways that are known as doshas - Vata being composed of Ether and Air, Pitta composed of Fire and Water, and Kapha composed of Earth and water. 

Ayurveda encompasses Yoga, it is a complete way of living in caring for the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda has 8 branches of study which range from prenatal care to restorative health for aging, and includes surgery and many other specialties. It incorporates living with the laws of nature including helping people make daily and seasonal adjustments, even adjustments for the stage of life we are in, to always maintain balance. Yoga means “union” in Sanskrit and its goal is to help us unify and align ourselves. Within Ayurveda, the diet, lifestyle and practice of yoga were necessary for both stamina and wellbeing as well as supporting the enlightenment through Yoga. 

Once Yoga came to the west, it became very popular but in a way, separated from its context of teachings in Ayurveda as a whole. There are now many styles of yoga and while some embrace Ayurvedic principles, others have become associated more with fitness and athletic activities. While yoga does offer strength building and flexibility, in its origins, these were aligned with the goal of bringing our mind and body into harmony (yoga means “to yoke”).

Thus, at this time especially in the West, we often hear the phrase “Sister Sciences” to help align and bring together the practices of Ayurveda and Yoga.