Yoga and the doshas…finding the perfect class for you!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how different styles of yoga align to the Ayurvedic principles of Vata, Pitta and Kapha.  This ancient form of yogic medicine considers health to depend on us having a good balance of these three elements or ‘doshas’.  When one of your doshas is off, an ayurvedic doctor can prescribe a balancing dose of the other two, in the form of food, activities or lifestyle.  It’s a fascinating subject!

Broadly speaking, the Vata dosha corresponds to air and lightness.  Think movement, dryness, speed, flow, coolness and changeability “she changes with the wind”. So, in terms of a yoga class, a Vinyasa flow where the student moves with the breath, the sequence changes quickly and is often fast paced – all these qualities are very Vata.  When it comes to hot yoga, a Hot Flow class (generally the coolest in temperature but the fastest paced) might be considered more Vata than other hot classes.

Pitta corresponds to fire and water.  It is hot, creative, strong and transformative.  All the warm processes of the body are considered to be Pitta in nature so think metabolism, warm muscles, the regulation of temperature, the balancing nature of homeostasis, passion and outbursts of emotion “he’s such a hot head”. Hot Power Yoga would be an excellent demonstration of Pitta energy with its perfect balance of heat-building flows and strengthening holds.

Kapha is earthy, grounded and still.  There is a constancy, a slowness to Kapha so think oil rather than water, steadiness rather than flow, “she feels stuck-in-the-mud”.  The mountain’s still, strong, stability is Kapha.  It brings groundedness and connection to the earth, to the interior.  Of the hot yoga classes, HOT 26 might be considered more Kapha in comparison with Hot Flow and Hot Power.  It’s the hottest class, but it is the slowest, sweatiest and most consistent.  Yin Yoga might also be seen as more Kapha, it is cool, slow, quiet and self-reflective.

So, the next time you are looking at a yoga class, consider what you need.  If you are feeling slow and sluggish (Kapha), maybe choose a flow or power class.  If you’re feeling jittery and disconnected (Vata), choose power, yin or Hot 26.  And if you’re bursting with Pitta energy, choose a vinyasa flow to dissipate that energy, a Yin yoga to calm you or Hot 26 to ground you.

We are fortunate in Oxford to have a massive selection of excellent yoga classes and teachers to choose from.  For information on my classes, see here or follow me on Facebook and Insta