Ayurveda is an ancient traditional system of well-being and healthcare that traces its origins from India, over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda’s philosophy surrounds the concept of balance and aims to balance the mind, body and soul in order to maintain good health. It teaches balance of the mind through meditation and balance of the body physically through Yoga alongside a healthy diet supported by Ayurvedic supplements such as Ashwaganda, Gotu Kola and Arjuna.
Each
dosha type has unique and recognisable traits for being in and out of balance and there are many different styles of Yoga which can help in bringing the doshas back into balance. One benefit of practising Yoga regularly is the increase in appreciation for ourselves. Sometimes we put our bodies through strain and stress so taking the time to focus on ourselves physically through the practice of Yoga helps us to love ourselves.
With this in mind, next time you practice Yoga why not incorporate some poses to promote self-love? Here are 5 poses to inspire you:
Warrior 1
Benefits: The Warrior 1 pose stimulates the root chakra located at the base of your spine, and if you add a slight backwards bend to it, you will open the heart and solar plexus area above the navel. By doing so, you will feel powerful and strong, improving self-esteem and self love.
How To: Stand in the middle of your yoga mat with your legs two feet apart. Your right foot should face forward, towards the front of the mat, and the left foot should be at a 45-degree angle, pointing to the top left edge of the mat. Now inhale and exhale while lifting your hands over your head and don't forget to switch pressure on the legs in short intervals.
Basalana (child’s pose)
Benefits: This pose is commonly used to help people to catch their breath during a flow, but it also aids in quieting the mind and inspiring a deeper connection with your thinker.
How To: Sit on the back of your heels, reach your arms forward and rest your forehead on the ground. The legs can either be kept together or the knees can be positioned on the outer edges of the mat at a diagonal angle.
Lotus Mudra
Benefits: This pose helps to bring out our inner beauty and purity. Just like how a lotus grows from the mud and blossoms into a clean, beautiful flower, this pose helps us to grow as an individual whilst also reminding us of the natural beauty of our soul.
How To: The lotus mudra involves sitting cross legged bringing your hands to the prayer position and keeping all your fingers together. Separate your palms slightly to create a tiny bowl then expand your first, middle and ring fingers.
Cat/Cow
Benefits: The cat pose is a popular back pain reliever and also significantly improves posture. Used to warm the body up at the beginning of a practice, it also comes with plenty of benefits for your mind and soul too, such as promoting emotional balance and helping to focus the mind on the focus of your practice.
How To: Start on all fours, hip distance apart. As you inhale, arch your back and look up at the ceiling to take the form of a cow. As you begin to exhale slowly reverse the pose and arch the back, directing the gaze through the legs to embody the position of a cat. Continue as you inhale and exhale to stretch and warm the body up.
Camel Pose
Benefits: One of the most notable benefits of this pose is the mental side. By increasing the flexibility in the spine, you also increase the flexibility in the mind. This pose also opens up the heart chakra, allowing the energy to flow freely through the key place of love within the body.
Action: Start on your knees, legs hip-width apart. Place your hands on the bottom of the spine and start to engage your abdomen to support your spine. Start to bend backwards; looking up until you can move your hands onto your heels. Drop the head so it is not straining the neck in anyway. Breathe steadily whilst still engaging the abdomen.
