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Sunday, December 14, 2025

Exercise (Vyayama) and Yoga

Vyayama refers to physical exercise which, according to Ayurveda, brings about lightness, enhanced ability to work, stability, resistance to discomfort, and alleviation of Doshas, especially Kapha. It also stimulates digestive power (Agni) and promotes overall health.

Quantum of Exercise

  • Exercise should be performed to the extent that sweating occurs on forehead, nose, and armpits

  • Exercise should be about half of one’s capacity initially

  • Breathing becomes slightly heavy

  • Quantum of exercise can be gradually increased over time

  • Excessive exercise should be avoided

Time and Place of Exercise

  • Ideally performed in the morning

  • On an empty stomach

  • Place should be quiet and free from disturbances

Seasonal Variation

  • Summer (Greeshma Ritu): light exercise

  • Winter (Hemanta and Shishira), Spring (Vasanta): heavy exercise

  • Rainy (Varsha), Autumn (Sharat): moderate exercise

Dosha and Prakriti Considerations

  • Vata: mild exercise

  • Pitta: moderate exercise

  • Kapha: heavy exercise

Age-based Recommendations

  • Young age: heavy exercise

  • Middle age: moderate exercise

  • Old age: light exercise

Recommended Yoga Protocol (Summarized)

Joint Movement Exercises:

  1. Tadasana

  2. Hastotthanasana

  3. Padahastasana

  4. Trikonasana

  5. Vajrasana

  6. Ardha Ushtrasana

  7. Mandukasana

  8. Utthanapadasana

  9. Pavanamuktasana

  10. Bhujangasana

  11. Shalabhasana

  12. Shavasana

Breathing and Meditation Practices: 13. Nadishodhana / Anuloma Viloma Pranayama 14. Bhramari Pranayama 15. Dhyana (Meditation)

Benefits of Vyayama and Yoga

  • Improves muscular strength and flexibility

  • Enhances stamina and energy levels

  • Alleviates Dosha imbalance and improves metabolic function

  • Supports mental health, clarity, and cognitive function

  • Promotes stress reduction and emotional well-being

Research Evidence

  • Slow breathing pranayama practices improve cognition, reduce anxiety, and enhance general well-being by increasing parasympathetic activity.

  • Pranayama and rhythmic breathing techniques are known to reduce stress and enhance immune function.

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