Exploring The Historical Connection Between Yoga and Ayurveda

Exploring The Historical Connection Between Yoga and Ayurveda

As you may know, the more you advance as a yoga teacher, the more opportunity you will have to explore the history of yoga. Exploring the rich history of yoga has great value as it will deepen your knowledge and improve your teaching ability as a yoga teacher.

In this blog, we will explore the origin, history, and commonalities between yoga and Ayurveda (or Āyurveda in IAST).

The Vedas

The Vedas are ancient religious texts that guided Hinduism centuries ago. Early teachings of the Vedas survived from mentor to student through oral storytelling. It wasn't until approximately 1500-500 BCE that the written Vedas came to be. 

The Vedas are organized into four individual Vedas, Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda. Each Veda is further explored in four subsections: 

·        Samhitas (mantras and benedictions) 

·        Aranyakas (texts about rituals) 

·        Brahmanas (discussion of rituals) 

·        Upanishads (meditation, philosophy, spiritual knowledge) 

From these ancient scriptures come yoga and Ayurveda.

The History of Yoga

While the Vedas are shruti (“the heard text”) yoga traditions appear later in The Bhagavad Gita as smriti (smṛti - “the remembered text”). The Bhagavad Gita (c. 200 BCE) recalls tales and conversations between Arjuna, a prince, and Krishna, his divine charioteer. The script defines yoga as: “balance, emotions, intellect, behaviors, and selfless actions.”  

Similarly, Patanjali's Yoga Sutra documents yogic truths based on oral traditions passed from gods to sages. This text appears sometime between 500 BCE and AD 400. 

The physical practice of asana as part of the yoga journey appears as early as the 11th century. The hatha yoga postures guide the nervous system into stillness, creating the foundation for meaningful meditation. 

Modern yoga is rooted in both ancient scriptures and the movement of hatha yoga.  

History of Ayurveda

Ayurveda as holistic medicine also grew in the time of the Vedas and is often dated as being about 5,000 years old. Medical knowledge passed from gods to sages to physicians and healers is documented in the Vedas, including much discussion about herbs and medicines.

Subsequent scripts describe Ayurveda as well. The Sushruta Samhita is another ancient text of medicine and surgery. Parts of this scholarly manuscript recommend exercise and study of the Vedas for healing. Ayurvedic practices survive the test of time, and as recently as 1970 were introduced into the Western world.  

Principles of Ayurveda

The universe underscores the principles of Ayurveda, which expresses in the five elements of vayu (air), jala (water), ākash (ether), prithvi (earth), and teja (fire).

The three doshas of Ayurveda - vāta, pitta, and kapha - characterize a human's energies.  

Vāta links to electrolytes, cellular balance, and elimination in the body. Vāta is associated with air and ether, with energy that resonates in the fall, and is described as flowing, dry, and light.  

Pitta connects with thermoregulation, optic nerve function, and hunger and thirst. Pitta associates with the hot summer and includes fire, heat, and liquid (although this “liquid” is often overtaken by pitta’s fire).  

Kapha associates with joints and anabolic body functions to build components of the human body. Spring is the time for Kapha energy, as it steadily awakens with softness and cold. 

Commonalities between Yoga and Ayurveda

Yoga and Ayurveda grew from the Vedas, based on centuries-old storytelling and knowledge. Their similarities and parallel paths overlap, and it is said that Ayurveda is the field of study and science, while Yoga applies the principles and teachings. 

They share the common denominator of seeking a balance between mental and physical health to improve life and prevent disease. Yoga and Ayurveda are holistic approaches to health via movement, diet, breathing, meditation, and rituals. 

Complementary factors and applying ancient teachings to modern-day practices

As a yoga teacher or yoga therapist, you can use this knowledge to address today's stressors with ancient teachings. Creating unique and appropriate yoga classes for students starts with understanding their doshas and any areas of imbalances. Pay attention to the season, the temperature, and any specific ailments a student may have.  

For strong Pitta types, create flows that are cool, gentle, and soothing. For strong Vāta students, focus on slow components of the practice while emphasizing pranayama (prāṇāyāma– IAST). For strong Kapha types, create vigor and energy with challenging exercise. An individualized approach allows the body to find freedom in the asana, creating an ideal meditative state.  

Pairing Ayurvedic principles with appropriate asana provides coping tools for mental health while supporting the body's physical health. Let the diagnostic features of Ayurveda work together with the therapeutic movement of Yoga!

Consider incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your yoga teaching with an accredited 100-hour Ayurvedic Yoga Training available online

Consider broadening your continuing education into the time-honored tradition of Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga. The partnership of the two addresses the body, mind, and spirit holistically and appropriately. 

Ayurvedic guidelines can help you serve your students' current balance. Paired with Chakra theory to understand their bodies and Kosha theory to understand their minds, you will accurately recognize your students' needs. Apply specific asana in your classes to create the balances that each individual needs. Then your yoga guidance will be most effective and kind.  

If this interests you, consider enrolling in Prema Yoga Institute’s 100-hour Ayurvedic Yoga Training, which is now available 100% online. This accredited training can go towards a Yoga Alliance 300-hour Yoga Teacher Certificate.

Prema Yoga Institute, which is longer limited to New York City, is now available online with interactive trainings through 2022. PYI is an accredited program based in New York city, teaching students around the globe through online classes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you advance your yoga practice and teaching!

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Yes, You Can Take Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Online

Yes, You Can Take Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Online

In 2021, online advanced yoga teacher trainings are becoming exceedingly popular and now is the perfect time to explore your options. From RYT300, RYT500, and IAYT-Certified Yoga Therapist programs – there are a lot of online yoga teacher training programs to meet your needs.

In general, there are many advantages to becoming an RYT500 and being able to earn legitimate certification online due to advancements in technology has made it a much more achievable option.

Read on to learn about finding accredited online advanced yoga teacher training and the benefits of continuing your education online.

A quick review of continuing education as a yoga teacher:

Yoga Alliance requires 75 hours of continuing education credits over three years to remain registered as a RYT200. Of those hours, 30 are educational hours, and 45 are teaching hours.  

As you know, RYT300 and RYT500 programs deepen the coursework and practical skills of the RYT200 program.

Becoming an IAYT Yoga Therapist involves at least 800 hours of advanced coursework after your RYT200. Yoga therapy marries traditional yoga techniques with evidence-informed practices to support a client’s health and wellness. The path towards yoga therapy gives you specialized tools and education to support your clients’ health needs.

Every yoga teacher should consider pursuing these advanced curriculums. Advanced training will sharpen your teaching skills, deepen your understanding of yoga, and provide career advancement opportunities. 

How to find an accredited program.

Deciding on an accredited program is not daunting! You can explore local options and non-local options. As online accredited advanced yoga teacher training programs are offered nationwide through 2022, your choices have expanded without the travel. 

Both Yoga Alliance and The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) offer searchable databases of their accredited schools. These organizations accept online classes towards their respective certifications. 

With virtual study, your options have expanded exponentially. Programs from all over the country are now available at your fingertips. 

There are many benefits of continuing your yoga teacher training online.

Enrolling in an online advanced yoga teacher training will allow for flexible learning at your own pace. Bringing education into your home also saves time and money. There is no commuting time and no travel expenses. Your carbon footprint will thank you, too!

Your access to instructors won't change online. Live sessions generally include chat features and breakout sessions to allow for interaction. Email is also available for those light-bulb moments that happen when you are away from the scheduled class. 

Courses are generally available online after they have gone live. The ability to review instruction provides clarity, reinforces your understanding, and is a valuable study aid. On-demand review of a live class can also fit into anyone's schedule and preferred study times, provided the live hour requirements of a training are met. 

Enrolling in online advanced yoga teacher training will also give you insights into how your students feel during online yoga classes. Becoming an online student adapts your teaching skills to a virtual model of instruction, seeing a yoga practice from both sides of the screen.

Online advanced yoga teacher trainings often include modules for completion in a flexible framework. Having the freedom to choose the sequence of courses supports your style of learning. Arrange classes around your schedule and interests!

A few quick tips when taking advanced yoga training online:

While taking advanced yoga training online has many benefits, it is going to feel a bit different than taking classes in-person. Below are a few quick tips to keep you focused during class.

·        Make your online studies part of your routine and schedule. Just as you would drive to class, move to a unique location in your home created for learning. 

·        Emphasize functionality and minimize distractions when designing your space. Have a large screen, comfortable seating, your needed yoga equipment and ample soft lighting.  

·        Minimize noise distractions, and let others know that you will need to be undisturbed during class time. Be sure to review on-demand versions of the livestream if you miss anything.

·        Don’t be afraid to use “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone when your class starts – the less distractions the better.

·        If you plan to teach your own classes online, use your experiences in this new learning model as a way to connect and show compassion to your students. It's a new world, and we are all trying to adapt. 

With so many great online advanced yoga teacher training programs, now is the time to consider enrolling!

Hopefully, this blog gave you an overview of what is available online, as well as the many benefits of pursuing online advanced yoga teacher training programs.

While you’re here, we’d love to invite you to check out Prema Yoga Institute, which is longer limited to New York City and is now available online with interactive trainings through 2022. PYI is an accredited program based in New York city, teaching students around the globe through online classes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you advance your yoga practice and teaching!

If you found this information useful, visit our Blog often or subscribe to our Mailing List for similar content.

Using Technology for Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Online

Using Technology for Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Online

The camaraderie and learning experience of an advanced yoga teacher training in-person does not need to be lost when moving to an online training model. With the right class and right setup, you can use technology to complete an advanced yoga teacher training online in the comfort of your own home.

Whether you are social distancing or just enjoy the convenience of doing advanced yoga teacher training online, this blog will explore a few ways to make best of these online yoga teacher training courses.

Maximize the power of available technology.

By using technology creatively, it is possible to create a realistic space to learn advanced yoga teacher training remotely.  

It may be wise to use the largest screens you have available to view your courses and interactions. Moving your teachers and fellow students onto a computer monitor or larger television brings them more into the room with you, and non-verbal cues are more prominent.

While attending your online advanced teacher training course, consider using the “Do Not Disturb” features of your cell phone and computer. Disabling notifications frees up your mind to focus on your online training. If household and outside noise distractions take your attention, use earbuds or headphones to silence background noises.  

Create a comfortable place to learn.

You deserve a comfortable space in your home as you move forward in your online advanced yoga teacher training. Design an area just for you -even if you share it during the rest of the day.  

Design a space for learning and comfort. Keep your furnishings aligned with your screen for minimum neck, eye, and back strain. Use a desk or create one with bolsters, ottomans, and chairs that work with your writing surface.  

Privacy may be necessary to you during your online study time, so draw boundaries for family and even pets if possible. Kindly let everyone know that you will be attending a class at specific times and will need undisturbed privacy to focus on your training.  Most online yoga teacher trainings are sensitive to the needs of parents and at-home teachers, and may offer opportunities to view parts of the training in your own time.

Continue to socialize and network during your online advanced yoga teacher training.

One of the benefits of attending advanced yoga teacher training in person is the ability to mingle and network with your fellow yogis.  

Since much of your online yoga teacher training classwork will be done via computer, there will likely be a way to comment or chat with your classmates. Be sure to frequently participate and interact in chat and breakout room discussions. In fact, being online means your classmates likely have a social media account or e-mail account, so don’t be afraid to exchange contact information with your classmates in order to network online.

Use technology to listen with intention and connect genuinely with your fellow yogis.   

Explore what works best for you in an online advanced yoga teacher training course.

One benefit of taking an online course is the flexibility it can provide. This means flexibility in schedule, flexibility in learning environment, and more. Spend some of your study hours learning what works best for you as a student.

Depending on the course, you may have the option to choose between pre-recorded and live classes. Live classes can be interactive, with students and teachers interacting visually and verbally. Be sure to participate and interact to get the best out of a live class. A pre-recorded class means your teacher cannot see or hear you, but you can still reach out through e-mail or social media. And be sure to decide if you prefer pre-recorded or live classes before enrolling in an online advanced yoga teacher training course.

You should also make sure to determine what device you prefer to use for learning online. Is using a smaller mobile screen or tablet more comfortable than using a fixed television or computer screen for you? Experiment and decide what works best for you.

Take advantage of online advanced yoga teacher training courses in 2021.

While changing times may force you to rely on technology more than before, this is also an opportunity to further your yoga teacher training in a new way.

More advanced yoga teacher training courses are available online than ever before – use this to your advantage. For example, the training courses at Prema Yoga Institute are no longer limited to New York City, but are now available online with interactive trainings through 2022.

Have fun exploring your options and starting your journey using technology for advanced yoga teacher training online!

While you’re here, we must encourage you to check out Prema Yoga Institute for your online advanced yoga training program. We’re an accredited program based in New York city, teaching students around the globe through online classes. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you advance your yoga practice and teaching.

If you found this information useful, visit our Blog often or subscribe to our Mailing List for similar content.