What a joy it is to bring you these three Dosha balancing practices!

If you are unfamiliar with Ayurveda, there's no need to worry because I've got you covered!

Ayurveda utilizes the five elements to describe and assess everything around and within us: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. These elements combine to form "Dosha," which represents our personal constitutions. Each constitution has its own strengths, vulnerabilities, and can be in or out of balance. The Doshas also correspond to different times of the day, which is why you will find recommendations below regarding when to practice these techniques.

Excessive Vata Dosha (ether and air) tends to make you feel light, ungrounded, fearful, worried, and scattered. The Vata practice will help you anchor and ground yourself. It involves gentle first chakra exercises that emphasize rhythm and muscle engagement in static poses, allowing you to connect with your body. This practice is particularly beneficial in the afternoon when your energy levels may be low and you require steadiness and rest instead of re-energizing.

An excess of Pitta Dosha (fire and water) creates an abundance of fire in the body and mind, leading to feelings of anger, irritation, frustration, or rigidity. The Pitta practice helps to soften this energy and bring you back to a place of gentle acceptance and compassion. Expect fluid movements and a focus on the second chakra, along with an invitation to embrace playfulness. This practice is suitable for any time of the day when you feel excessively charged, excessively focused on progress, and when doing outweighs being.

Excessive Kapha Dosha (earth and water) manifests as heaviness, stagnation, lack of motivation, and clarity. The Kapha practice is the most fiery one, designed to help you move through and overcome inertia. It involves brisk movements and focuses on the third chakra, enabling you to reconnect with your power and ability to accomplish tasks. This practice is ideal for energizing yourself when you feel weighed down and serves as a perfect start to the day. Avoid practicing it too late in the day as it may be overly stimulating.

My hope is that before engaging in these practices, you will tune into how you feel and honor the energetic shift you genuinely need and deserve. Together, through the wisdom of Ayurveda, we are moving away from making automatic choices and imposing unnecessary expectations on ourselves, stepping into a new paradigm of health and well-being. Here, we prioritize self-care in the most nourishing and loving way possible.

I can't wait to see you on the mat!

Emilie Berger