Yoga & Ayurveda
a fascinating combination
“Yoga meets Ayurveda” combines two ancient Indian sciences that promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Ayurveda has long been a cornerstone of the health concept at the Naturhotel.
The “Yoga meets Ayurveda” workshop is part of the activity program and takes place every Saturday from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm under the guidance of Stefanie. The workshop explores the doshas and includes a specialized yoga session tailored to the doshas being addressed that day. The session extends until 6:00 pm.
Learn more about the workshop and its content here.
“Yoga meets Ayurveda”
- Naturhotel guests: €13
- External guests €38 (please register at reception!)
New workshop "Yoga trifft Ayurveda"
We interviewed Stefanie:
How did you personally find yoga and ayurveda?
I discovered yoga by chance while overcoming and eating disorder. I have fond memories of my first yoga class, which, on the one hand pushed me to the brink of insanity mentally and on the other hand, simply fascinated me. Some time later, I wanted to delve deeper into the connection between body, soul and spirit and began training to become a yoga teacher. I encountered Ayurveda for the first time during my yoga teacher training, and there was an immediate “spark” between us. I saw so much of myself in what the teacher told me about Ayurveda, the elements and bioenergies that my passion for Ayurveda was ignited. Like yoga, Ayurveda also supported me during my journey of overcoming eating disorders. I am deeply grateful to have these two wonderful tools in my life and to be able to use them daily.
How do yoga and Ayurveda complement each other and what are the benefits of this combination?
Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences that together form a perfect team. Both systems aim to bring us into balance on a physical, emotional and spiritual levels.
Yoga is an essential component of Ayurvedic therapy. By integrating an Ayurvedic lifestyle, a yogi can maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit, thus deepending their spiritual practice. The combination of yoga practice and Ayurveda-through rituals, routines and the recommendations of the the Ayurvedic Dosha clock in relationto the day and seasons, as an understanding of bioenergies and elements – helps us to better understand ourselves and take responsibility for our health.
I aim to share these insights with participants in my yoga classes and in the “Yoga meets Ayurveda” workshop. We should remember that we are small microcosms within a larger macrocosm, each carrying the elements of nature in unique ways. Each of us requires different approaches to feel well, balanced and healthy. In doing so, we can authentically live our own truth.
How do you adapt the yoga practices to the individual doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)?
According to the motto “opposites balance each other out”, I design the yoga practices specifically for the different doshas:
Vata dosha: Vata benefits from a stabilizing and more static yoga practice that promotes concentration and focus. This practice creates moments of relaxation and grounding.
Pitta dosha: For Pitta, it is important to reduce the intensity and consciously practise more slowly and gently. Ambition and perfectionism should be set aside in order to take the practice less seriously and feel more joy.
Kapha dosha: Kapha benefits from a vitalizing, dynamic and energizing yoga practice. Here it is helpful to move faster and challenge the Kapha dosha to release new energy.
The workshop will also include a small section on essential oils. I have selected suitable essential oils for each bioenergy (dosha), which can be sampled during the workshop.
Can you give us an example of a yoga sequence that is especially suitable for Vata dosha, Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha?
Vata dosha: The associated yoga practice includes balancing postures such as the tree pose and standing postures, as well as forward bends, twists and backbends while lying on your stomach. During the yoga practice, the gaze can be directed downward. A suitable mantra to ground the swirling Vata dosha would be “I am in this moment”.
Pitta dosha: The associated yoga practice includes twists, forward bends such as the pyramid pose and backbends while lying on your stomach. Here too, the gaze can be directed downwards or inwards. A suitable breathing exercise to cool the hot Pitta dosha would be Sitali.
Kapha dosha: The associated yoga practice includes backbends and side bends such as the angle pose. The gaze can be directed more upwards in this case. The chilled Kapha dosha can be heated up with a powerful vinyasa.
What are some simple routines or rituals that beginners can practice daily?
Establish an Ayurvedic morning routine: This includes oil pulling, brushing your teeth and tongue scraping. Then drink a glass of warm water. Leave breaks between meals and avoid snacking if possible so that the digestive tract has time to fully digest the food. You should also find an evening routine for yourself and relax at the end of the evening to immerse yourself in the cozy and chilled Kapha energy. Consciously switch off your smart phone, laptop, tablet and TV from 8 p.m. and turn your attention from the outside to the inside. Give yourself me-time. For example, practise yin yoga before going to bed to calm the nervous system. Perform a soothing foot massage with appropriate essential oils. Go to bed before 10 p.m. so as not to reactivate the Pitta energy. Stop every now and then, take a deep breath and allow yourself small breaks.