Introduction

Ayurveda and Yoga are the two ancient Indian sciences in existence for the betterment of mankind. There is tremendous increase in the interest about these two sciences all over the world. People coming for yoga come across Ayurveda frequently and people coming to Ayurveda are interested to know about Yoga. Both these sciences cannot be practiced or studied without reference to each other. Why are they referred together? Is there any relation? If yes How? What is the relation?

Relation of Ayurveda & Yoga

Ayurveda and Yoga are very strongly related to each other.

Both sciences share the same philosophical base and are written in the same language. They originate from the same place i.e. India.

Sankhya Darshan, Yoga Darshan, Nyaya Darshan, Vaisheshika Darshan, Jain Darshan and Baudha Darshan are the six basic philosophies of Indian culture, which also form the basis of philosophy of Ayurveda. Present form of Yoga is a small part of the Yoga darshan.

Ayurveda is called, as the science of life and was the principal system of medicine in ancient India. Ayurveda deals with the physical, mental and spiritual health of a person, where as Yoga is primarily related to the spiritual development of the person.

Ayurveda is a full-fledged medicine and its graduates are trained to diagnose and treat other person’s problems.

Both these sciences have a common ultimate goal for life i.e. liberation of Soul and union with the universal soul.

Yoga practises are an important component of line of treatment in Ayurveda.

Ahara i.e. Diet, Vihar i.e daily routine and Aushadha i.e Medicine, these are the three components of the line of treatment of any disease in Ayurveda. Ayurveda has listed Yogic practises under Vihara Chikitsa.

Ancient yogic texts suggest that yogic practises need to be done only by persons who do not suffer from any illnesses. While practising yoga if there are any illnesses proper medicines should be and can be used.

Yoga Shastra theory and practical is a taught as a part of the curriculum of second year of the Degree Course in Ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) in each and every Ayurvedic College and all universities in India.

Yoga uses the anatomy, physiology of Ayurveda and names of diseases and body conditions described by Ayurveda. Yogic system uses the terminology of Ayurveda while describing the effects & benefits of Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Yogic kriyas etc.

The Six kriyas described in yoga and the Panchakarma procedures described in Ayurveda are also very similar. The aim of the yogic six kriyas and panchakarma is elimination of toxins or purification of the body. Though the Panchakarma procedures described in Ayurveda are extremely elaborate and are described exhaustivey with minute details. This is because the yogic kriyas are mainly for individual use especially of the yogis in order to get rid of the periodic aggravation of the doshas, which act as an obstacle in the yoga sadhana of the yogis.

Yogis have a very developed intellect and have a balanced life style with predominantly satvik diet, whereas laymen have an irregular and undisciplined life style and mostly tamsik diet. Obviously the purification procedures for the people of these two categories will be different and hence the difference in purification procedure
 

Historical references suggest that Patanjali Muni, the Honourable sage who has written Patanjala yoga sutra, which is a very respectable work on Yoga, Sage called Panini author of the Book on Sanskrit grammer and Acharya Charak who has written the most respectable text of Ayurveda called as Charak Samhita are actually the same person. Many Scholars agree to this view as the period of these persons is the same and the style is very similar also there are many references which suggest striking similarity in these persons. Few scholars though are of the opinion that they are actually different persons.

Yoga is incomplete without Ayurveda and Ayurveda is incomplete without Yoga, hence both these sciences are inseparable and very much complimentary to each other. Long lasting health and wellness is easily achieved if we incorporate both these sciences in our life.