Mindful Movement for the Doshas

Our bodies are designed for physical activity—to move and breathe and circulate our vital life energy. More than 5,000 years ago, the Ayurvedic physician Charaka wrote, “From physical exercise, one gets lightness, a capacity for work, firmness, tolerance of difficulties, elimination of impurities, and stimulation of digestion.”

As thousands of modern scientific studies show, exercise is one of the most powerful ways to create radiant health and emotional well-being. Here are just a few of the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise:

• Decreased depression and anxiety

• Increased resilience to stress

• Improved sleep

• Sharper focus and decreased symptoms of attention deficit disorder • Increased metabolism and reduced obesity

• Greater bone density (from weight-bearing exercise)

• Improved cardiovascular function

• Decreased symptoms of PMS

• Greater cognitive ability and a decrease in brain-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s • Increased ability to give up addictions such as smoking and alcohol abuse

• Decreased blood pressure and cholesterol

To keep your body in peak condition, you need to exercise it regularly, but this doesn’t mean pounding your muscles into shape or exercising to the point of exhaustion. In the Ayurvedic view, exercise is meant to leave you feeling invigorated, happy, and ready for the next activity. The secret is finding some physical activities that you like and that are suited to your dosha type. Download the PDF for few guidelines for each dosha.