While this website focuses on yoga and how it supports us in substance abuse recovery, there’s another element I’d like to bring in: Ayurveda. Often called yoga’s sister science, Ayurveda is closely connected to yoga, and it offers a wealth of wisdom for healing. In simple terms, Ayurveda is the ancient medical science of India, rooted in texts called the Vedas, which date back thousands of years.
Ayurveda believes that each of us has a unique state of balance, but life tends to push us out of it. The practice of Ayurveda helps us reattain and maintain that natural balance.
What does this have to do with recovery and yoga?
The balance Ayurveda seeks creates stability in our lives, which is vital for the recovery process. Substance abuse often leaves our minds and bodies depleted, disconnected, and out of alignment. Recovery is the journey of finding our center again, and stability plays a huge role in that healing. Both yoga and Ayurveda work together to help us regain our natural rhythm, grounding us in the present moment and providing tools to create more ease in day-to-day life.
Each of us has specific needs in areas like:
- Sleep
- Change
- Quiet time
- Food and diet
- Leisure activities
- Socializing
Ayurveda encourages us to identify our unique needs and honor them
When we embrace what truly supports our well-being, we create a solid foundation for healing. In doing so, we calm our minds, nourish our bodies, and better manage the stress that often triggers unhealthy habits or relapses. Understanding these needs allows us to set boundaries and craft routines that keep us balanced and at ease.
Of course, society often promotes different priorities, glorifying overwork and constant striving with sayings like “You can sleep when you die,” “No pain, no gain,” “Man up,” and “Go big or go home.” These messages push us to ignore our bodies’ signals and strive for success, often at the expense of our well-being. But Ayurveda teaches us the opposite — that taking time to rest, nourish ourselves, and be gentle is what actually leads to long-term joy and vitality.
In recovery, especially, these principles are critical. We must embrace the idea that healing requires listening to ourselves and respecting the unique pace and balance that is right for us. Stability doesn’t mean stagnation; it means creating the right conditions for growth. By integrating Ayurveda into our recovery journey, we can cultivate a life that supports not only sobriety but also long-lasting well-being.
Ayurveda teaches that true health comes from maintaining balance in all aspects of life. This balance isn’t just physical; it encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being as well. For someone in recovery, this holistic approach can be transformative. Recovery isn’t just about stopping harmful behaviors, it’s about rebuilding a foundation for a healthier, more stable life.
Ayruveda’s core principles
One of Ayurveda’s core principles is that we each have a unique constitution, known as a dosha. The three doshas—Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water)—represent different energies in the body and mind. According to Ayurveda, we are born with a particular balance of these doshas, but factors like stress, lifestyle, diet, and even the seasons can push us out of balance. When this happens, we may feel anxious, irritable, fatigued, or even physically ill—all of which can threaten our recovery process.
Addicts and alcoholics often usie substances to mask or numb difficult and painful feelings. In Ayurveda, feelings are connected to doshas and when a dosha becomes aggraveted (out of balance). For example, anxitey and fear are considered Vata out of balance. Anger is Pitta out of balance. Depression and just wanting to hide from the world is Kapha out of balance. Depending on what we are feeling or trying to not feel, we will choose substances to soothe or mask the emotions we are feeling.
Ayurveda helps us recognize when we’re out of balance and offers specific tools to bring us back to our natural state. This could mean adjusting our diet, incorporating certain herbs or spices, following a consistent sleep schedule, or adding specific self-care practices like oil massage (Abhyanga) into our routine. For example, someone with a Vata imbalance might feel scattered or anxious, which could increase the risk of relapse. Ayurveda would suggest grounding practices, warm foods, and calming routines to stabilize their energy.
By understanding our unique constitution and making small, daily adjustments, we can create more stability in our lives. This stability supports recovery by helping us feel more centered and at ease. When we feel balanced, we’re less likely to be overwhelmed by cravings, stress, or negative emotions. Ayurveda encourages us to work with our natural rhythms, honoring our body’s needs instead of pushing through discomfort.
How can we apply this in recovery?
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to healing, which makes it highly relevant for substance abuse recovery. One of its core principles is balance—the idea that health comes from maintaining equilibrium in the body and mind. In the context of recovery, substance use often disrupts this balance, leaving the body and mind in disarray. Ayurveda encourages individuals to recognize their unique constitution, or dosha, and address imbalances through tailored diet, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness practices. By realigning with our natural rhythms, we create a more stable foundation for recovery, helping us feel grounded and centered as we heal.
Another important principle in Ayurveda is digestion, not just of food, but of emotions and experiences. Substance abuse often stems from an inability to process or cope with difficult emotions or trauma. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of healthy digestion (known as Agni) in both the physical and emotional sense. When digestion is weak, toxins (known as Ama) accumulate in the body and mind, leading to disease, emotional stagnation, and mental instability. In recovery, Ayurveda supports clearing these toxins through diet, detoxification practices, and mental clarity exercises such as meditation, helping individuals process their experiences and emotions in a healthier way.
Finally, Ayurveda encourages us to live in harmony with natural cycles—from the time of day to the changing seasons. Substance abuse often causes a disconnection from these rhythms, leading to erratic sleep patterns, unhealthy eating habits, and emotional turmoil. By adopting Ayurvedic routines, such as waking up with the sunrise, eating nourishing meals at regular times, and adjusting lifestyle practices based on the seasons, individuals in recovery can re-establish a sense of order and predictability in their lives. This stability creates a strong foundation for sustained sobriety, fostering both physical and mental well-being.
Curious to learn about how Yoga and Ayurveda can support you or a loved one in recovery? SIgn up for a converstation with me via Zoom or in-person!