When most people hear the word “yoga,” they picture movement, perhaps a peaceful warrior pose or someone gracefully flowing through sun salutations. But yoga is much more than a physical practice. In fact, movement (asana) is just one of eight limbs that make up the full yogic path, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

As an Ayurvedic wellness counselor and certified yoga teacher, I’ve found that understanding these eight limbs through the lens of Ayurveda offers a more grounded, personal, and healing approach to both practices. Together, yoga and Ayurveda guide us toward living in alignment with nature, our true selves, and the rhythms of life.

Let’s explore each limb and how Ayurveda enhances and supports the journey.

1. Yama – Ethical Disciplines

Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (moderation), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)

In Ayurveda:

Living in accordance with yama begins with how we treat our bodies, our food, our thoughts, and the Earth. Ayurveda teaches ahimsa through eating seasonal, plant-based foods, avoiding harmful routines, and cultivating gentle self-care. Practicing truth (satya) may mean honoring your constitution (dosha) and not forcing routines that don’t suit your body-mind type.

2. Niyama – Inner Observances

Shaucha (cleanliness), Santosha (contentment), Tapas (discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), Ishvarapranidhana (surrender to the divine)

In Ayurveda:

Daily rituals like abhyanga (self-massage), tongue scraping, and drinking warm water support shaucha. Gratitude practices and acceptance of where you are on your healing journey bring santosha. Discipline (tapas) is supported by sticking to your dinacharya, your daily Ayurvedic routine, even when it’s not easy.

3. Asana – Physical Postures

In Ayurveda:

Your asana practice can be tailored to your prakriti (natural constitution) or vikriti (current imbalance). A slow, grounding practice calms vata. Cooling poses benefit pitta. Energizing flows support kapha. Ayurveda helps us move in a way that restores harmony rather than depletes us.

4. Pranayama – Breath Control

In Ayurveda:

Breath is life force (prana), and how we breathe directly affects our doshas. Fast, shallow breathing increases vata and pitta, while slow, deep breathing balances all three. Practices like nadi shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) help regulate energy and bring mental clarity. Breathwork is essential to both yoga and Ayurvedic healing.

5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the Senses

In Ayurveda:

This is where Ayurveda and yoga beautifully intertwine. By reducing sensory overload, like turning off screens, quieting noise, and limiting strong tastes or stimulation, we nourish the nervous system. An Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle naturally guide us toward this withdrawal, helping us go inward and prepare for deeper spiritual practices.

6. Dharana – Concentration

In Ayurveda:

A calm, balanced mind (sattva) is necessary for sustained focus. Ayurvedic herbs like brahmi and ashwagandha, along with a sattvic diet, support mental clarity. Creating a consistent meditation space or journaling after your morning routine can anchor your focus and increase your ability to stay present.

7. Dhyana – Meditation

In Ayurveda:

Meditation is medicine. Whether you’re using a mantra, focusing on your breath, or sitting in silence, Ayurveda helps prepare the body and mind through daily routine, proper nourishment, and sensory regulation. A balanced dosha system makes it easier to drop into meditation without restlessness or fatigue.

8. Samadhi – Union or Bliss

In Ayurveda:

The ultimate goal of both yoga and Ayurveda is to return to your true nature balanced, whole, and connected. This blissful state of samadhi may come in fleeting moments, in meditation, in nature, or even in everyday life. Ayurveda clears the path, removing physical and mental clutter that separates us from the divine within.

Final Thoughts

The eight limbs of yoga are not separate from Ayurveda, they are deeply intertwined. Yoga is the path. Ayurveda is the toolkit. One offers spiritual direction while the other provides physical and mental support to stay on that path with grace.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or deepening an existing practice, honoring both yoga and Ayurveda invites a truly holistic transformation of body, mind, and spirit.

Let’s Connect

If you’re curious about how to integrate the eight limbs of yoga and Ayurvedic principles into your daily life follow me on Instagram @Ayurveda.Bianca for daily tips, rituals, and inspiration. I’ve also just released The Ultimate Summer Ayurvedic Wellness Guide, to help you integrate Ayurveda into your summer routine 🤍