Yoga and breathing practices by dosha
Vata, Pitta and Kapha each have their own specific needs in terms of postures, breathing and mental attitude. Here are complete sequences for each constitution.
Videos, introduction
Warming up for your yoga practice (French)
How do you stay motivated in your practice? (French)
Yoga adapted to the doshas
In the ayurvedic tradition, yoga adapts to each constitution, rather than the other way around.
Vata, reduce scattering, create grounding
Goal: soothe the nervous system, strengthen grounding, stimulate inner warmth.
Session (30 min): gentle rotations (Sukshma Vyayama) · Cat/Cow · slow Sun Salutation (x3) · Tree · Triangle · Half Forward Fold · Knees to Chest · Cobra · Seated Twist · Savasana (10-15 min).
Pranayama: Anuloma Viloma (5 min), optionally Brahmari or Chandra Bhedana. Tips: practice on the floor in a warm space, avoid fast transitions, anchor yourself in the breath.
Pitta, soothe the fire, cultivate gentleness
Goal: reduce body heat, let go, cultivate relaxation.
Session (30 min): Cat/Cow · flowing Sun Salutation (x3) · Padottanasana · Half Moon · Pigeon · Locust · Bridge · Legs up the Wall · Child's Pose · Savasana (10-15 min).
Pranayama: Sheetali, Chandra Bhedana, or heart coherence breathing. Tips: avoid prolonged heat-building postures, focus on enjoyment rather than performance, keep the room cool.
Kapha, activate, energize, lighten
Goal: stimulate circulation, activate body heat, lighten body and mind.
Session (30 min): Raised Arms · Sun Salutations A & B (x3) · Warrior I & II · Chair · Boat · Bow · Seated Twist · Reverse Plank · Shoulder Stand or Legs up the Wall · Savasana (5 min max).
Pranayama: Kapalabhati (3 cycles), optionally Bhastrika. Tips: move with intention and vitality, reduce prolonged floor postures, practice in the morning.
Yoga class to balance the Vata dosha (French)
Sun Salutation to balance the Vata constitution (French)
Yoga class to balance the Pitta dosha (French)
Sun Salutation to balance the Pitta constitution (French)
Yoga class to balance the Kapha dosha (French)
Sun Salutation to balance the Kapha constitution (French)
Breathing adapted to the doshas
Breathing is a powerful tool for balancing the doshas. Each constitution benefits from specific techniques.
Vata, soothe and stabilize
Vata types are creative but prone to anxiety and scattering. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) calms the restless mind. Ujjayi (victorious breath) warms the body and stabilizes the mind. Bhramari (bee breath) soothes the nervous system.
Pitta, cool down and soothe
Pitta types are fiery and determined but prone to overheating. Sheetali (cooling breath) reduces excess heat. Chandra Bhedana (moon breath) balances and soothes. Heart coherence breathing (5-5) lowers stress.
Kapha, energize and stimulate
Kapha types are steady and enduring but prone to lethargy. Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath) stimulates digestion and vitality. Bhastrika (bellows breath) is energizing and warming. Surya Bhedana (sun breath) generates heat and focus.
Beneficial breathing techniques for balancing the Vata dosha (French)
Beneficial breathing techniques for balancing the Pitta dosha (French)
Beneficial breathing techniques for balancing the Kapha dosha (French)