The Ritual Method: How I Teach Ayurvedic Yoga

When I started teaching, I called what I did "Ayu-Yoga": yoga taught through the lens of Ayurveda. Today, it's the heart of Well With Melo, and I call it the Ritual Method.

Ayurveda and yoga together

Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences from the same roots. Ayurveda is the knowledge of self-healing; yoga is union. Both care for the whole of us: the body, the breath, the mind and the energy body.

An Ayurvedic yoga class can look like any other class from the outside. The difference is the why. The sequence, the pace, the holds and the breath are all chosen for the energy you need.

Someone with a lot of Pitta might crave a power class because of their driven nature, but a cooling, moderate practice could leave them far more balanced. Someone with high Vata might feel more scattered and depleted after a fast 90-minute flow. They need something slower and more grounding.

The Ritual Method: Notice → Balance → Move

1. Notice

Before you roll out your mat, check in. How are you feeling today: wired, heavy, hot, stiff, foggy? Your body is always telling you what it needs.

2. Balance

Choose the qualities that bring you back to centre. Ayurveda's rule is simple: like increases like, opposites balance. Scattered? Choose grounding. Heavy? Choose energizing. Heated? Choose cooling.

3. Move

Practise in a way that fits your day. That might be a 15-minute gentle flow, a slow stretch, breathwork or a stronger class when you need to build heat. Short is enough.

Every body, every day

Having a Pitta nature doesn't mean you can never enjoy a good sweat, and a Kapha can absolutely love a slow, restful class. Your body may need something different each day (great for your fascia, too). The practice starts with you, and what you need right now.

That's why I offer classes for different energies and different amounts of time, so you can always find the one you need.

Want to practise along? Browse my free yoga classes on YouTube.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep my classes free. This post is for general wellness education and isn't medical advice.

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