yoga therapists, our work extends beyond managing symptoms—it’s about empowering individuals to live in alignment with their natural state of health and balance. One of the frameworks that deeply supports this process is Swasthavritham, the Ayurvedic science of healthy living. Though rooted in Ayurveda, its preventive and holistic approach is highly relevant to modern Yoga Cikitsa (yoga therapy).
According to the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), yoga therapy is:
“The professional application of yoga principles and practices to promote health and well-being through personalized assessment, goal setting, lifestyle management, and yoga practices for individuals or small groups.”
In this context, Swasthavritham becomes an invaluable guide for designing personalized wellness plans that integrate the principles of both yoga and Ayurveda.
What is Swasthavritham?
Swasthavritham (or Swasthavritta) is derived from two Sanskrit words:
- Swastha – “to be established in oneself” or “in a state of health”
- Vritham – “discipline” or “regimen”
Together, they refer to a regimen for maintaining health—a lifestyle designed to sustain balance in body, mind, and spirit. Swasthavritham emphasizes preventive care, encouraging individuals to align with nature’s rhythms and their unique constitution (Prakriti).
Integrating Swasthavritham into Yoga Therapy
As a Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), I incorporate the principles of Swasthavritham into personalized wellness plans. Together with clients, we co-create daily routines and lifestyle practices that support vitality, balance, and resilience. Here’s how we approach this integrative process:
1. Dinacharya (Daily Routine)
We explore what a steady, nourishing daily rhythm looks like for each individual.
• When to rise: waking during Brahma Muhurta (early morning) to align with nature’s quiet and clarity.
• How to begin the day: incorporating cleansing rituals like tongue scraping and oil pulling.
• What practices to include: integrating yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation to cultivate balance in body and mind.
• When to nourish: eating regular meals at consistent times, ensuring adequate hydration to support digestion and energy.
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 5)
2. Ritucharya (Seasonal Routine)
We adapt lifestyle and self-care routines to honor the shifting seasons and maintain doshic balance.
• What to adjust in diet and activity: cooling, hydrating foods and practices in summer; warming, grounding nourishment in winter.
• How to stay balanced: modifying yoga, pranayama, and meditation to reflect seasonal energies.
(Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana 3)
3. Ahara (Diet)
Together, we reflect on nourishment through these key questions:
• What to eat: choosing fresh, seasonal foods in harmony with one’s Prakriti.
• When to eat: aligning mealtimes with the body’s natural digestive cycles.
• How to eat: practicing mindful, undistracted eating in a calm environment.
• How much to eat: finding the right quantity to support strength and lightness without heaviness or depletion.
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 27)
4. Vihara (Lifestyle Practices)
We co-create a lifestyle that sustains vitality and well-being.
• What activities nourish body and mind: incorporating appropriate physical activity, including yoga and mindful movement.
• How to live ethically: exploring yamas and niyamas in daily life.
• How to rest and restore: finding balance between effort and ease, work and relaxation.
(Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthana 24)
5. Nidra (Sleep)
We discuss practices for restful, rejuvenating sleep.
• When to sleep: aiming for sleep before 10 PM to sync with natural cycles.
• How to wind down: creating evening routines that invite relaxation and support quality sleep.
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 21)
6. Mental and Emotional Health
We integrate tools to cultivate emotional balance and mental clarity.
• What practices to include: mindfulness, meditation, self-reflection, and breathing techniques to regulate the nervous system.
• How to support emotional well-being: fostering positive thinking, compassion, and stress resilience.
(Ashtanga Hridayam, Sutrasthana 2)
7. Preventive Care and Detoxification
We explore preventive strategies to sustain health and prevent imbalance.
• What supports balance: regular self-care routines to maintain harmony in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
• When to cleanse: discussing the role of seasonal detoxification, such as Panchakarma, when appropriate.
(Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 7)
Final Thoughts
By weaving the timeless wisdom of Swasthavritham into yoga therapy, we offer a comprehensive path toward sustainable health and well-being. Together, we empower individuals to reconnect with their innate balance and vitality—honoring both ancient knowledge and modern therapeutic needs.