According to classical Ayurvedic texts and yogic philosophy, the mind-body system gives early signs of imbalance, which, if ignored, can lead to disease. These signs are like nature’s alarms reminding you it’s time to realign through practices like yoga.
Here’s a list of common symptoms and health issues—physical, mental, and emotional—that Ayurveda and yoga practitioners consider key indicators to start (or deepen) your yoga practice:
Physical symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue or lack of energy (ojas depletion).
- Stiffness in the body, joint pain, or muscular tension.
- Frequent headaches or migraines.
- Digestive problems: bloating, constipation, acidity, irregular appetite.
- Breathing difficulties or shallow breathing.
- Poor circulation: cold hands/feet, varicose veins.
- Irregular sleep patterns: insomnia, excessive sleep, disturbed sleep.
- Low immunity: frequent colds, infections, allergies.
- Hormonal imbalances: irregular menstruation, early menopause symptoms, etc.
- Unexplained aches or chronic pain (even if mild).
Mental/emotional symptoms:
- Anxiety, excessive worry, or restlessness.
- Chronic stress or feeling overwhelmed by daily life.
- Mood swings or unexplained irritability.
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog.
- Feeling emotionally disconnected or numb.
Lifestyle and behavioral signs:
- Sedentary lifestyle or prolonged inactivity.
- Poor posture or discomfort sitting/standing.
- Feeling disconnected from your body or breath.
- Overindulgence in unhealthy food or substances.
- Addictive patterns (even subtle ones like compulsive scrolling).
- Lack of routine or irregular daily habits (dinacharya disturbance).
Why yoga helps:
- Yoga balances the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) by regulating prana (life force).
- Asanas restore physical flexibility, strength, and circulation.
- Pranayama (breathwork) improves mental clarity and calms the nervous system.
- Meditation and yogic mindfulness reduce stress and emotional turmoil.
- Daily practice reinforces discipline and harmony in body and mind.
Ayurvedic wisdom says “roga anutpadanam prashamam cha”—prevention is better than cure, and yoga is a tool for both prevention and healing.