Satyori — Vyayama Dinacharya Quick Card
Dinacharya Quick Card
Vyayama
Vyayama · Exercise
About
Vyayama -- physical exercise -- is the Ayurvedic prescription for maintaining the body's structural integrity, metabolic vigor, and mental resilience. Unlike modern fitness culture, which often valorizes maximum exertion, the Ayurvedic approach to exercise is governed by the principle of bala ardha -- exercising to half of one's capacity.
How to Practice
Exercise should be performed after abhyanga, while the oil is still on the body, providing lubrication to joints and muscles during movement. Begin with gentle warm-up movements. The type and intensity of exercise should match your constitution, season, and current state of health.
Benefits
Strengthens the body's tissues (dhatus), particularly mamsa dhatu (muscle) and asthi dhatu (bone). Improves agni and metabolism.
Dosha Effect
Appropriate exercise pacifies Kapha through its heating, lightening, and mobilizing qualities. It supports Pitta's metabolic functions by stimulating agni and circulation.
Modifications
Vata types should favor gentle, grounding exercises: walking, gentle yoga, tai chi, and swimming in warm water. Avoid high-impact, rapid, or excessively aerobic activities.
Classical Reference
Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana 7.31-33: 'Sharira-ayasa janakam karma vyayamam' -- That which produces exertion in the body is vyayama. Exercise to half capacity (bala ardha) in all seasons.
Dinacharya Guide
Vyayama is practice #11 of 14. The complete Dinacharya Guide covers all 14 practices with meal timing, exercise windows, sleep protocols, and seasonal adjustments for every dosha.