Fluid and flowy, this class offers a rhythmic and smooth vinyasa sequence that focuses on the water element to soothe Pitta’s fire. You’ll move through Sun Salutations, twists, lunges, dancing warriors, and hamstring lengthening as you build heat and release tension in the mind and body by focusing on deep breath that links to each movement.
Style: Vinyasa Yoga
Duration: 38-mins
Level: open-levels
Props: 1 block
Focus: Watery practice to pacify pitta
Location: Lila Familia Production Studio, Vancouver, BC
Pacifying Pitta Dosha
Pitta is well-defined and muscular. This constitution has regular bowls that pass easily and moderate appetites. Pitta tends to get irritable and react emotionally when hungry, so skipping meals is not advised. Cool and moist atmospheres serve Pitta, as do colder foods such as raw salads, ice cream, and cold drinks.
These personalities tend to be so driven and focused on their task-at-hand; they go into overdrive and can’t slow down or put down what they’re doing. As a result, hypertension and anger erupt. Pitta has difficulty relaxing and making space to unwind; sleep disorders, inflammation, and gastric issues may occur.
To create harmony and balance, Pitta should avoid all extremes in exercise and food. Smaller meals are advised with foods that are cool, predominantly vegetarian, and bitter. Lots of vegetables are recommended and minimal sweet, salty, and spicy foods. Less coffee, teas, and alcohol are advised. In terms of movement, Pitta should balance high-intensity workouts with slower-paced activities such as yoga, meditation, and dancing.
To learn more about how to balance Pitta dosha, take a look at our Ayurvedic Nutrition Guide for Pitta dosha.
Opening Sequence
Start standing and bring your hands to your heart. Create a state of calm in your body by connecting the soles of your feet to the ground and breathe upwards to the center of your chest. May you choose to be present at this moment by focusing your mind on the steady wave and rhythm of your breath. May you embrace water as a current that’s running through your body or a waterfall; may you become or be within the body of water.
Wave 1
Tadasana (mountain pose)
Hasta Uttanasana (hands to sky)
Uttanasana (forward fold)
Anjaneyasana (low lunge) with a wide-armed twist
Anahatasana (heart pose)
Bharmanasana (tabletop) with cat cows
Adho Mukha Śvānāsana (downward dog)
Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (runners lunge) with cat cows
Uttanasana (forward fold)
Hasta Uttanasana (hands to sky)
Tadasana (mountain pose)
Repeat on the other side
Wave 2
Utkatasana (chair pose)
Uttanasana (forward fold)
Anjaneyasana (crescent lunge pose)
Adho Mukha Śvānāsana (downward dog)
Phalakasana (plank pose)
Chaturanga
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (upward dog or cobra pose)
Adho Mukha Śvānāsana (downward dog)
Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (3-legged dog)
Virabhadrasana II (warrior 2)
Dancing warriors
Prasarita Padottanasana (wide-legged forward fold) with a twist
Parivrtta Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (revolved lunge pose) with wide arms
Uttanasana (forward fold)
Utkatasana (chair pose)
Tadasana (mountain pose)
Repeat on the other side
Wave 3
Tadasana (mountain pose)
Utkatasana (chair pose)
Uttanasana (forward fold)
Phalakasana (plank pose)
Chaturanga
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (upward dog or cobra pose)
Adho Mukha Śvānāsana (downward dog)
Virabhadrasana II (warrior 2)
Viparita Virabhadrasana (peaceful warrior)
Utthita Trikonasana (triangle pose) with a neck release
Parivrtta Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (revolved lunge pose) with prayer hands
Ardha hanumanasana (half splits)
Phalakasana (plank pose)
Repeat on the other side
Cooling Sequence
Virasana (hero’s pose) OR Utthan Pristhasana (lizard pose) if you have knee issues
Matsyasana (fish pose) supported with a block between the shoulder blades
Supta baddha konasana (reclined bound angle pose)
Neck release with the block at the back of the neck by the occipital ridge
Savasana.
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