I will offer client key teaching related to doshic application of asana practice to aid in balancing client’s self-assessment of Pitta constitution. Client will be offered a pre-meditation asana practice of forward bends & twists leading into a mediation practice. Client used a self-assessment tool provided in module to determine their dosha type.

I will meet with client for 2-3 sessions. I will offer client 2 of asanas to practice related to their pitta dosha type based on their self-assessment. Client will be asked to identify times when intervention can be applied over the next 2 days; for how long & then practice intervention. Client will be asked to report back at follow-up sessions.

Client is a 47-year-old male. Client reports that he is over all healthy but often feels like he has a lot of inflammation in his body, & he runs hot. His activity level over recent months has dwindled to none. He reports that he used to practice yoga & meditation but has not been doing these activities lately & wants a restart plan. He reports that he is easily triggered both at home & at work. When he gets angry it is noticeable & he doesn’t like how he feels after.

I envisioned meeting with the client to hear their needs & assess what key Ayurveda teaching could be offered as an intervention. I planned to provide basic information on Ayurveda & the constitutions. I would introduce the doshic self-assessment tool provided during the module for the client to self-assess. I planned to demo the recommended asana & meditation with client. I would explore with the client times in which he could practice the intervention & report back on in follow-up sessions.

The Integral Yoga branch of Hatha Yoga was implemented with this client. As the practices of this branch helps to purify and strengthen the body and mind the selected asana of forward bends and twists as well as meditation help balance the Pitta dosha according to Ayurvedic teachings. Asana helps Pitta dosha from accumulating at their sites by releasing heat and stress from the small intestine and central abdomen according to the information provided in the module. Also, according to the module, asanas that open circulation and tone the liver reduces bile therefor reducing Pitta. There are 4 primary goals for Ayurvedic asana practice, which include: 1) to balance the doshas; 2) improve structural condition of the body; 3) facilitate movement & development of prana; 4) to calm and focus the mind. These goals align with that of IY Hatha Yoga branch.

Client was open to key teaching. He was interested in the concepts of the doshas in Ayurveda and was impressed how he was described so well in Pitta dosha. Client found it helpful to understand himself better and the anger he feels. Client was engaged in sessions. Client reported that he enjoyed kick starting his yoga and meditation practice and feels encouraged to continue this new practice. He is interested in learning other aspects of Ayurveda regarding diet and how it plays apart in his dosha.

Recommended to client to continue to incorporate this new structed practice he developed and was so consistent in over the last week. Encouraged client by informing him of the importance of tracking his own practice as self-encouragement. Discussed with client that studies show that it takes 21 days to create a new habit and he was already a week in. Provided client with references I was provided for further study in Ayurveda since he requested this. Offered client time to check-in next week to review his practice and answer any follow-up questions he might have regarding asana for his dosha and discuss meditation practices to help deepen his personal practice.

I was able to apply my intended plan once I met with the client. The goal was to introduce the key teaching to the client via information and demos. I preferred and utilized the dosha self-assessment tool provided in the module as the Science of Ayurveda is much more than what I learned in a single module. However, the information I learned in regard to Ayurveda and Asana practice is relevant and accessible to both myself and to the client’s I would have. I felt at ease providing the information to the client mostly since this client was less “questioning” than my previous one. So, I felt less challenged in my knowledge base.

I did not need to adapt my plan with this client. Client was engaged and followed the intervention as discussed in session. I am not sure I learned anything, other than I was able to reinforce for myself to stay within my scope of practice. The science of Ayurveda is such a big topic that one module does not make me an expert. It was tempting to go another route such as discussing foods and herbs but those are not areas I have studied enough. I stayed in my lane which is asana which includes meditation.

I would approach this situation in the same way as far a scope of practice. I would continue to offer a brief introduction to Ayurveda and the doshas and keep it to asana practice. I do find the mental aspect of the dosha informative so I think it would be good to continue both self-exploration and further study on this. I would for sure continue to have a disclaimer that this sister science of Ayurveda is just as deep and extensive as the science of Yoga. I would continue to offer and use the dosha self-assessment tool provided in the module to clients if they are interested. I would encourage the client to look into this science of Ayurveda more themselves and make available referrals to certified Ayurvedic practitioners.