With the lens of the Ayurvedic effects of the asana practice, using a slower and calming basic Hatha sequence for a person that demonstrates an overactive Pitta Dosha.

Goal is to decrease an overactive Pitta Dosha. Utilizing the clients personal daily Hatha practice, incorporating a slower, cool pace - as opposed to "normal"rapid, dynamic, heat building practice. Using 0-10 scale (0 being relaxed & focused, 10 being hyper & overly stimulated), daily for 3 weeks client will keep subjective record each practice.

45 year old man, married and father of two school age children. History of IBS, Acid Reflux and Barrett's esophagus. Professional in local University setting,, subjective reports of high stress work load that is demanding, always on the go, occasional insomnia. Client has a regular practice of Hatha Yoga asana which is often dynamic, multiple sun salutations, inversion, little cool down and brief savasana

The plan was to meet client daily for 3 weeks for private yoga session to address an overactive Pitta Dosha. In each session the client, who is well versed in dynamic, challenging Hatha/Vinyasa asana sequences, and instruct cooling and calming poses to address overly stimulated demeanor. The client would note on a numeric scale level of personal intensity (0 being focused, 10 being hyperactive), ideally lowering an already subjective "10" that is the clients normal way of being. Initially the sessions were to meet daily for 3 weeks, shifting to 3x per week for 3 weeks.

The branches of IY used were Hatha and Japa yoga. In Hatha yoga approach the use of asana, pranayama and meditation were used in practice. In addition Japa was used in a way of personal affirmation to allow the mind to focus and crease a sense of ease. During supportive, cooling postures (paschimotanasana, baddha konasana, sirsasana, etc) repetitive use of personal affirmations were suggested, such as "I am at ease" "Inhale peace, Exhale Love".
Ideally these two branches would aid in the goal of decreasing an overactive, stimulated Pitta Dosha.

Each session with the client was 75 minute Hatha yoga practice. The client was well versed in very challenging poses/sequences and "liked to move and sweat" but was in a constant state of overdrive. The time spent was to assimilate "cooling poses" such as forward fold to illicit the PNS as well as cool the fires of Pitta Dosha. Encouraging a slower pace, consciously moving through asana ( as opposed to jumps/pikes/rapid pace) and savasana that included Yoga Nidra to create a more calm state with the client still alert and aware of personal presence.

Suggestions for the client was to not abruptly stop their personal yoga practice but be open to a more easeful way to express the physical poses, breathing exercises that can aid in decreasing their high intensity, "go-go-go" demeanor. Threading in the more calming aspects of practice in conjunction with a counterbalance to dynamic movement to make a well rounded practice. Each class was ended with Yoga Nidra (which client was not familiar with).

On the days where we did not meet it was suggested to partake in similar sequences, as well as record keeping on numeric scale.

Once we arranged to meet 3x/week for 3 weeks the yoga class was instructed, the client was open to alternatives to regular practice but it did take some sessions to get used to cueing and stay focused in held postures. The end of each session with Yoga Nidra, the client was initially fidgety and difficult to relax but eventually was able to benefit from guided relaxation.
I would say the goal was achieved to introduce a practice that ultimately was a well rounded practice, introducing calming postures, positive affirmation, easeful breath cueing to aid in relaxing a subjectively noted "overactive person".

The affirmations /Japa yoga was added to aid in maintaining focus in held, calming postures.
I learned its pretty amazing that the body can get used to what it's being served, how his typical practice was throwing kindling on the fire typically associated with Pitta Dosha. Thinking he was serving himself well through a really dyanmic practice, but rather it was causing an increase in disturbnce of his way of being. By simply introducing a portion of the practice that was reserved, inward reflection and calming, the client did report a deeper sense of focus with out being "edgy".

I believe I would face this client the same way. He is strong willed, knows what he wants but giving him the benefits of these techniques (movement, breathing, affirmations) he was open and receptive to it. I feel that not entirely removing/negating his practice and what he knows, was a good choice. If he was instructed in 75 minute restorative sequence it would not have been received well. Integrating a balancing practice with the inclusion of calming poses, guiding through Yoga Nidra benefited him, with a decrease in high levels of intensity and increasing a calm focus. Hopefully decreasing an overactive Pitta Dosha.

I feel this practice served him well.