The definition of health in Ayurveda is "Svastha", which means established in the Self, or in one's true nature. Studying/experiencing the tri-doshic theory in Ayurveda and yoga practice, can help us to be established in Body, Mind, and Spirit, and make better choices, therefore attaining a state of perfect health. (Ref.:David Frawley, Durga Leela)

1. Students will answer the Banyan dosha quiz.
2.The students will have 30 min of Ayurveda 101 presentation to learn about the doshas.
3.They’ll practice tadasana and warrior I twice, in “vata style” and in “pitta style”.
4.The students will report how they feel in their bodies.
This experience of self-knowledge is important to attain Svastha

The 3 clients are students in a yoga class. They are 3 women, 2 (A,B) in their 40s, and 1 (C) around 60 years old. They are all a Vata Pitta type. “A” and “B” reported typical vata dosha imbalances like bad memory and difficult to focus. “C” is treating severe osteoarthritis (OA), which is also a sign of vata dosha imbalance. The OA doesn't stop C to practice the asanas we planned to work with.

1.Students will answer the Banyan dosha quiz prior to our meeting (90 min), and they will receive feedback about their doshas.
2.During yoga class, students will have:
2.1.Ayurveda 101 presentation (30min): they'll learn how the asanas and pranayamas can affect their doshas.
2.2.Asana/pranayama practice: tadasana and warrior II twice, in “vata style” and “pitta style”, according to David Frawley in "Yoga for your type", pages 70 and 78.
3.The students will report about what they felt in each posture and different styles.
This experience of self-knowledge can be very important to attain health or Svastha (to be established in the Self), which is the main goal in Ayurveda. Health can happen when one is aware of their own imbalances and take the right choices to get back to balance.

Hatha Yoga – the client was asked to practice asanas (annamayakosha) and breath awareness (pranamayakosha). Being aware of vata or pitta dosha in their bodies, they can change the way they practice yoga which can benefit their health.
Jnana Yoga – During the session, the students were asked to be aware of the sensations in the body, mental perceptions and feelings that may come up. This awareness helped them in the process of self-analysis. Ultimately this process will lead them to healing. They will be able to make better choices in their asana practice and not harm themselves going beyond their limits.

The three students (A, B and C) enjoyed the practice. Student A reported that she enjoyed more when practicing asanas with longer holds. She noticed that her mind could concentrate better when she stayed longer in the postures. Frawley advises long holds for vata. Maybe because of a vata imbalance, her body needed this way of practicing the pose, and a light Ujjay breath to facilitate groundedness and stilness. Student B reported the opposite, she preferred the posture when she didn't have to hold it for a longer time. She said it irritated her. This looks like a pitta imbalance. She needs to cool down using short holds, light poses and long easy breathing. Student C said she didn't see any difference. Maybe here pitta and vata are balanced or she needs to be more aware next time. I advised them that the most important thing in this exercise is self-awareness.

My suggestions were:
- When they are in the asana or pranayama practice be aware of any sensations in the body and thoughts in the mind.
- Do not hesitate in changing their practice according to their dosha.
- Ask for suggestions if they feel the need to change their practice.
- Use the class recording to continue practicing and exploring new ways that can be more appropriate for them in their yoga routine.

Yes, I applied the intended plan, and the goal was achieved.
First the students learned the basics of Ayurveda to be able to apply the theory in their yoga practice.
After that, a safe space was created for the students to observe their bodies and minds during the practice. Then they could understand their imbalances better and make better choices in their asanas/pranayamas. Students A and B explored their bodies and minds and figured out a better way for their practices. Even student C, who didn't have a preference between the options, could practice an inner exploration to give an answer. And that was more important and an ayurvedic way to health.
Studying/experiencing the tri-doshic theory in Ayurveda and yoga practice, can help us to be established in Body, Mind, and Spirit, and make better choices, therefore attaining a state of perfect health or Svastha.

My first idea was to teach three asanas and have two meetings, but I saw that it was not necessary.
I think that the number of sessions or asanas one need in order to understand better the body and mind it will depend on how the client has been observing themselves during their lives. Some people would notice very quickly how they function and how to change the practice for themselves but not everyone is the same. It's the yoga therapist that must observe the reaction of the client/student and suggest more sessions if necessary.

If this was in the real world and not just a TCA, I would do one more session with different asanas, just to give an opportunity for the student C and others to explore more the differences in their body/mind between the vata and pitta styles.
Maybe I would give them some kapha style too, to continue the exploration of new possibilities. We all have the three doshas, but generally two are more predominant. It would be interesting to observe an asana/ pranayama practice focusing on a non-predominant dosha and how it affects them.
After the Ayurveda 101, I also would let them talk about their doshas and how they affect their lives. We didn't have enough time this time for that.
About what went well, the self-exploration was a success. They could observe their physical and mental processes better, which is what takes us to better health, i.e.: Awareness.