PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE

Prakrti - Your Nature is Your Strength

In this week’s episode, Paige and Aaron explore Prakṛti, the Ayurvedic concept of your innate constitution - the unique blend of Doṣas you are born with. More than a personality type or physical appearance, Prakṛti is the energetic blueprint that guides how you digest, rest, relate, and grow.

We dive into the purpose of understanding Prakṛti, the misconceptions around typing yourself, and why discovering your nature is only the beginning of living in alignment.

Prakṛti (प्रकृति) derives from pra (before) and kṛti (creation or action) — meaning “original nature” or “first creation.”

In Āyurveda, it refers to your natural constitution, the unique ratio of Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha present at the moment of conception.

Unlike Vikṛti (imbalance), Prakṛti is stable, reflecting your true nature.

The difference between Prakṛti (your constitution) and Vikṛti (your current state of imbalance)

Why knowing your Prakṛti matters and how it supports personalised diet, yoga, rest, and life rhythm

Common misconceptions (e.g. “I’m a Vāta,” “Pitta people are leaders”)

Exploring mixed constitutions (dual or tri-doṣic types)

The connection between Prakṛti and your dharma (purpose)

Charaka Saṃhitā on the formation of Prakṛti at conception

Classical references that highlight the stability of Prakṛti vs the fluidity of Vikṛti

Role of the Mahābhūtas (elements) in determining constitution

Reflect on your physical, mental, and emotional tendencies over your lifespan

Consider how your environment, upbringing, and habits may have veiled your Prakṛti

Use observation, journaling, and practitioner guidance to refine your understanding

Align your yoga practice, food choices, and sleep routine with your natural strengths

Instead of fixating on your “type,” explore how your body reveals truth through daily feedback

SHARE & CONNECT:

Thank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.

Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@OmSom.yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OmSom.yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE

Vata Dosha - The Wind that Moves Everything

In this final episode of the dosha trilogy, we explore the dynamic, creative and ever-changing nature of Vāta Dosha. As the force behind movement, communication, inspiration and excretion, Vāta is as subtle and sacred as it is unpredictable.

Learn how to recognise signs of imbalance, understand the gifts of this energetic dosha and bring Vāta into balance through food, rhythm, yoga and Ayurvedic self-care.

Charaka Saṃhitā on the qualities of Vāta and its governing role over movement and prāṇa

Cross-reference with the Prāṇa Vāyu system in Yoga

Insights from the Bhāva Guṇas and elemental theory of Āyurveda

To bring Vāta into balance:

SHARE & CONNECT:

Thank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.

Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@OmSom.yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OmSom.yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE:

Pitta Dosh - The Sacred Fire of Transformation

This episode explores the fire and water that fuel digestion, clarity and drive, and the burnout, inflammation and intensity that arise when that sacred flame burns too hot. We guide you through the nature of Pitta in body and mind, the Ayurvedic understanding of inflammation and how to balance this transformative force through food, practice and lifestyle.

From the Charaka Saṃhitā:

"Pitta is hot, sharp, liquid, light, slightly unctuous, flowing, and pungent in taste. It resides in the stomach, blood, sweat, eyes, and skin. It governs digestion, complexion and perception."

To balance Pitta Dosha:

SHARE & CONNECT:

Thank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.

Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@OmSom.yoga⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠OmSom.yoga⁠⁠⁠

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE
This week we’re exploring Kapha, the dosha most often associated with earth and water. In this episode we break down what Kapha truly represents, not just biologically, but emotionally, energetically and spiritually.

From the nurturing qualities of love and loyalty to the sticky patterns of attachment and inertia, this conversation will help you reframe your understanding of Kapha from both a yogic and Ayurvedic lens.

DEFINITION AND ETYMOLOGY OF KAPHA
The word Kapha is derived from the Sanskrit root ka (water) and pha (to flourish or increase).
It is formed by the elements earth (prithvī) and water (jala), which give Kapha its core qualities: heavy, slow, steady, cool, oily and smooth.

Kapha governs structure, stability, lubrication, immunity and emotional holding. It’s what gives the body cohesion and the heart its capacity to feel.

KEY CONCEPTS COVERED
What Kapha really is (and isn’t), beyond stereotypes
How Kapha supports growth, love, compassion, nourishment and memory
The shadow side: lethargy, possessiveness, over-attachment
Kapha in the body (mucus, lymph, fat tissue) and mind (sentimentality, resistance to change)
Seasonal considerations — Kapha’s dominance in late winter and spring
Signs of balance vs imbalance and how to spot them
The deeper medicine of movement, warmth, stimulation and lightness

TEXTUAL SOURCES
Insights from the Charaka Samhita on the function of doshas
Kapha as described in Ashtanga Hridayam, particularly its role in strength, lubrication, and stability
Ayurveda’s elemental model of Mahābhūtas (earth + water) as the basis of Kapha expression
Discussion of Kapha’s relationship to tamas guna and emotional inertia

PRACTICAL INTEGRATION
Movement is medicine: regular, dynamic exercise to counter stagnation
Embrace warm, light, dry and spicy foods
Clear clutter, both mentally and environmentally
Morning routines that spark motivation and prevent inertia
Reflect on where you may be “holding on” emotionally or physically
Ask: Where in your life could you invite more lightness or stimulation?

SHARE & CONNECT:

Thank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.

Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@OmSom.yoga⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠OmSom.yoga⁠⁠

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE:

This week we explore one of the most widely known, and often misunderstood, aspects of Ayurveda: the Doshas. Through conversation and lived experience, we unpack what Dosha really means, where this framework comes from and how to move beyond pop-Ayurveda stereotypes.

This is an episode for anyone curious about Ayurveda as a deeper system of health and for those ready to engage in real self-study beyond the memes and online quizzes.

DEFINITION AND ETYMOLOGY OF DOSHA

In Sanskrit, Dosha means “that which becomes imbalanced.”
It is derived from the root duṣ, meaning “to spoil” or “to go out of balance.” Rather than defining you, Dosha refers to the tendencies that lead to imbalance not fixed traits.

Dosha is not your personality or your identity, it's a tool for observation and self-regulation.

KEY CONCEPTS COVERED

The meaning and origin of the word Dosha.
Clarifying the difference between Prakriti (your original constitution) and Vikriti (your current state of imbalance).
How the Doshas relate to the Mahabhutas (five elements) and Gunas (qualities).
Vata (air & space), Pitta (fire & water) and Kapha (earth & water) as patterns of change.
How Dosha theory supports lifestyle choices, seasonal alignment and sadhana.
Why Dosha is not about boxing yourself in, but recognising how you go out of balance.

TEXTUAL SOURCES

Referencing the Charaka Samhita, one of Ayurveda’s foundational medical texts.
Dosha as part of Samkhya philosophy, emerging from elemental theory (Mahabhutas) and Triguna framework.
Mention of Ashtanga Hridayam for practical application of diet, daily routines (dinacharya) and seasonal practices (ritucharya).

PRACTICAL INTEGRATION

How to observe your current state rather than obsess over your fixed Dosha.
Why context and timing matter more than rigid labels.

Using food, movement and routine to balance the elements within.
Questions for reflection:
What qualities dominate in your body and mind today?
What are you drawn to in moments of stress or fatigue?
How can you restore opposite qualities through nature and lifestyle?

SHARE & CONNECT:

Thank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.

Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.
Instagram: ⁠⁠@OmSom.yoga⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠OmSom.yoga⁠

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK'S EPISODE
This is the final episode in our Panchamahabhuta (Five Elements) series — an exploration of Akasha, the space element. Aaron dives solo into the vast, subtle, and sacred qualities of this final tattva, and how it supports the deeper layers of your yogic and meditative journey.

DEFINITION AND ETYMOLOGY OF AKASHA
Akasha is most commonly translated as space or ether, though it also holds the qualities of vastness, subtlety, and limitlessness. In Sanskrit, Akasha is described as Sukshma (subtle), Ananta (infinite), Vyapaka (all-pervading), and Shunya (emptiness).

KEY CONCEPTS COVERED
The qualities and function of Akasha in the body, mind, and spirit.

Shiva as the deity of space and stillness.

The connection between space and intuition, sound, and consciousness.

Excess and deficiency of space in your doshic and emotional constitution.

The unique relationship between spaciousness and spiritual liberation.

TEXTUAL SOURCES
Dharana from the Gheranda Samhita: visualisation of a bright, clear, auspicious raincloud (Dharma Megha).

Traditional association of Akasha with the Vishuddhi Chakra, Ham bija mantra, and sound as a sense.

Commentary on subtle sound practices from yogic and tantric traditions.

PRACTICAL INTEGRATION
Asana suggestions: long pauses between postures, gentle inversions, openness through the throat.

Pranayama techniques: Bhramari (humming breath), So Hum meditation, and breath retentions (kumbhaka) to access silence.

Meditative practice: exploring silence between thoughts, subtle inner sounds, and Dharana on the Dharma Megha.

Lifestyle reflections: creating physical and mental space, reducing overstimulation, honouring stillness in everyday life.

SHARE & CONNECT:
Thank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast. Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.

Instagram: ⁠⁠@OmSom.yoga⁠⁠
Website: ⁠⁠OmSom.yoga

⁠

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

300 Hr India & Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/300-hour-advanced-hatha-yoga-training-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK'S EPISODE: VAYU TATTVA (THE AIR ELEMENT)

This week we explore Vayu Tattva, the air element, and its role as the animating force that moves life itself. From the subtlety of breath to the invisible currents that shape our emotions and thoughts, Vayu is a reminder of how vital movement and space are to our wellbeing.

KEY CONCEPTS COVERED

• The qualities (gunas) of the air element: light, mobile, dry, cool, subtle

• Vayu Deva as the personification of the air element

• Signs of excess and depletion of Vayu in the body and mind

• The connection between breath, nervous system regulation, and prana vayus

• Yoga practices to balance and embody the air element

TEXTUAL SOURCES

PRACTICAL INTEGRATION

Discover how to integrate the air element into your daily life through breath awareness, backbending asanas, pranayama techniques like kumbhaka and bhramari, and embracing spontaneity to cultivate lightness and clarity.

SHARE & CONNECTThank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.

Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.

Instagram: @OmSom.yoga
Website: OmSom.yoga

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

300 Hr India & Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/300-hour-advanced-hatha-yoga-training-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE: AGNI – THE FIRE ELEMENT

In this episode, we explore Agni Tattva, the third of the five great elements (Pancha Mahābhūtas) and one of the most revered forces in the Vedic tradition. Agni is not only the fire that warms, digests, and transforms—it is also the divine mouth of the gods, the spark of tapas, and the igniting force of transformation in both body and mind.

KEY CONCEPTS COVERED

Agni (अग्नि) is the Sanskrit word for fire and refers to both the physical element and its divine embodiment as Agni Deva. Agni is seen as the bridge between the human and the divine, transforming offerings into subtle fragrance and intention into sacred action.

SHARE & CONNECT

Thank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.

Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.

Instagram: @OmSom.yoga

Website: OmSom.yoga

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

300 Hr India & Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/300-hour-advanced-hatha-yoga-training-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK'S EPISODE: JALA – THE WATER ELEMENT IN YOGA & AYURVEDA

Water is life. It nourishes, connects, and flows within and around us. In this episode, we explore Jala Tattva (the water element) as part of our series on the five great elements (Pancha Mahabhuta).

KEY CONCEPTS COVERED

The meaning and qualities of Jala – liquid, unctuous (snigdha), cool, soft, and flowing

The personification of water as Varuna Deva, the compassionate guardian and judge of the oceans

How imbalance in water shows up – from emotional overwhelm and fluid retention to dryness and disconnection

Yogic practices to cultivate balance in water: fluid asana, cooling pranayama (like Shitali), and meditation on the crescent moon

Ayurvedic tips for hydration, from drinking living water to self-oil massage (abhyanga)

This episode is both philosophical and deeply practical, helping you weave the nourishing qualities of water into your yoga practice and daily life.

TEXTUAL SOURCES REFERENCED

SHARE & CONNECTThank you for listening to the Om Som Yoga & Ayurveda Podcast.
Please share this episode with someone it might support, and connect with us on social media or via our website.
Instagram: ⁠⁠@OmSom.yoga⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠OmSom.yoga⁠⁠

We operate a yoga studio in Berwick, Victoria, Australia, offering classes, workshops, and Yoga Teacher Training programs. We'd love to connect with you wherever you are on your journey.

OM

PRACTICE WITH US:

365 Sadhana Sangha 

https://practice.omsom.yoga/365-sadhana-sandha/join

100 Hr Asana Sadhana Dharma

https://practice.omsom.yoga/asana-sadhana-dharma-oto

Bali Retreat

https://omsom.yoga/bali-retreat-2025

300 Hr India & Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/300-hour-advanced-hatha-yoga-training-2025

200 Hr Berwick

https://omsom.yoga/200-hour-yoga-teacher-training-berwick-2025

ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE: PRITHVI – CULTIVATING STABILITY THROUGH THE EARTH ELEMENT

We begin a new series exploring the Pancha Mahābhūtas—the five great elements of the yogic and Ayurvedic tradition. Starting with Prithvi (Earth), Aaron and Paige unpack how this foundational element nourishes both body and mind, and why cultivating its qualities is essential for grounding, stability, and balance in our lives.

We explore the Sanskrit meaning of Prithvi and its connection to the goddess Bhūmi Devī, revered in the Vedic tradition as the great mother who sustains all life. Together, we’ll reflect on the tangible ways earth manifests within and around us—through the physical body, our emotions, and the structures of our lives.

KEY CONCEPTS WE EXPLORE