5 elements yoga practice
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​These sequences take inspiration from the five elements, They can be thought of as energetic forces that shape all we know and experience, from thoughts to bodily functions. They are fundamental to yoga and to what is sometimes called its sister science, Ayurveda, the traditional Indian health system. 

When the elements are balanced, we experience the benefits of them all. The table below shows what the symptoms of imbalace can look like.
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Element	Too little	Balanced	Too Much
Earth	Unrealistic, fickle, find it hard to see things through	​We feel grounded, stable and able to handle practical matters.	​Inert, inflexible, lazy or stuck in our ways ​ Antidote mainly with Wind but also Air
Water	Physically or mentally uptight,	​We are calm, flexible and able to handle the unexpected.	​Too passive, easily swayed, or struggle to stand up for yourself Antidote mainly with Fire but also Wind
Fire	Apathetic, lethargic, uninterested	​We are energised, confident and able to gets things done. We will stand up for what we believe in	Struggle to switch off, short-tempered, demanding,  or  bothered by things that don't really matter ​Antidote mainly with Water but also Earth ​
Wind	Unimaginative, unmotivated, emotionally closed off	We are creative, visionary, productive and able to express emotions.	Lack of focus, in our heads too much, anxious or easily overcome by our feelings Antidote mainly with Earth but also Water ​
Space	limited sense of self,  materialist world view	We are content, at peace, able to trust our intuition.	Complete disinterest in the physical world Antidote with Earth, Water or Fire ​

READ MORE ABOUT THE 5 ELEMENTS...

 
We are more likely to experience an imbalance in some elements that others and this is reflected in our genetics and personality. We can adjust this balance through lifestyle, diet, exercise, breath, meditation and much more, it is a very vast science but in simple terms, we can antidote an imbalance in one element by working with the opposing element(s).

Each sequence you will practice takes inspiration from the characteristics of that element and includes practices that will directly increase its effect in the body and mind. The Space element is a bit different to the others. It's not referring to the physical place outside of the planet but rather the space in which all things exist, which is a hard concept to relate to. The space practice is very meditative and will be great for everyone, especially those that don't have a daily meditation practice.  

​Be aware that we're often attracted to the practices our mind likes rather than the ones we need. For example, the type of person who is always on the go, can't stop doing things or loves to be productive, is likely to gravitate to the Fire practice, and to enjoy it the most. However, it's likely the Water, Space and Earth practices is what they really need to bring them into balance. There is no harm in doing what you enjoy, but if you do more of the practice(s) that will balance out your natural tendencies, you have an opportunity for increased health and to live more harmoniously.   

As always, practice safely and have fun with it. Avoid food 2-3 hours before practice and water for 45 mins to an hour.

AYURVEDA
If you know which dosha is dominant for you, prioritise the sequences like this:

Vata:    Earth then Water 
Pitta:    Earth, Space then Water
Kapha:  Fire then Wind 

A consultation with an Ayurveda specialist is the best way to understand you dosha type but there are many questionnaires online you can use to try and work it out for yourself. Remember that every body is unique, pay close attention to how you feel after each practice to have the best sense of what is right for you.
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​THE SEQUENCES

WATER

Extra focus on habitual tension in common problem areas (hips, shoulders and neck) and parts of the body that don't usually get much attention (hands and feet). Improves circulation of blood  and energy through the body, making our movement and mentality more flowing, easeful and enjoyable.

Main physical benefits: Flexibility, ease of movement.

Main mental benefits: Reduce mental tension and agitation.

​This will be a very calming practice, great for releasing anger or nerves. Expect to feel mentally and physically lighter afterwards

FIRE

Focused on the sun salutation, strong static holds (with rest periods between them) and energising breathing techniques

Main physical benefits: Strength and flexibility.

Main mental benefits: Reduce apathy and lethargy, improve concentration.

​This practice will help you feel more alert, focussed, passionate and driven. Good for mental as wells as physical strength.
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BONUS - QUICK PRACTICE

This 35 minute practice is ideal as regular morning routine or for when you cannot do a longer practice. 

EARTH

Focused on static holds and maximum contact with the earth. Brings us out of the fluctuating mind and grounds us into moment. Develops resolve, contentment and the ability to be unmoved by things outside of our control. 

Main physical benefits: Stability, postural alignment and flexibility.

Main mental benefits: To address overthinking e.g. worrying, dreaming, planning, etc and to be more present with the world and people around you. 

​This practice will give you and often needed rest from the mental chatter.
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WIND

Focused movement, using dynamic, flowing poses. Creates freedom in the body and mind, allowing us to be open to all possibilities and fearless of change. 

Main physical benefits: Mobility - the result of strength, stability and flexibility

Main mental benefits: Improve mental acuity, creativity and self-expression

​This practice encourage you to fully utilise the power of you imagination, to better connect with your emotions. It can feel quite energising and liberating.
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SPACE

Focused on long passive holds, with almost zero physical effort. Letting go is an art, it requires more skill than we might expect. By allowing the stillness the body resets and rejuvenates. Letting the mind rest is not only excellent for our mental health but can open us up to the experience of piercing mental clarity and deep personal insights. 

Main physical benefits: The deepest release of tension, very restorative for the body.

Main mental benefits: A sense of contentment and connection. Greater mental resilience.

​This practice will aim to move our consciousness beyond the body, and the mind into a meditative stillness. Many things can happen here. Occasionally, emotions arise. This peaceful state is perfect for releasing suppressed emotional baggage. We don't have to give any thought to the cause or memory that triggered that emotion, just let that energy flow through and it will be released.