Can Ayurveda Manage Stress and Anxiety?
In a period when stress and anxiety are increasing, people are trying to find holistic ways of taking care of their mental health. The old Indian medicine – Ayurveda offers an overall approach to the treatment of stress and anxiety using natural and individual approach. This article talks about how Ayurveda can help in stress and anxiety control and principles, practices and lifestyle advice of Ayurveda.
Stress and Anxiety – Explained by Ayurveda
Stress and anxiety are imbalances in the body’s doshas, according to Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. All human beings have different constitutions, or Prakriti, and it depends on the composition and dominance of these doshas. Stress and anxiety are usually provoked by the imbalance in the body, when the Vata dosha, which is related to the movements and communication, rises.
Vata Dosha and Anxiety
Vata dosha governs the nervous system and its properties are lightness, dryness and coldness. When Vata is in imbalance some of the symptoms of anxiety like restlessness, nervousness and inability to concentrate may appear. The imbalance in Vata is often triggered by disrupted schedules, overactive mind and lack of sustenance.
Pitta Dosha and Stress
Pitta dosha connected with metabolism and transformation, can also cause stress if not balanced. Stress for persons of Pitta dominant constitution may take the form of irritability, anger or frustration. This imbalance is in most cases due to overstimulation, overcompetition or exposure to heat.
Kapha Dosha and the Emotional Chaos
When stagnant, Kapha dosha, which is that responsible for structure and stability can cause stress and anxiety. Imbalance of Kapha leads to heaviness and lethargy and depression. Kapha imbalance causes include lack of movement, over eating and suppression of emotions.
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Ayurvedic Principles of Handling Stress and Anxiety
Ayurveda offers an extensive approach to handling stress and anxiety by going to the roots and balancing.
The key principles include:
Diet and Nutrition
Ayurveda lays much importance on balanced diet which relates to one’s dosha. The consumption of foods that calm the agitated dosha can restore balance, and minimize stress and anxiety.
For Vata Imbalance: Add warm nourishing food such as cooked grains, root vegetables and healthy fats such as ghee. Avoid cold, dry and raw foods that will make the Vata disorder worse.
For Pitta Imbalance: Go for cooling and calming foods, such as fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables and sweet vegetables. Fried and spicy foods and acidic foods have to be limited.
For Kapha Imbalance: Choose light, dry and warm foods such as whole grains, legumes, and spices such as ginger, turmeric. Avoid sweet, oily and heavy foods.
Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda utilizes many herbs, known to calm and balance.
Some of the common herbs used in controlling stress and anxiety are:
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha has become famous as an adaptogen that reduces cortisol levels and helps to alleviate stress.
- Brahmi: This herb improves cognitive function and mental clarity therefore good for anxiety.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): Tulsi is very much in demand because of the ability to reduce stress and increase resistance.
Explore our range of organic Herbs and Medicines for stress!
Lifestyle Practices
There are some life practices which should be incorporated into Ayurveda for stress and anxiety management. These practices are meant to bring balance and promote well being.
Regular Routine (Dinacharya)
Creating a daily routine helps normalize body rhythms, and it reduces stress. Such basic aspects of healthy routine include rising early, morning hygiene, a little exercise and fixed meal times.
Abhyanga (Self-Massage)
Abhyanga, or self-massage with oil, is a very helpful Ayurvedic technique to calm the nervous system, and reduce stress. Oil massage daily will harmonise Vata dosha, normalise circulation and relax.
Pranayama and Meditation
Breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation are a part and parcel of Ayurvedic stress management. These practices calm the mind and focus and reduce anxiety. In particular, Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Anulom Vilom are very useful.
Detoxification (Panchakarma)
Ayurveda recommends the detoxification therapies known as Panchakarma for the chronic stress and anxiety affected people. These treatments detoxify the body from toxins, and bring things back into balance, so that he or she can reset and revitalize.
Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis): Helps eliminate excess Pitta toxins.
Virechana (Purgation): Gets rid of toxic substances that were formed in the gastrointestinal tract.
Nasya (Nasal Administration): Cleanses the region of head and neck of excess Kapha.
Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): Used to pacify Pitta and Vata doshas.
Shirodhara (Oil Pouring): Contains pouring warm oil over the forehead, relaxing and clearing the mind.
Mind-Body Connection
Ayurveda values the interrelatedness of mind and body, that mental health depends on the physical and the environmental. The practices that are encouraged in order to improve this relationship and overall, well being include yoga, meditation and mindful living.
Yoga for Stress Relief
Yoga is a part of Ayurvedic practice, which is physical postures, breathing exercises and meditation to relieve the stress and anxiety. Yoga practice daily enhances flexibility strength and mental clarity that leads to balance.
Mindful Living
Mindfulness is being in the now and being aware of what is happening in one’s head, heart and in one’s environment. Ayurveda advocates for a mindful form of living as a method of reducing stress and enhancing well being. Easy to follow practices that can be included in everyday life include mindful eating, walking meditation, and gratitude journaling.