Is stress taking over your life more than you'd like? Most of us respond to that question with a resounding YES! Stress is a truly common part of the modern lifestyle. While taking some stress in life is fine and even productive, excess of it can be harmful to our overall mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
As a doctor who has seen the impact that stress can have on people, I am constantly researching natural alternatives to stress management. Among the various practices, Ayurveda stands out for its comprehensive and time-tested methods. Allow me to share some of my favorite Ayurvedic perspectives on stress management.
Ayurveda for Stress Management
Embrace a Balanced Lifestyle
Ayurveda encourages a life of harmony and moderation leading to good health. This encompasses the regulation of a normal daily pattern termed Dinacharya that incorporates activities such as waking up early, conscious presence and consuming balanced food throughout reset periods. Through daily behaviors associated with the nature of regularity and harmony by a transmission of rhythms within which we experience our body, so that stress can be lessened.
According to Ayurveda, the stress levels in our body are governed by three energies or the doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The amount of positive and negative stress in an individual’s body largely depends on these three energy levels (doshas). Ayurveda suggests that most individuals have bi-doshic constitution (Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha, Vata-Kapha) in their bodies. These doshas can influence their overall mental well-being. Let’s look at these doshas and how they can influence our mental health:
- Vata dosha: This dosha enables our quick thinking capabilities, unlocks our creativity and innovation, and can optimize our intuitive power. People with a dominant Vata dosha may come across life situations that can make them anxious. When dosha levels go up, one may have to deal with fear, anxiety, insomnia, isolation, etc.
- Pitta dosha: Pitta dosha helps us with determination, intelligence, competitiveness, and confidence. When these dosha levels go up, individuals may feel more angry, irritated, frustrated, or incompetent. In addition, sweating, heartburn, diarrhea, and hypertension can spike Pitta dosha levels.
- Kapha dosha: Kapha energy is associated with strength, steadiness, and reliability. People with a dominating Kapha may often resist change and be stubborn in usually uncomfortable situations. This may lead to high-stress levels. For people with a dominant Kapha dosha, stress may result from comfort eating, lack of motivation, tiredness, lethargy, etc.Ayurvedic treatment for stress and anxiety focuses on restoring balance through a combination of approaches, including dietary changes, herbal remedies (such as Ashwagandha and Brahmi), relaxation techniques, yoga, and meditation. Lifestyle adjustments that promote a sense of calm and routine are also emphasized.
Adapting a Slower Pace
Achieving balance in life requires adopting a slower pace. While difficult for those used to a fast-paced lifestyle, it's indeed possible and greatly rewarding. People who slowly include periods of peace and self-care into their daily routines can reap major benefits, stating their commitment to a more balanced way of life over time. Starting this journey requires prioritizing devoted moments of stillness and self-care each day.
Prioritize Self-Care Practices
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining good health. This includes a variety of activities such as self-massage (Abhyanga), breathing exercises like Pranayama, and meditation. These routines not only reduce physical strain but also improve mental clarity and emotional resilience. Incorporating self-care rituals into our daily routines can help us handle stress better and improve our overall quality of life.
Nurturing Emotional Wellbeing
Suppressing stress can cause a buildup of harmful feelings within, affecting mental wellness. To address this, value open communication, whether with someone you trust or via words. In addition, consider mindfulness methods such as meditation to promote inner debate and awareness. Remember that expressing and sharing feelings is essential for developing an emotional support network and managing stress.
Nourish Your Body and Mind
Ayurveda stresses nurturing the body and mind for complete well-being. This entails eating a nutritious diet that is customized to our unique body, known as Dosha. We may improve our stress resilience and promote optimal health by recognizing our main Dosha and making dietary choices that encourage balance. Additionally, including herbs and spices with adaptogenic properties, such as Ashwagandha and Tulsi, can further support our body's ability to adapt to stresses.
Using Nutrition to Manage Stress
Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet is essential for stress relief. Ayurveda recommends a balanced diet that includes fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and plant-based proteins. These meals aid to counteract free radical damage, reduce stress, and promote general health. Consider matching your diet to your Ayurvedic nature for personalized benefits.
Herbs and Oil
Discover Ayurvedic expertise for stress treatment with a variety of natural medicines and oils. Key herbs such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Tulsi are regarded for their relaxing and calming properties, which provide overall relief from stress and anxiety.
These basic practices go a long way in reducing panic attacks and decreasing the intensity of anxiety attacks. Herbs such as ashwagandha, brahmi, mandukaparni, yashtimadhu, jatamamsi, amla, vacha etc have been found effective in reducing the symptoms of anxiety and relaxing the body and mind.
Meditation and Yoga for Stress Relief
Meditation and yoga are effective stress management methods. Meditation promotes inner peace and helps with constructive decision-making, but yoga, particularly techniques like the Sun Salutation, improves cognitive function and restores balance to fight and recover from stress. Ayurvedic meditation and mindfulness techniques promote mental and emotional well-being, allowing the mind to easily embrace health-promoting options. Regular use of these activities increases relaxation, improves sleep quality, boosts immunological function, and fosters mental and physical health. Individuals who practice meditation and yoga regularly can see long-term benefits in stress management.
Destress Program By Ayur Bethaniya- Stress Relief
Discover tranquility with Ayur Bethaniya's De-Stress Programme, which has been carefully created to relieve tension and restore balance. Our extensive menu includes a full-body relaxation massage, a relaxing steam bath, and the rejuvenating Shirodhara therapy. These therapies work together to reduce tension, develop deep relaxation, and promote restful sleep, all while giving a sense of peace in both mind and soul. Our course is customized to individual needs and lasts 7 to 21 days, providing adequate time for thorough restoration. Embark on a wellness journey with Ayur Bethaniya's De-Stress Programme and discover the transformational power of holistic relaxation.
- Swedana (Loosening of toxins through herbal steam therapy).
- Abhyanga (Body rejuvenation through warm oil massage).
- Pizhichil (Muscular toning through oil bath).
- Shirodhara (Nervous destressing through a rhythmic flow of medicated oil on the forehead).
- Shirovasthi (Nervous rejuvenation through medicated oils that are retained on the head using an elongated cap).
- Thalam (Nervous relaxation through herbal decoctions applied to the crown of the head).
- Thalapothichil (Nourishment to nervous tissue by application of medicated paste on the head).
- Njavarkizhi (Stress relief through full-body massage with medicinal rice gruel contained in a pouch).
- Elakizhi (Therapeutic massaging with warm pouches containing herbs).
This list is a general set of treatments for this therapy. Based on your age, medical condition, Ayurvedic Dosha imbalance, our doctors will decide which treatments and duration of each one are appropriate.
Conclusion
Finally, as a doctor dedicated to promoting holistic health, I am constantly inspired by Ayurveda's ageless wisdom in addressing the common problem of stress. By embracing and adapting Ayurvedic concepts into our daily lives, we can develop more endurance, vitality, and peace of mind. Remember that while stress is unavoidable, we have power over how we respond to it. Let us embrace Ayurvedic knowledge as we manage the challenges of modern life, taking one mindful breath at a time.
Ayurveda is a holistic and scientifically apprised approach to health due to its holistic nature. At Ayur Bethaniya, we prioritize a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious eating habits, frequent exercise, and a variety of natural stress-relieving therapies. Our treatments, which include dietary modifications, herbal medicines, massage, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, and detoxification programs, are designed to benefit both the body and the mind. Visit us to begin the process of understanding your body and using an Ayurvedic approach to stress treatment.
