Stress Management the Ayurvedic Way
Stress is a normal physical response to events that make one feel threatened or upset one’s balance in some way. When you sense danger whatever its real or imagined – the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid automatic process known as the “ fight or flight” reaction, or the stress response. The stress response is the body’s way of protecting oneself. When working properly, it helps to stay focused, energetic and alert. Moreover in emergency situations stress can save life – giving an extra strength to defend oneself.
According to Ayurveda the greatest factor in a person’s sensitivity to stress is a substance called Ojas (oja) that is found in all cellular tissues of body and mind. Ojas is the essence of immune system and provides the mind with both stability and contentment.
According to Ayurveda the greatest factor in a person’s sensitivity to stress is a substance called Ojas (oja) that is found in all cellular tissues of body and mind. Ojas is the essence of immune system and provides the mind with both stability and contentment.
Some of the causes of stress are Major life changes, Work, Relationships difficulties, Financial problems, any mishappening, Prolonged disease,Inability to accept uncertainty, Perfectionism, Diet and Lifestyle changes and above all the imbalances of basic humors of the body i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha.Now the question arises if stress is a normal physiological reaction then why does it troubles the body? The answer to this is that whenever there is a threat or a situation that is a bit difficult to handle the body automatically produces Cortisol hormone.
This hormone Increases Heart Rate, Increases Breathing, Releases Fats and Glucose for energy. Diverts blood flow from non-essential body areas to muscles and brain.
This hormone Increases Heart Rate, Increases Breathing, Releases Fats and Glucose for energy. Diverts blood flow from non-essential body areas to muscles and brain.
Increases Perspiration, Increases acid production in the digestive system and suppresses the immune system. But beyond a certain point, when there is a continuous effect of stressor on the body the whole reaction acts as chain reaction. Thus then stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to health, moods, productivity, quality of life and even adverse effects on the mental health leading to cause various psychiatric disorders.
Similarly when due to the above said causes any of the humors get imbalanced it also leads to the production of extra Cortisol which in turn causes stress.
Similarly when due to the above said causes any of the humors get imbalanced it also leads to the production of extra Cortisol which in turn causes stress.
There has been a proven and a well-established treatment of Stress in Ayurveda
- Diet management: – Since stress reduces the body’s immunity, nutritious diet is very beneficial in counteracting this depletion. Following the right diet for dealing with stress is also very important. Avoid Caffeinated and Carbonated drinks, alcohol and Smoking. Avoid High protein animal foods , white flour and sugars. Try to add as many as fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grain meals.
- Internal Herbal Medicines – The herbs like Brahmi, Jatamansi, Aswagandha, Jyotishmati, Shankhpushpi etc. have sown tremendous affects on the mental health.
- Lifestyle management and inculcating Upkarmas – Always commit to a disciplined routine, Exercise regularly, Practice Pranayama / Meditation and Yoga. Moreover inculcate practices like Oil pulling, Karn Pooran (lubricating the ears), Self Massage. Apart from those therapies like Shirodhara, Abhyanga, Shirovasti, Hrida Vasti should be done.
- Panchkarma (detox) :- Panchkarma is a technique of purifying and detoxifying the body. Panchkarma is a process to detoxify the toxins related to earth, water, fire, air and space. The objective of Panchkarma is to eradicate the disease from its root. It is carried out to restore the function of 5 sensory organs. It includes
- Vaman – to remove toxins via mouth. Done for excessive Kapha
- Virechan – to remove toxins via anal region. Done for excessive Pitta
- Basti – for excessive vata ( best for the psychosomatic disorders)- it cleanses the toxins related to earth, fire, air, water and space through colon. Anuvasan Basti Nirooh Basti
- Nasya – to remove the toxins via nostrils