In today’s fast-paced society, stress and anxiety can easily come into our lives. The constant juggling of work, family, and personal responsibilities often takes a toll on our mental well-being. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, provides an effective way to relieve stress and anxiety.
Ayurvedic approaches to stress and anxiety relief
Abhyangam
Abhyangam is an Ayurvedic full-body massage with dosha-specific herbal oils. You can go for Abhyangam therapy to soothe the nervous system and relieve any pain, anxiety or fatigue you may have.
Diet and nutrition
Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on the role of diet in managing stress and anxiety. Foods that are sweet, warm, and nourishing can help balance the doshas and calm the nervous system. You can incorporate cooked vegetables, herbal teas and a small amount of ghee into your diet. Foods rich in antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium can also help combat stress. However, you should avoid caffeine, processed foods, and excessive sugar.
Herbal remedies
Ayurveda offers a wealth of herbal remedies to reduce stress and anxiety. You can take Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi, known to have adaptogenic properties that help the body adapt to stress and restore balance.
Lifestyle and routine
Ayurveda encourages the establishment of a daily routine that aligns with your unique constitution and the current season. To help reduce stress, you can stabilise your lifestyle by establishing regular sleep patterns, meal times and activities.
Shirodhara
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy where medicated herbal oil is slowly and steadily dripped on the forehead (Murdhavu). This therapy aims to achieve stillness and relaxation by the normalisation of Manogunas. You can use Shirodhara to relieve any stress, tension, depression, or anxiety and achieve a profound state of relaxation.
Takradhara
Takradhara is an Ayurvedic therapy where medicated Takra (buttermilk) is poured onto a part of the body (the forehead, usually). Aside from buttermilk, the other ingredients used in this therapy are herbal oil and pastes. Takradhara is highly effective in alleviating stress, headaches, fatigue, depression and insomnia.
Yoga and meditation
Regular practice of yoga and meditation can have a profound impact on stress management. You can calm your mind, reduce tension and balance your doshas through these practices. Ayurvedic yoga styles are designed to suit your specific dosha and give you the best results.
Consult an Ayurvedic consultant
It’s important to note that Ayurveda is a personalised approach to healthcare. Consulting an Ayurvedic consultant is crucial to identify your unique doshic constitution and imbalances. They can create a tailored plan for stress and anxiety relief that includes diet, lifestyle, and herbal recommendations to address your specific needs.