| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stress Relief and Ayurveda
|
Stress is a complex concept that has both mental and physiological
components. Though most forms of stress are
psychological, they trigger a variety of
physiological changes. These changes include ones
in the immune function, indicating a link between
the stress and immune system.
Stress-related cases have grown phenomenally over the last
couple of decades. Psychiatrists believe that the growth
has been about a thousand times in the last ten
years. Medically, stress is defined as a
perturbation of the body's internal equilibrium.
The common indices of stress include changes in
- biochemical parameters such as epinephrine and adrenal steroids,
- physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure and
- behavioral effects such as anxiety, fear and tension
Stress can lead to palpitation, heart attack, migraine
and tension headache, eating disorder, ulcer, irritable
bowel syndrome, colitis, diabetes, backache, chronic
fatigue syndrome, dermatitis, allergy, cold and
cough, asthma, insomnia, stammering, phobia,
depression, premature aging…the list is endless.
Symptoms of stress
Typical
symptoms of stress can be insomnia, loss of mental
concentration, anxiety, absenteeism from work, depression,
substance abuse, extreme anger and frustration, family
conflict, and physical illnesses, such as heart
disease, migraine, headaches, stomach problems,
and back problems.
Causes of stress - the Ayurvedic perspective
Today, stress and fatigue are like household commodities.
Practically everyone has to face stress to some degree.
Everyone needs to cope with the specter of a scarily
frenetic lifestyle, which includes punishing work
schedules, incessant travel, collapsing
relationships, breakneck competition, a battle
against age and illness, and the desire to remain
ever-youthful and glamorous.
According to Ayurveda, there are three sub-doshas that
govern the mind. Prana vata is the sub-dosha of vata that
governs the brain, sensory perception and the mind.
Tarpaka kapha is the sub-dosha of kapha that
governs the cerebro-spinal fluid. And because
acquisition, retention and recall originate in
the heart, sadhaka pitta (the sub-dosha of pitta that
governs the emotions and their effect on the heart) is also
involved.
There are three states or operational qualities of mind.
These are sattva, rajas and tamas. Sattva (goodness) is
the healthy state of mind. Rajas (passion) and tamas
(ignorance) are the unhealthy states of mind.
When the mind is dominated by rajas and/or tamas,
the sub-doshas go out of balance. Sadhaka pitta
begins to create a burning effect and prana vata
creates a drying effect. Then tarpaka kapha generates
extra cerebro-spinal fluid to counteract this effect and
protect the brain.
But when our mental capacities are repeatedly overused
(due to excess of tamas and rajas), the lubricating value
of tarpaka kapha becomes excessive, and begins to
diminish the metabolizing or digestive fire or
agni. This is similar to the effect of too much
moisture in the digestion - it can put out the
digestive fire or agni. When this happens, ama
(toxins) start to be created. Ama accumulates in the
gaps and channels of the brain, and mixes with the fluids
created by tarpaka kapha, creating a harmful type of
cortisol, the indicator of stress. Cortisol in
itself is not harmful; in fact, it is created by
the body to protect the brain. But when tarpaka
kapha becomes excessive and there is ama in the
physiology, it does more harm than good. That's when
anxiety attacks and other signs of stress take over.
Treatment
There are several kinds of Ayurvedic treatment that alleviate stress.
Herbal treatment
Herbs known as
adaptogens are beneficial in alleviating stress.
These herbs that promote adaptability to stress,
include Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), ginseng
(Panax ginseng), wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), borage
(Borago officinalis), licorice (yashtimadhu
(Glycyrrhiza glabra), chamomile (Chamaemelum
nobile), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), and
nettle (Urtica dioica). Traditionally, Ayurveda recommends
the root of winter cherry or ashwagandha, shakpushadi, brahmi
(gotu kola), jatamansi (muskweed), shakhpushpi,
dhatri rasayan, praval pishti and the fruit of
emblic myrobalan, among other herbs, to reduce
stress and fix the imbalance in the vata dosha.
Research shows that certain Ayurvedic formulas made from
herbs such as brahmi (gotu kola), shankapushpi (aloeweed),
and guduchi (heart-leaved moonseed) reduces
generalized anxiety, calms stress, while
heightening alertness and preventing mental
stress from mounting.
These special Ayurvedic herbs are called medhya herbs in
traditional Ayurvedic texts, and are known to not only
individually nurture certain areas of the brain
(mind) sensitive to stress effects, but also to
nurture coordination among them.
Ashwagandha or winter cherry enhances the mind's overall
ability to fight stress, because it helps overall mental
functioning. Jatamansi (muskroot) and greater
galangal are additional herbs that clear the
channels. These keep our mind and body free of
toxins and blockages. Ashwagandha or winter
cherry is a sharp, naturally cleansing herb, but
in combination with jatamansi (muskroot) and greater galangal,
it becomes an extremely effective agent for clearing the
channels, enhancing agni or digestive fire and
reducing ama (toxins).
Diet treatment
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.
In Ayurvedic terms reduce 'rajasic' and
'tamasic' foods and add 'sattvic' diet.
Avoid coffee and all other caffeinated beverages, because
in high doses caffeinated substances produce jitteriness,
restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. As far as
possible, try to avoid carbonated and alcoholic
drinks as well. High-protein animal foods should
also be minimized as these increase levels of
dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which
are associated with higher levels of anxiety and stress.
Eat lots of fresh green vegetables, fruits and fruit juices.
Avoid white flour and sugar products, and all
frozen, preserved and leftover food. Include
whole grain cereals - they promote the production
of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin, which
induces a greater sense of well-being.
Pancha Karma
Ayurveda advises
undergoing pancha karma for maintaining a strong
and healthy metabolic rate and also to keep harmful
toxins from accumulating in the body and mind. The pancha
karma process involves identifying the root cause of a
stress problem and correcting the essential
balance of mind, body, and emotions. It is
considered extremely effective to go through the
process of pancha karma before any rejuvenation
treatment (rasayana/herbal medicines). This helps to cleanse
the body, improve digestion, strengthen the metabolic rate
and also cleanse one's thought process.
Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama
In
addition to the above-mentioned treatments, Ayurveda
integrates Yoga, meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises)
to manage stress. Certain gestures called "mudra"
are also helpful. Positive thinking, tidiness, clean
environment and maintaining harmony at all
levels is important for getting rid of stress
permanently.
|
|
FOR MORE DETAILS, ENQUIRIES CONTACT :-
SAKSHAL HOLISTIC HEALING,
INDIA.
EMAIL : holistichealing11@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It strengthens nerves of the body. 
Ayurvedic ear treatment
NETRA TARPANA ( AKSHI BASTHI) - AYURVEDIC TREATMENT.
