Stress is a part of daily life for many of us. Whether it’s due to work, relationships, or health issues, stress can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to find ways to manage stress effectively. One holistic approach to stress management is Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine that originated in India and has been practiced for thousands of years.
Ayurveda is based on the belief that everything in the universe is interconnected and that health is a state of balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The foundation of Ayurveda is the concept of doshas, which are the three energies that govern the body. These doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha. Each person has a unique combination of doshas, and when one or more of them becomes imbalanced, it can lead to stress.
According to Ayurveda, vata dosha is associated with movement, pitta dosha is associated with digestion and metabolism, and kapha dosha is associated with structure and stability. When vata dosha becomes imbalanced, it can lead to anxiety and restlessness. When pitta dosha becomes imbalanced, it can lead to anger and frustration. And when kapha dosha becomes imbalanced, it can lead to depression and a sense of heavy-heartedness.
To manage stress according to Ayurveda, one should follow a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a daily routine that includes self-care practices such as yoga, meditation, and massage. Eating foods that are easy to digest, warm, and grounding can help balance vata dosha. Eating foods that are cooling and bitter can help balance pitta dosha. And eating foods that are sweet, moist, and heavy can help balance kapha dosha.
Herbs like ashwagandha and licorice root, as well as essential oils like lavender and bergamot, can also be used to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Ashwagandha is known for its ability to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Licorice root can help balance hormones and reduce inflammation. Lavender essential oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties, while bergamot essential oil can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
It’s also important to make time for self-care practices like yoga, meditation, and massage. Yoga helps to balance the body, mind, and spirit by promoting relaxation, flexibility, and strength. Meditation can help to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and promoting inner peace. And massage can help to reduce tension and promote relaxation.
In addition to the herbs and essential oils previously mentioned, Ayurveda also recommends several other herbs that can be used to manage stress and promote relaxation. Shankhapushpi, Brahmi, Jatamansi, and Vang Bhasma are some of the commonly used herbs in Ayurveda for stress management. Shankhapushpi is an herb that is known for its ability to improve memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function. Brahmi is an herb that is known for its ability to improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Jatamansi is an herb that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. Vang Bhasma is an Ayurvedic mineral preparation that is used for various mental disorders, including stress, anxiety, and depression.
Reference:
· Ashwagandha: Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine: “A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults”
· Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine: “A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults”
· Licorice root: Journal of Ethnopharmacology: “Anxiolytic-like effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the elevated plus-maze test”
· Journal of Medicinal Food: “Anxiolytic-like effect of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the elevated plus-maze test”
· Lavender essential oil: International Journal of Neuroscience: “Aromatherapy and behavioral sleep disorders”
· Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: “Aromatherapy and behavioral sleep disorders”
· Bergamot essential oil: International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice: “Aromatherapy and behavioral sleep disorders”
· Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine: “Aromatherapy and behavioral sleep disorders”