Stress Relief Ayurvedic Treatment

Any condition that causes physical, emotional and mental strain can be termed as stress. In fact, it is a normal reaction of body to unhealthy circumstances that need attention. The response to stress and coping mechanism differs between individuals, so that some people require external assistance to manage the situation. Prolonged and severe stress affect brain harmfully.

Stress Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of stress are constant worrying, inability to relax, disturbed/ lack of sleep, fear, increased heart rate and breathing, sweating of palms, abdominal discomfort, poor digestion, diarrhoea, eating disorders, poor concentration, headache, fatigue, lack of enthusiasm, emotional outbursts, memory problems, substance abuse, etc.

Possible Complications of Stress

Chronic stress often interferes with daily life- difficulty to do work, relationship issues, lack of interest in sexual contact, erectile dysfunction etc. Other complications are hair loss, skin disorders, hypertension, heart diseases, body pain, digestive system disorders like IBS, hormonal imbalance, infertility etc.

Stress Ayurvedic Analysis

In Ayurveda, terms like ‘chinta’ (excess thoughts), and ‘bhaya’ (fear) denote mental distresses. Both these are the characteristic features of heena satwa (weak mind) due to aggravation of tamas (manodosha/ impurities of mind). Excessive chinta, shoka and bhaya cause aggravation of vata resulting in sleeplessness, inflammation, fever, excessive sweating, emaciation and apasmara (seizures).

Chinta, bhaya, shoka etc are caused by vitiation of manovaha srotas (channels that involved in normal functioning of mind) due to intake of incompatible food, unaccustomed food, excess intake of spicy/ cold/ heavy food, trauma (both physical and mental), beejadosha (genetic factors), unhealthy behaviours (like altered sleep pattern, over-activity) etc.

Untreated cases may lead to chittavibhrama (mental disorders), or may interfere with day-to-day activities.

Stress Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Treatment

The treatment for stress in Ayurveda include internal medication and procedures such as snehana (internal administration of lipid formulations), swedana (sudation therapy), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine), vamana (emetic therapy), virechana (purgation), raktamoksha (blood-letting) etc along with psychotherapy and yoga.

Diet

Use easy to digest food items. Avoid spicy and cold food, include more vegetables, fruits, nuts etc in diet. Limit the consumption of non-vegetarian food and alcohol. Avoid late night dinner, skipping of meals, over-eating etc. Drink enough water.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise are recommended to practice regularly. Yoga meditation and pranayama are very effective to control stress.

Prevention

Eat healthy nutritious food; limit the consumption of processed/ junk food, alcohol, coffee, tea, non-vegetarian items etc; quit smoking; exercise regularly; ensure adequate sleep; stay socially active; avoid over-straining; take intermittent breaks in between work; maintain personal hygiene; practice yoga and meditation; and do seasonal purification therapy under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician.