Stress Management with Ayurveda

Stress has become the inevitable part of our lives. There are lot many bothering situations that can come up every day for us, but how we tackle it is what is important for human beings. 

There are many ways through which we can manage our stress, however sometimes we juggle in between too many stressors and let it affect us. Some amount of stress is absolutely fine and essential, but too much of it can cause several health issues. 

Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to mental stress and other mental health concerns.Before we look into the treatments that Ayurveda has to offer let us gaze at some of the factors of stress and its effect on our body. 

Causes of Stress:

1. Being unhappy where you are, e.g. job
2. Major work load, Overwhelming responsibilities
3. Working for long hours
4. Situations or their outcomes being out of our control
5. Working under dangerous conditions 
6. Lack of work, hobbies, or interests to keep you involved
7. Experiencing discrimination or hate or abuse or harassment at work
8. Traumatic experiences

Effects of Stress:

Stress can have many ill-effects on your body. Here are some of the common symptoms to look out for:

• Anorexia
• Chest pain or a feeling like your heart is racing
• Feeling extremely tired
• Facing challenges falling asleep
• Dizziness, headaches, shivers, jitters
• Abnormal blood pressure levels
• Jaw clenching
• Muscle aches
• Digestive health concerns
• Lower libido
• Immunity decreases
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Extreme sadness
• Panic attacks

Ayurveda for Stress managment

Common herbs are enlisted below which helps to keep stress at bay.

1. Ashwagandha- this herb is known to be a good adaptogen, meaning it helps in lowering the cortisol levels raised due to the effect of stress. 
2. Bhringraj- It is an excellent tridsha balancing herb. Can be used in situations of hyperacidity, headache, and indigestion due to stress. 
3. Jatamansi- the roots of jatamansi are used to pacify aggrevated pitta and is a good neuroprotective drug. 
4. Brahmi- This helps in cognition, antioxidant, reduces anxiety, improves concentration, induces good sleep- cures insomnia. 
5. Ksheerbalatailam – this medicated oil can be used for the foot massage which lowers the vata imbalance or aggregation thus inducing calmness of mind and lowering the raised cortisol levels in the body. 
6. Manasmitravatakm- this is a herbo mineral formulation especially formulated for the stress and to combat the effects pf stress on our health. 

Note- all medications are to be taken under strict medical supervision 

Apart from incorporation of certain ayurvedic herbs for the stress management we also emphasize on certain breathing techniques, yoga practice and meditation every day. 

 

Yoga for Stress relief

We have enlisted certain yoga postures which are good in improving concentration, focus, clarity in thoughts and effective in stress management as well. 

1. Virasana (Hero pose)
2. Vrikshasana (Tree pose)
3. Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
4. Uttanasana (Standing forward bend)
5. (Child’s pose)
6. UttanaShishosana (Extended puppy pose)
7. Matsyasana (Fish pose)
8. Paschimottanasana (Seated forward bend)
9. JanuSirsasana (Head to forward knee bend)
10. Leg up the wall pose
11. BaddhaKonasana (Reclining bound angle pose)

 

Hence there are various ways through which we can deal with stress effectively without hurting ourselves.