How Can Ayurveda Reduce Anxiety?

There are several ways to view and maintain wellness, Ayurveda being one amongst them. Ayurveda is an ancient science that does not fail to impress us with its balanced approach towards care for the body and the mind.

Ayurveda, which first originated in India, can be dated back to more than 5000 years. Natural medicine is not only based on science but follows a principle that the journey of human life is sacred. As a matter of fact, the science of Ayurveda focuses on ancient systems that believe that human body is closely connected with the surrounding environment, and thus follows a holistic method to curing an illness.

Before we try to understand how can Ayurveda reduce anxiety, let us learn about the ayurvedic elements and principles.

As per Ayurveda, there are five elements present in every matter, and they are

• Prithvi – The Earth
• Agni – The Fire
• Jal – The Water
• Vayu – The Air
• Aakash – the Ether

It also emphasizes that our human body works based on the three principles. The prices are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata is the combination of the air and ether elements, pitta combines the elements of fire and water. Kapha too is a combination of the water and the Earth elements.

The three elements govern various functions of our body and mind. We suffer from illness or discomfort where there is an imbalance in any or more than one of the three principles.

Ayurveda and Anxiety

Ayurvedic experts take into account the overall physical and mental health of an individual during treatment or diagnosis. As per them, anxiety in people is caused due to Prana-Vata, which is a kind of Vata dosha, and the symptoms associated with them are worry and depression. This condition can also affect the nervous system by weakening it and causes emotional imbalance as well. Prana – Vata also weakens the nerve impulses of the hormonal system.

Ayurveda can be used to treat anxiety by balancing the Prana- Vata. This is achieved using therapies and with changes to diet and lifestyle.

Let us now learn a few ayurvedic techniques that can be used to reduce or manage anxiety. But before we do, it is important for every individual to learn the two important facts.

• Ayurveda follows an individual approach during treatment, and help an individual understand their body constitution better. By doing this, you can find effective solutions that are powerful and customized to your body needs.
• Ayurveda emphasizes the elimination of harmful toxins in the body. The toxins or the impurities as they are called are responsible for various diseases and health conditions including anxiety.

Lifestyle Changes

As per the ayurvedic treatment center, individuals need to follow a healthy routine if they wish to heal with Ayurveda. If you are one of those who are suffering from anxiety, making a few changes to your lifestyle can be of great help. You can choose to wake up early before sunrise and go for a walk, indulge in a little exercise every morning, and make sure to have your breakfast well before eight in the morning. Dinner too should be hard before sunset, as it helps with easy digestion.

Other minor changes you can make in your lifestyle to maintain balance are

• Make sure to have lukewarm water every morning without fail
• Clean your tongue well
• Take warm oil massages before your morning shower

Changes to the Diet

As stated earlier, anxiety is caused due to imbalance of Prana Vata; it is important to take foods that help balance the Vata element in your body. Some of the foods you can include in your diet are bananas, properly cooked vegetables, avocado, cucumber, berries, rice, cooked oats, and wheat. Foods that increase the Vata imbalance like corn or buckwheat have to be avoided.

Practice Yoga

Do you know that both yoga and Ayurveda are known as “sister sciences?” One of the main reasons for this is that they focus on maintaining the holistic balance in our body and mind. If you are suffering from anxiety from long, a few specific asanas in yoga can be of great help. They not only relax our body, mind and reduce anxiety but also help balance the Vata dosha.

Some of the yoga postures you can try are the Shoulder Stand, the Half Bow, and the Cobra. This work wonders for people who are suffering from anxiety, depression, and hypertension. You can as well try plow poses or backward bends if you are in for some advanced yoga postures. Practicing meditation and pranayama along with yoga and also reduce anxiety.

Use Natural Remedies

Ayurveda combines natural herbs and medicated oils in its therapies to manage anxiety, and reduce its symptoms. Ayurveda believes in the topical application of medicated oils, and few therapies include inhalation of herbal oils, as they show a rapid impact on the reduction of anxiety. If you wish to try something at home, you can blend almonds, honey, and saffron with milk and take it when you feel anxious. This blend is known to balance Prana Vata and reduce anxiety. People suffering from anxiety can opt for various therapies by visiting an ayurvedic clinic in Gurgaon.

Nasya

Nasya is an ayurvedic method where medicated oil is applied over the “upper nasal passages” and is known to be an influential therapy that affects the tissues located in the brain. The therapies soothe the tissues and aid in easy and relaxed breathing and reduce stress. This procedure not only provides clarity but also sharpens the mind. The oil used for the Nasya therapies pacifies the Vata and has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. But the procedure should not be used by women who are pregnant or during their menstrual period. It always helps to get in touch with an expert in a wellness center in Gurgaon before trying it at home.

Abhyanga

Abhyanga or oil massage is an ancient practice followed in Ayurveda to calm the central nervous system of the body. Abhyanga also lubricates the tissues, thus rejuvenating them. The process also promotes blood circulation in the body and also protects the body and the mind from excessive stress and anxiety.

People suffering from high anxiety can also follow self-care at home. Just use warm sesame oil to massage it into your hair and skin. This can be done every morning before you take a shower. Ayurveda can be coupled with yoga and meditation to obtaining effective results.

Conclusion – Ayurveda Reduce Anxiety

Ayurveda believes that best results are obtained when the focus is on the treatment of the individuals, and not just the symptoms they show. Ayurvedic experts at Shadanga customize a treatment plan for every person, and treating anxiety is no different. The treatments mentioned above are just an overview of how can Ayurveda reduce anxiety. However, those suffering from stress and anxiety need to visit an ayurvedic wellness center for a thorough analysis of their body constitution, know their dosha, before starting with a treatment plan. This is one of the reasons why you need to work with an experienced and certified ayurvedic practitioner.

Always listen to your mind and your body, and follow a healthy lifestyle and routine. Take it slow and enjoy the ayurvedic therapies and you will cultivate a balanced body and mind, with vibrant health in no time.