Stress is something many people experience in their daily lives. It’s a natural reaction to challenging situations, but if it lasts a long time, it can affect our health and well-being. Stress can show up as emotional distress, physical tension, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. It’s also connected to common health issues like diabetes, heart problems, anxiety, and depression.
When we think of stress, we might picture a busy office worker, a worried parent, or a student under pressure to get into college. Stress can cause symptoms like headaches, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and digestive problems, making us feel tired and unfocused. What makes it harder is that stress often lingers even when we try to manage it.
Dealing with stress can be complicated because people want to control everything in their lives. However, Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to effectively manage and reduce stress. Ayurveda recognizes that stress comes from imbalances in both the body and mind, and it provides various strategies to restore balance and bring a sense of calmness.
What is Stress?
Stress is how our body reacts to things happening around us, like feeling worried or tense. It can be caused by different situations, such as work deadlines, problems in relationships, or dealing with the loss of someone we love.
Sometimes, stress can be helpful because it prepares our body to face challenges and perform better. But when stress lasts for a long time, it can cause problems for our mental and physical health. It might lead to conditions like anxiety, forgetfulness, or depression. If stress becomes too much, it can affect how well we do in different areas of our life.
It’s important to pay attention to how much stress we’re feeling and for how long. This can help us understand if we need help to manage it. By learning about stress and finding natural ways to handle it, we can reduce its negative effects and prevent our emotions from getting worse.
Ayurvedic Perspective of Stress
In Ayurveda, stress are connected to three energies called doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. People often have a combination of these doshas in their bodies. The balance of these doshas affects our mental well-being.
Vata Dosha: This dosha is linked to quick thinking, creativity, and intuition. If someone has more Vata, they might feel anxious, have trouble sleeping, and feel isolated.
Pitta Dosha: Pitta dosha is associated with determination, intelligence, and competitiveness. When Pitta is high, people may experience emotions like anger, frustration, and feel incompetent. Physical symptoms can include sweating, heartburn, diarrhea, and high blood pressure.
Kapha Dosha: Kapha dosha is connected to strength, steadiness, and reliability. People with more Kapha may resist change, show stubbornness, and experience stress as comfort eating, lack of motivation, tiredness, and lethargy.
Ayurveda helps us understand how these doshas impact mental health. It highlights the importance of balancing these energies for overall well-being. By addressing imbalances through Ayurvedic practices, individuals can work towards reducing stress and anxiety in their lives.
Signs of Stress
Low Energy and Sleep Problems: Stress can make it hard to sleep well, leaving you feeling tired and not performing at your best.
Persistent Pain and Getting Sick Easily: Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get sick. It can also cause body aches and pains.
Feeling Depressed: Stress, especially when combined with other factors like family history or medications, can contribute to developing depression.
Digestive Troubles: Stress often leads to problems with digestion, causing issues like heartburn, constipation, or diarrhea.
Changes in Appetite and Weight: Stress might make you eat too much or too little without realizing it, which can result in weight gain or weight loss.
Altered Sex Drive: Stress can decrease your interest in sex.
Effect Of Stress
When you feel stressed, it can have negative effects on your body. Here are some common signs of stress that you should be aware of:
Chest pain or a fast heartbeat
Feeling extremely tired
Trouble falling asleep
Dizziness, headaches, shaking, and nervousness
Changes in blood pressure
Clenching your jaw
Muscles feeling sore
Concerns about your digestion
Decreased interest in intimacy
Weakened immune system
Increased anxiety
Starting to feel sad or depressed
Having panic attacks
It’s important to recognize these signs and take steps to manage stress for your overall well-being.
Type of Stress
Stress comes in different forms, and each type has its own causes and effects. Let’s explore the various types of stress:
Acute Stress:
Acute stress is our body’s quick response when we face something new or challenging. It’s like a sudden alert that makes our heart race and keeps us on high alert. This kind of stress is usually short-lived and can even leave us feeling accomplished and excited. It’s the stress we feel when we narrowly avoid an accident or deal with a new and demanding situation. While most acute stress is not harmful and can even prepare us for future challenges, severe incidents like near-death experiences may contribute to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Episodic Acute Stress:
Episodic acute stress happens when someone repeatedly faces acute stress episodes. This occurs when a person is constantly worried about potential challenges, making their life chaotic. Professions like law, medicine, firefighting, and policing can expose individuals to this type of stress regularly. Continuous exposure can negatively affect physical health.
Chronic Stress:
Chronic stress occurs when someone deals with long-lasting and persistent stressors over an extended period. These stressors can include strained relationships or the loss of a loved one. Chronic stress is associated with various health issues like anxiety, heart problems, depression, high blood pressure, weakened immune function, fatigue, and physical problems such as digestive issues and sleep disorders. Managing chronic stress is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
In summary, stress can be acute, episodic acute, or chronic, each with its own characteristics and impacts on our physical and mental health. Recognizing and addressing stress is important for a healthier and happier life.
Ayurvedic Medicine for Stress Managements
Ayurveda, an ancient healing system, focuses on balancing doshas to improve health. In Ayurvedic beliefs, stress and anxiety often result from an imbalance in the Vata dosha, especially affecting the Mano vaha srota.
Ashwagandha:
Ashwagandha is a herb known for its adaptogenic properties and has been used in Ayurveda for over a thousand years. It is particularly helpful in managing stress and related mental issues. When taken in the right amount and for the proper duration, Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol levels, calms the imbalanced Vata dosha, and promotes overall well-being. Research suggests that an eight-week routine of Ashwagandha is more effective than a placebo in managing stress.
Bhringraj:
Bhringraj is another Ayurvedic remedy for anxiety and stress. Whether consumed as a tea or used in massage oils, Bhringraj promotes natural stress relief. It improves blood circulation in the scalp, relaxes tense nerves, and creates a feeling of relaxation and calmness.
Ghodtapre powder (bramhi)
Ghodtapre powder, also known as Brahmi, is a special kind of powder that has unique qualities. It acts as an adaptogen, which means it helps balance and calm both the nervous system and the mind. This natural substance is known for its calming effects and is particularly helpful in soothing the pitta, which is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda related to heat and digestion. It also helps calm the vata in the mind, promoting mental peace. Brahmi is easy to find and easy to consume, making it a convenient choice for those looking to benefit from its calming properties.
Sarpagandha
Sarpagandha, also known as Indian snakeroot, is an herb used in traditional medicine for managing stress. It contains a compound called reserpine, which can help lower blood pressure and calm the nervous system. This may reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it a potential natural remedy for stress-related sleep issues. Sarpagandha also has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage caused by stress.
Shatavari
Shatavari, an adaptogen, helps the body adapt to stress, supporting balance and resilience. It benefits women by aiding hormonal balance and reducing emotional and physical symptoms of stress. Shatavari is calming, soothing the nervous system and alleviating stress-induced tension. Its anti-inflammatory compounds may mitigate stress-related inflammation, and it supports digestive health and boosts the immune system.
Jatamansi ( spikenard )
Jatamansi, or spikenard, is valued for its stress and anxiety management properties. It acts as a natural sedative, calming the nervous system and promoting tranquility. Jatamansi may reduce anxiety by interacting with neurotransmitters, improving sleep quality and offering neuroprotective effects against chronic stress-induced damage. Its antioxidants combat oxidative stress, positively impacting overall health and stabilizing mood.
Bacopa monnieri
Brahmi, or Bacopa monnieri, is an adaptogenic herb that enhances the body’s resilience to stress. It has been studied for its potential to lower cortisol levels, counteracting the negative effects of chronic stress. Brahmi may also reduce anxiety, interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin, enhance cognitive function, and protect the brain from oxidative stress, contributing to better mental health.
Basil
Basil, also known as Tulsi, is a common herb found in many Indian homes. People consider it holy basil because it has a calming effect and has been shown to help reduce anxiety and stress. Making a simple herbal tea with Tulsi can be a good way to prevent colds and flu. Drinking this tea in the morning can boost your immunity and make you feel better.
Boswellia:
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, comes from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree. It has a spicy, woody aroma and may reduce inflammation by blocking the release of compounds causing inflammation. Studies show it helps with pain, mobility, and range of movement in arthritis. It may also prevent oral infections and fight gingivitis. Some studies suggest it improves digestion in certain conditions and aids breathing in chronic asthma, but more research is needed.
Triphala:
Triphala is an Ayurvedic remedy with three medicinal fruits. Studies in test tubes and animals show potential in reducing arthritis-related inflammation and limiting certain cancer growth. It acts as a natural laxative, relieving constipation and improving bowel movements. Limited studies suggest a triphala mouthwash may reduce plaque, gum inflammation, and bacterial growth. More research in humans is needed.
Cumin:
Cumin, a spice native to the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, may control blood lipids and protect the liver. It shows potential in protecting against type 2 diabetes and heart disease by improving blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Some studies indicate anti-inflammatory action. Cumin may also possess antimicrobial properties, but further studies are required to confirm this.
Turmeric:
Turmeric, known for its yellow color, contains curcumin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Test-tube research suggests effectiveness comparable to some anti-inflammatory drugs. It may help protect against heart disease and improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Turmeric may preserve brain function by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Large amounts of curcumin are often used in studies, and consuming turmeric may require high doses for health benefits.
Licorice Root:
Licorice root, from the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant, may reduce inflammation, fight viruses and bacteria, and offer relief from a sore throat. It may promote oral health and help manage heartburn, bloating, and stomach ulcers. When applied to the skin, it may reduce symptoms of skin rash. However, studies are generally small, and more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Bitter Melon:
Bitter melon, related to zucchini and squash, is a staple in Asian cuisine. Research suggests it may help lower blood sugar levels and promote insulin secretion. Animal studies also indicate potential in lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Individuals using insulin should consult healthcare professionals before adding bitter melon to their routine.
Cardamom:
Cardamom, known as the “queen of spices,” may reduce diastolic blood pressure in people with elevated levels. Research indicates it may help with nausea in pregnancy when inhaled. Test-tube and animal studies suggest potential protection against Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a common cause of stomach ulcers. However, more research in humans is needed.
Home Remedies for Stress Managements
If you want to reduce stress naturally, you can focus on the food you eat. Eating a balanced diet is crucial for your mental well-being. Here are some easy ways to include stress-relieving foods in your daily routine:
Herbal Tea:
Drink herbal teas with ingredients like ashwagandha, blue pea, ginger, holy basil, honey, and lemon. Sipping on these teas during breaks or daily tasks can help you relax.
Dark Chocolate:
Enjoy dark chocolate to improve your mood and get an energy boost, especially during busy workdays. Having a piece of dark chocolate can be a refreshing break from work stress.
Whole Grains:
Eat whole-grain foods to maintain a healthy gut and sustained energy levels. This can reduce fatigue and help you manage stress more effectively.
Avocado:
Avocados, rich in Vitamin B, contribute to mental and heart health. Include avocados in your meals to help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Almonds:
Almonds, high in Vitamin E, can help reduce anxiety and stress. Snacking on almonds daily can boost magnesium levels in your brain.
Strawberries and Oranges:
These fruits, packed with Vitamin C, are known for their stress-reducing properties. Include them in your regular diet for optimal digestion.
Probiotics:
Consume probiotics like buttermilk to promote gut health. This can positively impact stress management.
Fiber-Rich Foods:
Choose foods high in fiber, such as oats and green vegetables, to aid digestion and stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids. This helps in stress management.
Warm Milk:
Drink warm milk before bedtime to improve sleep quality. This traditional remedy can be helpful if you have difficulty falling asleep.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle for Stress Managements
Ayurveda talks about three mental qualities called manogunas: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Rajas and Tamas are considered Moanodoshas. When these qualities are imbalanced, along with dosha imbalances, it can lead to stress, anxiety, and emotional disruptions. Stress is often linked to an imbalance in Vata, particularly Vata pradhana Tridosha dushti, which can cause fluctuating emotions, fear, and anxiousness. To manage stress, Ayurveda suggests:
Start your day with a warm, nourishing beverage like herbal tea instead of caffeinated drinks. Herbal ghees like Brahmi Ghritham may be helpful with guidance from a healthcare professional.
Engage in light exercises and practice Pranayama, a type of breathing exercise.
Treat yourself to a calming self-massage (abhyanga) using nourishing herbal oils like Dhanwantharam Thailam, followed by a lukewarm water bath.
Eat warm, nourishing foods with the addition of ghee. Avoid eating when stressed and choose a peaceful environment for your meals.
Spice up your meals with ingredients like black pepper and ginger.
Reduce screen time before bedtime. Instead, indulge in a light foot massage (Padabhyanga) using Ksheerabala thailam to promote relaxation before sleep.
Yoga for Stress Management
Yoga can help you feel less stressed and anxious. When you do yoga regularly, it makes your mind and body relax. The physical exercises in yoga make your body more flexible, release tension from different parts, and get rid of muscle knots.
Here are some yoga poses that can help you relieve stress and anxiety:
Hero Pose (Virasana)
Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana)
Child’s Pose (Balasana)
Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)
Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)
Head-to-Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana)
Legs Up the Wall Pose
Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
Besides these poses, you can also include sequences like Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) in your yoga routine for complete stress and anxiety relief.
Ayurvedic Tips for Stress managements
Stress Management
Emphasizes slowing down and adopting purposeful self-care practices.
Important for achieving balance in our fast-paced lives.
Quality Self-Care:
Key for recovery and self-love.
Involves daily routine with stillness, reflection, meditation, and yoga.
Recommended Practices for Stress Management:
Taking a relaxing bath.
Oil pulling for body refreshment.
Nasaya (applying oil to nasal passage) for stress release.
Foot massage with oil before bed for a calm nervous system.
Connecting with nature to aid in the “rest and digest” process.
Reading uplifting books and taking breaks or naps for relaxation.
Dinacharya (Daily Routine)
Waking up early, regular meals, and consistent sleep schedule recommended.
Profoundly impacts the nervous system, enhances self-understanding, and improves stress management.
Mind-Body Practices for Chronic Stress:
Ayurveda recommends pranayama, yoga, and meditation.
These practices reset the nervous system for a healthier response to stress.
Medicinal plants can provide additional support.
Dietary Habits:
Emphasizes a balanced and nourishing diet.
Specific recommendations for different body types (vata, pitta, kapha).
Focus on whole foods, minimize processed foods and refined sugars.
Simple, preservative-free options like soups, root vegetables, and stews align with Ayurvedic principles.
Contributes to stress reduction in busy lives.
CHHATIWAN (ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS)
CHIRAITO (SWERTIA ANGUSTIFOLIA)
CHIRAITO (Swertia bimaculata )
CHIRAITO (Swertia multicaulis)
DATIWAN (ACHYRANTHES BIDENTATA )
DHASINGARE (Gaultheria fragrantissima)
DRONAPUSPA (LEUCAS CEPHALOTES)
GOBRESALLA / TALISPATRA (ABIES SPECTABILIS)
GUJARGANO (CISSAMPELOS PAREIRA)
INDRAJAU ( Holarrhena pubescens )
JAMANE MANDRO (MAHONIA NEPAULENSIS)
JATAMANSI (NARDOSTACHYS GRANDIFLORA)
KAKAD SINGHI (Pistacia chinensis)
KAKOLI ( Fritillaria cirrhosa)
KALO SHARIVA (CRYPTOLEPIS BUCHANANII)
KALO SHARIVA (ICHNOCARPUS FRUTESCENS)
KALO-BIKHA (ACONITUM LACINIATUM)
LAGHU PATRA (PODOPHYLLUM HEXANDRUM)
Medicinal Plants of Nepal! Preserving the Past, Healing the Future
NAGEBELI (LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM)
PANCHAUNLE (Dactylorhiza hatagirea)
https://easyayurveds.com/shop/
https://easyayurveds.com/neem-capsule-price-in-easy-ayurved-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/ajwain-oil-carom-oil-for-pain-relief-relaxation-improved-blood-circulation-stress-reduction-mental-relaxation-and-relief-from-arthritis-100ml/
https://easyayurveds.com/amla-powder-gooseberry-powder-rich-in-vitamin-c-calcium-iron-amino-acids-for-immunity-metabolism-and-natural-blood-purify-amala-powder-100gm/
https://easyayurveds.com/brahmi-bati-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/confido-tablets-for-libido-testosteron-and-erectile-dysfunction/
https://easyayurveds.com/arjuna-chaal-powder-supports-heart-health-manages-cholesterol-level-promotes-healthy-metabolism-diabetes-weight-loss-terminalia-arjuna-100gm/
https://easyayurveds.com/ashokarishta-ayurvedic-syrup-for-women-relief-from-irregular-and-heavy-menstruation-and-hormonal-imbalance-with-ashoka-dhataki-by-dabar-450ml/
https://easyayurveds.com/ashwagandha-withania-somnifera-ayurvedic-herbal-supplement-promotes-vitality-and-strength-support-for-stress-ashwagandha-powder-100gm/
https://easyayurveds.com/ashwagandharishta-helps-boost-immunity-stress-buster-for-health-strength-wellness-naturally-enhances-fertility-libido-by-baidyanath-450ml/
https://easyayurveds.com/avipattikar-churna-gastric-churna-for-hyperacidityflatulence-bloating-nausea-heart-burn-and-digestion-ayurvedic-abhipattikar-churna-100gm/
https://easyayurveds.com/brahmi-brahmi-powder-for-brain-memory-good-sleep-low-stressand-depression-edible-drinking-eating-pure-hair-care-centella-asiatica-100gm/
https://easyayurveds.com/chyawanprash-with-yarshagumba/
https://easyayurveds.com/castor-oil-arandi-oil-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/yarshagumba-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/isabgol-bhusi-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/himcolin-gel-price-in-daraz-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/baidynath-shilajit-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/goksura-gokharu-powder-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/giloy-gurjo-gudduchi-powder-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/shilajit-capsule-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/dushmularishta-price-in-online-shopping-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/moringa-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/kaauso-price-in-nepal-mucuna/
https://easyayurveds.com/jethimadhu-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/jaiphal-oil-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/benefits-of-jamun-seed-powder-for-diabities-and-constipetion/
https://easyayurveds.com/liv52-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/shilajit-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/liv52-price-in-daraz-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/khadirarista-price-in-nepal/
https://easyayurveds.com/bramhi-oil-ghod-tapre-oil-for-brain-memory-good-sleep-low-stressand-depression-edible-drinking-eating-pure-hair-care-bacopa-monnieri-oil-100ml/
https://easyayurveds.com/amla-juice-gooseberry-juice-rich-in-vitamin-c-calcium-iron-amino-acids-for-immunity-metabolism-and-natural-blood-purify-amala-juice-with-aloe-vera-100gm/
Very good Information. it help me a lot. thanks.