The ayurvedic guide for a stress- free life

What is Ayurveda?

The core principle of ayurveda believes that humans as individuals are a representation of the larger world around us; the stress we feel internally is a manifestation of the chaos and stressful situations we see and feel externally, and we project the same energy out into the world.

Practising ayurveda helps to maintain the balance or equilibrium within our bodies and minds, and when this equilibrium is reached, all systems work in unison– thus keeping illnesses at bay and assisting the nervous system in regulating and relieving stress responses.

How does Ayurveda help with stress?

Ayurveda offers a holistic stress and anxiety management program by including the use of herbal supplements and oils, specific and guided massage techniques, a specific diet that is organic, and Yoga and meditation practices with controlled breathing exercises.

What causes stress?

Stress can manifest in many ways. In scientific terms, stress is basically anything real or apparent that constitutes a threat to a living being. It is our body’s built-in biological response to a real or imagined threat in the form of a chemical or hormonal rush throughout the body. This triggers a fight-flight-freeze reaction.

Stress is not necessarily a bad thing. Our natural stress reactions help us avoid accidents, get work done, etc. Stress is good as long as it’s temporary. When the stress symptoms are severe, prolonged, or frequent, then it’s a cause for worry.

How do you take an ayurvedic approach to stress?

Ayurveda takes a different approach to stress in comparison to science which describes positive stress as ‘an adrenaline rush’ and negative stress as ‘harmful.’ 

Ayurveda realises that stress, or Sahas, is the root cause of several diseases. Once stress is created it leads to loss of immunity of the body, rendering it susceptible to diseases.

Ayurvedic doshas

Ayurveda as a science is centuries old and is based on the principle of balancing the doshas. From Ayurveda’s perspective, stress and anxiety are caused by an imbalance in the three vital energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Moreover, every person has one of these dominant doshas in them that defines their personality and is the key to understanding the triggers behind your stress to assist in adopting the right stress management skills.

Vata – This energy is all about quick-thinking, creativity, innovation, and intuition. If this is the dominant dosha in you, then you may be prone to life changes that can make you feel anxious or panicked. An excess of vata affects the Mano vaha srota, the channel of the mind, which implies that you have a windy mind. An increase in this dosha will manifest itself through fear, anxiety, insomnia, isolation, etc. 

How to Balance a Stressed Vata?

This dosha’s cold, and erratic qualities can be balanced by increasing the opposite qualities– more warmth, stillness and grounding. If you are prone to feeling insecure and fearful, think of situations that make you feel safe and secure.

A good daily routine is also key in balancing vata dosha and helping avoid a build-up of stress. Eating at regular times will help balance your digestive system and going to bed at the same time each day, ideally around 10 p.m, can help support your natural circadian rhythm. 

Try to manage your schedule so you have some mindful or meditative time each day–sitting still and breathing deeply is ideal. Adopting this practice for even 1 minute per day will leave you feeling lighter.  A soothing massage with warm oils is another key antidote to stress for vata types. 

Pitta – This dosha can be described as determined, intelligent, competitive, and confident. When this dosha is out of balance, it can manifest through irritability, frustration, and anger. The symptoms of triggers in Pitta can include sweating, heartburn, diarrhoea, and hypertension.

Pitta’s hot and intense nature can be balanced by seeking out the opposite qualities of calm, coolness and moderation. In moments of anger, try to take a few seconds to yourself to reassess your situation and seek a calm mind. 

Going for regular walks in nature, specially overlooking the horizon, oftens helps to put things in perspective 

Dietary changes in times of stress such as avoiding spicy, salty or sour foods, (which all increase pitta in the digestive system) is a good practice to follow. Additionally, avoiding stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine will promote pitta’s balance.

Pitta Dosha-driven individuals need time alone to get their thoughts together. They are quick to judge, anger, and often have a hot temper. When under stress, pitta’s should seek a calm atmosphere, and set aside time alone for mental clarity.

Kapha – Kapha-dominant people can be resistant to change and are less flexible and more stubborn in uncomfortable situations. This energy is known for being strong, steady, reliable, and rooted. Kapha-induced stress can manifest through comfort eating, lack of motivation, tiredness, etc. 

Kapha’s cold, damp, heavy nature can be balanced by avoiding cold and heavy comfort foods in times of stress such as cheese, wheat and sugary foods; instead, try vegetable stews and warm soups.

During stressful situations, try to keep yourself energised and warm by being involved in physical outdoor activities and reconnecting with nature. 

At The Ayurvedic Clinic, we believe that diet and lifestyle changes, amongst other ayurveda practices, help our patients reduce stress. 

Our trained ayurvedic practitioners offer a detailed plan to assist in how you view and respond to stress, as well as a step-by-step process in modifying your habits which may be making you more susceptible to stress. 

Book an appointment with us today to speak with an ayurvedic practitioner and embark on your stress-free journey!