From morning to evening, the mind is constantly in turmoil, trying to find the best solutions to the many problems around you. While your mind is constantly in this battle, do you realize that you’re getting stressed? Do you understand that you’re anxious?
With the constant pills of worry you pop in and the stressful situations surrounding you, the extent of mental damage happening to your system without your knowledge is impeccable.
By description, anxiety is the effect of focusing too much of one’s thoughts on an uncertain future. It’s unhealthy when your anxiety rules your life. It’s not normal if your behavior and feelings lead to misery and dysfunction.
Ayurveda has always maintained that mental health is an integral component of wellness, and the ability to cope with stress is the cornerstone of emotional well-being. It has described the intricate balance of Manas (mind), Shareera (body), Atma (soul), and Indriyas (senses), as being the epitome of health.
Deeply rooted in the traditional Kerala Ayurveda school of thought, Dr. Archana Sukumaran shares effective strategies on how to maintain mental health and Ayurveda strategies to cope with stress & anxiety.
In Ayurvedic terms
According to Ayurveda, anxiety is a dosha disturbance caused by an overabundance of Vata in the nervous system. In Ayurveda, Vata is the element that can move and handles the optimal functioning of the brain and Manas or mind. Anxiety is a manifestation of too much Vata flowing via the mental channel, or Mano Vaha Srotas. The gradual accumulation of vitiated dosha disturbs the normal function of Manas and leads to these abnormalities.
Apart from the body doshas, Ayurveda also has in-depth information on Manogunas, or the primary qualities of the mind, similar to tridoshas. The three Manogunas- Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas determine a person’s mental constitution, which varies according to diet, stress levels, and lifestyle choices. An interplay of Doshas and Manogunas (qualities) results in mental disorders due to Manovaha Srotodushti or blocking of energy-flowing channels of the mind. What is interesting in this dynamic is how Hridaya, or heart, and sensory pathways, are considered the origin of the mind’s energy channels in Ayurveda. This correlation within Ayurvedic science clearly emphasizes that unfortunate experiences resulting in negative emotions derange mental channels, which cause psychological imbalances.
Importance of mental wellness in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, the manas is considered the bridge that connects the soul (Atma) to the indriyas (Sense faculties). Without this factor, the conception of various ideas is at the stake of derangement. A vital part of health is psychological well-being, which includes a pleasant condition of mind, spirit, and sense organs. Ayurveda rishis do not view the mind as a distinct entity.
The mind can affect both physiological and sensory processes and spiritual health. Based on mental attitude, one can determine general personality. Relationships with others, as well as social and economic aspects of life, depend on mental health. Ayurveda explains an array of techniques that can be incorporated into our daily lifestyle to reduce this stress factor and enhance the richness of Manas.
Methods to cope with stress and anxiety
Be it any anxiety, Ayurveda focuses that the patient receives enough sleep and follows a rigorous diet and routine. These simple techniques significantly positively impact reducing panic episodes and lowering the severity of anxiety attacks.
Herbs that can help you
● Brahmi: Bacopa monnieri is a simple yet potent herb that can regulate all mental functions. Brahmi is the go-to herb for protecting cognitive abilities from intelligence to memory to recollecting power. Its juice extracted by pulverizing the stem can be consumed as it is or with ghee for better results. Brahmi ghritham profoundly affects your cognitive functions- from improving memory to boosting alertness.
● Mandukaparni: Another creeper found in the swamps, the Centella Asiatica is another intellect-promoting herb. It helps to remove the covering formed on the physiological factor to enhance the intelligence coefficient. It can be consumed by the same method as that of Brahmi.
● Jyothishmathi: This herb is another Ayurvedic entity with a strong Vata balancing effect. Its oil is strong and pungent and used as nasal administration to manage many psychotic conditions.
● Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha or winter cherry has a dual effect on the mind- it energizes the mind with positive emotions and calms the mental processes to deal with stress healthily.
Ashwagandha effervescent tablets or Aswagandharishta can help boost your energy and vigor.
● Shankhapushpi: The blue pea flowers are now a popular beverage to help calm the mind. It helps reduce restlessness and fatigue, according to Ayurveda. Manasamithravatakam, an ancient herbal formulation, prepared according to the recipe mentioned in the Ayurvedic book from Kerala Ayurveda – Arogya Kalpadruma, has Sankhapushpi and an array of herbs that soothe the channels of the mind or manovaha srotas. These herbs help the mind adapt to stress and ease the mind to promote restful sleep.
Regimens that can help
● Abhyanga
Oil massage practiced daily is an essential commodity that helps to lower the content of aggravated Vata. Massaging the body with lukewarm oil for 20 min helps to improve circulation throughout the body. Ayurveda thoroughly explains the importance of oiling the head daily to improve the sense faculties and calm the mind. You can use complete nourishment oil like Dhanwanthram Thailam for body massage. Apart from this, doing Padabhyanga or foot massage with Ksheerabala Thailam is also beneficial for a peaceful and stress-free sleep.
● Siro vasti and Shirodhara
The method of holding or retaining herbal oil on the head for 45 minutes under ambient conditions is called sirovasthi. A similar technique followed in Kerala tradition of Ayurveda- Shirodhara, where medicated oil is slowly dripped over the forehead is also a mind relaxing procedure. It is stated in all emotional disturbances as it helps to cool the mind and improves sleep quality.
● The practice of Yoga
Yoga is a method of connecting yourself to supreme energy through Asana and breathing techniques. Practicing yoga helps naturally reduce stress and enables you to focus and think more clearly.
Takeaway
Your daily life can be significantly affected by stress, anxiety, and depression, which can be pretty stressful on your mental and physical health. Ayurveda offers a wide range of treatments, herbs, and chemicals to help you treat your condition holistically.
