The Ayurworld’s approach to managing anxiety is holistic, addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of health. Below is a comprehensive outline of how Ayurworld helps balance the mind and reduce anxiety:
- Understanding Anxiety
- Dosha Imbalance: Anxiety primarily results from an aggravated Vata dosha. Characteristics of excess Vata include restlessness, fear, nervousness, and overthinking.
- Treatment Principle: Pacify Vata by promoting grounding, stability, and calmness through diet, lifestyle, and herbal support.
- Ayurvedic Remedies for Anxiety
Dietary Guidelines
- Emphasize warm, nourishing, and grounding foods:
- Cooked vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, beets).
- Whole grains (rice, quinoa, oats).
- Healthy fats (ghee, sesame oil).
- Sweet, sour, and salty tastes help balance Vata.
- Avoid:
- Cold and raw foods.
- Stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and processed snacks.
- Herbal Teas:
- Tulsi (Holy Basil).
- Chamomile.
- Ashwagandha or Brahmi tea.
Lifestyle Practices
- Daily Routine (Dinacharya):
- Wake up early, preferably around sunrise.
- Practice Abhyanga (self-massage) with warm oils like sesame or Brahmi oil.
- Follow consistent meal and sleep timings.
- Pranayama (Breathwork):
- Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Calms the nervous system.
- Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath): Reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.
- Yoga:
- Focus on grounding poses:
- Balasana (Child’s Pose).
- Shavasana (Corpse Pose).
- Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-wall Pose).
- Focus on grounding poses:
Herbal Remedies
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
- Reduces cortisol levels and promotes emotional stability.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri):
- Enhances mental clarity and calms the mind.
- Keshi:
- A nervine tonic with sedative properties.
- Tagara (Indian Valerian):
- Helps with insomnia and reduces mental agitation.
- Shankhpushpi:
- Improves focus and alleviates stress.
Therapeutic Techniques
- Shirodhara: Warm herbal oil is poured on the forehead in a rhythmic flow, calming the mind and nervous system.
- Nasya (Nasal Therapy):
- Apply a few drops of Anu Taila or Brahmi Ghee in the nostrils to soothe Vata.
- Meditation:
- Practice mindfulness or mantra-based meditation daily.
- Ayurvedic Formulations
- Medhya Rasayanas: Classical formulations to boost mental health.
- Brahmi Ghrita: A ghee-based preparation with Brahmi and other herbs.
- Manas Mitra Vatakam: A classical formulation for emotional balance.
- Saraswatarishta: A herbal tonic to calm the mind and enhance cognitive function.
- Additional Tips
- Incorporate grounding practices like spending time in nature or walking barefoot on grass.
- Use calming aromas such as sandalwood, lavender, or vetiver in diffusers or oils.
- Maintain a gratitude journal or practice positive affirmations.