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Exploring the Ayurvedic Perspectives on Stress V/S Anxiety

Published On: Jan 15, 2024

Last Updated: Dec 23, 2024

Exploring the Ayurvedic Perspectives on Stress V/S Anxiety

In today's fast-paced world, the prevalence of stress and anxiety has become almost omnipresent, impacting individuals across various age groups and lifestyles. The constant demands of modern life, coupled with the pressure to meet societal expectations, contribute to an environment where stress and anxiety thrive. It's crucial to recognize that while these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct aspects of mental well-being.

Understanding the difference between stress and anxiety is vital for effective management and targeted interventions. According to the Ayurveda the harmonious balance between body, mind, and spirit improves health. It recognizes the interconnectedness of various factors influencing well-being, including lifestyle, diet, and mental state. In the realm of stress and anxiety, Ayurveda provides a unique perspective, offering not just symptom relief but a comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes. In this blog post, our main focus is to know the differentiation between stress and anxiety and how, with the help of Ayurveda, mental state can be restored.

Understanding Stress in Ayurveda

Stress is characterized as a disturbance in the natural equilibrium of the mind and body, disrupting the harmonious flow of energies. Termed as "Chittavikshepa," this disturbance reflects the mind's inability to remain steady and calm. Ayurveda recognizes that stress is not solely a mental phenomenon; rather, it manifests in both the mind and the body, affecting overall health and well-being.

Types of Stress

1.Acute Stress: Short-term stress triggered by specific events or situations.

2.Chronic Stress: Persistent and prolonged stress over an extended period.

3.Episodic Acute Stress: Frequent episodes of acute stress, typically experienced by individuals consistently in high-pressure situations.

4.Situational Stress: Stress triggered by specific situations or events.

The Role of Doshas in Influencing Stress

The three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—play a pivotal role in influencing an individual's response to stress. Vata, characterized by qualities of air and space, governs movement and change. Pitta, associated with fire and water, regulates digestion and transformation. Kapha, embodying earth and water, provides structure and stability. Imbalances in any of these doshas can contribute to the manifestation of stress, albeit in unique ways.

Also Read: Navigating the Difference Between Stress and Anxiety Management

Symptoms of Stress from Imbalances in Doshas

1. Vata Imbalance

Physical Symptoms

Restlessness and an inability to relax
Irregular sleep patterns and insomnia
Digestive issues such as bloating and constipation

Emotional/Mental Symptoms

Anxiety and fearfulness
Racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating
Feeling overwhelmed and scattered

Ayurvedic Insights into Anxiety

Anxiety is described as a manifestation of an imbalanced mind and disturbed Prana (life force). Termed as "Chittodvega" or "Manasika Vikara," anxiety reflects an excessive and often irrational worry that disrupts the natural flow of mental energies. According to the World Health Organization, atleast 4% of the global population currently experience an anxiety disorder. Ayurveda recognizes that anxiety can affect both the mind and the body, leading to various physical and psychological symptoms.

Types of Anxiety

1.Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.

2.Panic Disorder: Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, often accompanied by a fear of future attacks.

3.Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to fear of judgment or embarrassment.

4.Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance.

5.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) to alleviate anxiety.

6.Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after exposure to a traumatic event, causing persistent distress.

Anxiety Disorders Due to Dosha Imbalances

Symptoms of Anxiety from Imbalances in Doshas

Specific imbalances in Vata, Pitta, or Kapha can influence the mind, emotions, and nervous system, contributing to anxiety. For instance:

Vata Imbalance: Excessive Vata may result in erratic thoughts, heightened sensitivity, and restlessness, contributing to anxiety.
Pitta Imbalance: Increased Pitta can lead to intense emotions, irritability, and a tendency to overthink, fostering anxiety.
Kapha Imbalance: When Kapha is imbalanced, a person may experience lethargy, emotional stagnation, and a persistent sense of worry.

Relationship Between Stress & Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are interconnected, with chronic stress often contributing to the development or worsening of anxiety disorders. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disrupt the body's balance and contribute to the persistence of anxious thoughts and feelings. Conversely, heightened anxiety can make individuals more susceptible to stressors, creating a cycle of reciprocal influence. Managing stress and anxiety involves recognizing triggers, implementing coping strategies, and seeking support when needed. While some levels of stress and anxiety are inherent in human experience, addressing excessive and persistent symptoms is essential for promoting mental and emotional well-being. Professional guidance and therapeutic interventions can be valuable in developing effective coping mechanisms and fostering resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Ayurvedic Approaches to Manage Stress and Anxiety

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing stress and anxiety, addressing the root causes while promoting overall well-being. The following strategies encompass lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and Ayurvedic therapies:

1.Lifestyle Recommendations

Establishing Routine (Dinacharya): Implementing a daily routine helps create stability, promoting a sense of security that can counteract stress and anxiety.
Mindful Practices: Regular practice of pranayama (breath control) and meditation calms the mind, enhances focus, and balances the nervous system.
Yoga Asanas: Incorporating yoga postures tailored to individual doshas aids in releasing physical tension, improving flexibility, and fostering mental clarity.
Adequate Rest and Sleep: Prioritizing sufficient and restful sleep is crucial for rejuvenation and maintaining mental equilibrium.

2.Dietary Adjustments

Balanced Diet: Emphasizing whole, seasonal foods and maintaining regular meal times helps stabilize blood sugar levels and supports overall vitality.
Herbs and Spices: Including herbs and spices with adaptogenic properties, such as ashwagandha, brahmi, and tulsi, can enhance resilience to stress.
Warm, Nourishing Foods: Cooked foods over raw or cold options are recommended, as they are easier to digest and grounding for the body and mind.

3.Ayurvedic Therapies

Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Regular self-massage with calming oils like sesame or brahmi oil promotes relaxation, reduces muscular tension, and nourishes the skin.
Shirodhara: This therapeutic technique involves pouring a continuous stream of warm oil onto the forehead, calming the nervous system and promoting mental tranquility.
Ayurvedic Medicines: Ayurvedic medicines for stress and anxiety, such as Shirashuladivajra Ras, Arogyavardhini Vati, and Sutshekhar Ras, are known to soothe the mind, elevate stress, and contribute to overall emotional well-being.

Conclusion

By delving into the Ayurvedic perspectives on stress and anxiety, we uncover not only the root causes but also personalized strategies to restore balance. Ayurveda encourages a lifestyle that considers individual constitutions and imbalances, fostering a harmonious existence. For those seeking a more balanced and harmonious life, exploring Ayurvedic practices becomes a transformative journey. In this pursuit, connecting with a knowledgeable practitioner can offer personalized guidance, and we recommend reaching out to Dr. Ayush Pandey, a highly skilled Yoga and Naturopathic Consultant who can be found on HealthyBazar for online consultation. With six years of invaluable experience and expertise in Yoga, Pranayama, Naturopathy, and holistic healthcare for even specific conditions like headaches due to stress, Dr. Ayush Pandey brings a unique blend of traditional wisdom and modern insights to address mental health concerns. Take a step towards a more balanced life to embark on a transformative journey to optimal mental well-being.

This article is written/approved by:

Dr. Shivani (FREE Consultation)

Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.

Herbal and Home Remedies For Kidney Stones

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Kidney stones are one of the most common lifestyle diseases people are suffering from these days. However, the good news is that, with the help of some home and herbal remedies, you can treat it naturally!.

In the western world, the annual incidence of Kidney Stone is about 0.5%, where a lifetime risk of developing it is about 10-15%, and it increases by 20-25% in the Middle East. In the Indian population, about 12% are expected to have urinary stones and out of which, 50% may end up with a loss of kidney functions.

Kidney stone is made of hard minerals and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They are also known as Urolithiasis or Nephrolithiasis. It has been a global problem affecting human beings since ancient times. It is a condition in which the crystals of uroliths/stones are present in the urinary tract and form uneven calculi.

Kidney stone is also known as calculi. These calculi can differ in size and shape, found anywhere in the urinary tract from the kidney to the bladder. Kidney stone is a significant problem in India and other developing countries. Kidney stones have generally affected 10-12% of the industrialized population.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The Patient does not identify whether he is suffering from kidney stones. After leaving the stone through the kidney, it passes to the bladder with the help of ureters. At the same time, some of the stones remain in the ureters. Further, they block the urine flow out of the kidneys and make it swell; this condition is called Hydronephrosis.

Some of the common symptoms of kidney stones are as follows:

Acute, sudden, and heavy pain in the lower abdominal area.
A feeling of sudden urination.
Burning sensation during urination.
RBCs' blood particles (red blood cells) may change the urine colour to red or dark yellow.
Feeling of nausea and vomiting.
Male patients feel pain at the tip of their penis.

Causes of Kidney Stones

The common causes of kidney stones include:

Crystals of calcium oxalate
High levels of uric acid
Low amounts of citrate in the body

A slight reduction in urinary oxalate is associated with a significant decrease in the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Hence, one should avoid oxalate-rich foods like Cucumber, Green Peppers, Beetroot, Spinach, Soya Bean, Chocolate, Popcorn, and Sweet Potato. Mainly kidney stones affect the parts of the body like the kidney ureters and urethra.

More critical, kidney stone is a recurrent disorder with lifetime recurrence risk reported as high as 50%. Therefore, there is a higher chance of developing heart diseases due to kidney stones. In addition, kidney stones reduce the formation of minerals and essential elements for bone formation.

Ayurvedic Perspective of Kidney Stones

In Ayurveda, we can compare this disease with "Ashmari." Ashmari (calculi) comprises two words, i.e., 'Ashma' (stone) and 'Ari' (enemy). Ashman (calculi), called Moothrashmari (Urolithiasis), is a disease of Moothravahasrotas (urinary tract) and involves the formation of a stone. Kidney stone resulting in severe pain as given by an enemy.

Charaka, Sushrut, and Vagbhata describe it in Ashmari Vyadhi. In Asanshodhil (regular not doing Panchkarma) and Adhikari (Unwholesome Diet), person aggravated Kapha dosha mix up with Mutra (urine), enter in Basti (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder), obstruct the urinary tract, and create Ashmari. Sushrut has mentioned that those who do not undergo Panchkarma Treatment regularly, take an unhealthy diet, and follow a faulty lifestyle, are prone to recurrent kidney stones.

Ayurvedic Types of Kidney Stones

Ashmari is one of the diseases under Asthamahagad, i.e., challenging to cure. Ashmari is Vyadhi of Mutravaha Strotas. As Basti comes under Trimarma (three-fold of life).

There are 4 types of Ashmari described in Ayurveda:

1) Vataj Ashmari (Calcium Oxalate Stone): Vataj Ashmari is blackish, hard, irregular, rough structure, and like Kadamb flower, full of a spike. The symptoms of this kind of Ashmari are intense pain in the abdomen and anal region. In addition, they cause burning in the penis, making it difficult to excrete Vata, Mutra, and stool.

2) Pittaj Ashmari (Uric Acid Stone): Pittaj Ashmari looks like Bhallatak. Its symptoms are burning micturition and yellow urine.

3) Kaphaj Ashmari (Oxalate/ Phosphate stone): It is slimy, big, and looks Light green or white in colour. The symptoms are pain in the Urinary bladder and thighs. Acharya Sushruta, the world-first surgeon, described various types of treatment in Ashmari like Ghrut (Ghee/ Clarified butter), Kashaya (Decoction), and Kshara Bhedan (Scratching).

4) Shukra Ashmari (Spermolith) – This stone develops in the seminal vesicle due to the suppression of semen. If semen flow (Shukra Vega) is suppressed, it takes transit movement (Vimargagamana) and lodges in between penis (Medhra) and testis (Vrushana).

Ayurvedic Treatment For Kidney Stone

Ayurvedic treatment of renal stones has various therapies, including plant-based medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Here are the Ayurvedic home remedies and diet recommendations to treat Kidney stones naturally:

Some Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Drink right:

Barley water (morning and evening).
Lemon water.
Buttermilk.
Coconut water (morning).
Pumpkin soup.
Sweet lime juice (not in excess).

Consume sugarcane:

Mix sugarcane juice with green cardamom (twice a day empty stomach).
Sugarcane with Tulsi seeds and milk.
Sugarcane with cumin seeds and honey.
Sugarcane with fennel seeds, coriander, and mishri (unrefined sugar).

Have watermelon.
Include Amla powder in food or have it 1 tsp twice a day with water.

Diet Recommendations

Drink plenty of fluid: 2-3 quarts/day

Include any fluid such as water, coffee, and lemonade in your diet except for grapefruit juice and soda. They are known to have a beneficial effect. This will help produce less concentrated urine and ensure at least 2.5L/day a good urine volume.

Limit foods with high oxalate content

It would be best if you eliminated spinach, berries, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, beets, and tea from your diet.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Kidney Stone

Along with the diet and lifestyle changes, you should also consider some Ayurvedic medicines. These medicines will not only help you to treat kidney stones but also help to avoid recurrence.

The following are some medicines you may consider to treat kidney stones:

Ashmarihar Kwath (Patanjali)

The active ingredients include Hajrul Yahud Bhasma (silicate of lime), Yavakshar, Shwet Parppati, and Pashanbhed Churna. Anupan of this Kwath is Kulthi Kadha which has Kaphahar and Bhedan properties.

Dosage– 2 tsp. twice a day with water.

Gokshuradi Guggulu

The active ingredients included are Nagarmotha (Root), Sounth (Rhizome), Kali Marich (Seed), Pippali (Fruit), Haritaki (Fruit), Bibhitaki (Fruit), Amla (Fruit), Shudh Guggul, Gokharu (Panchang). In addition, Gokshuradi Guggulu acts as an Antispasmodic and an Antibiotic. It has a Diuretic (Mutral) property.

Dosage – 2 tablets twice a day with water.

Varunadi Kadha (Baidyanath)

Its active ingredients include Varun, Pashanbheda, Sunthi, and Gokshura. Varunadi Kwath is Diuretic in action. In addition, it has a penetration (Bhedan) activity. So, it helps to disintegrate the stone.

Dosage – 2 tsp thrice a day with a half cup of water.

Dos and Don'ts

Drink enough water, and avoid aerated drinks like carbonated water, soft drink, etc.
Eat on time.
Urinate on time. Don't hold the urge to urinate.
Cleanse the bowel by drinking warm water early in the morning.
Avoid Tomatoes, Brinjal, Chikku, too many Bananas, dairy products, and Maida (white flour) foods if you have a history of kidney stones.
Regularly practice Yoga poses, Meditation, Pranayama.
Eat fruits with high water content.

Also Read: Constipation: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment with Ayurveda

Conclusion

According to Ayurveda, lifestyle modification through diet, internal medicines, and Basti therapy is highly effective in managing renal stones. In addition, proper counseling and guidance should be provided to kidney stone patients, including Pathya – Apathya (dietary management) correlation with Ashmari management. Furthermore, home Remedies for Kidney Stones can help prevent further complications and recurrence of the disease. Find lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar. All the products on-site are genuine, and one can also consult with the best Ayurvedic and Unani doctors.

This article is written/approved by:

Dr. Shivani (FREE Consultation)

Tips For Improving Physical And Mental Health

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Every person who fulfills his or her potential can cope with the everyday stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to his or her community. Mental health is the foundation for an individual’s effective communication, learning, emotions, thinking, and self-esteem. It is integral to all aspects of human life, whether in interpersonal relationships, emotional well-being, or effective contribution to society. There are various Ayurvedic tips for improving physical and mental health that help to keep the mind and body healthy.

The word mental illness is often used as an umbrella term for all diagnostic mental disorders involving significant behavior changes. These changes include thought processes, emotions, behavior, and functional problems.
A study was conducted by the Neuropsychiatry branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders on April 6, 2020, on people who were in lockdown. The study estimated that 40.5% of the participants had either anxiety or depression. About three-fourths (74.1%) of the participants reported a moderate stress level, and 71.7% reported poor well-being.

Concept Of Physical Health In Ayurveda

Mental well-being is defined in Ayurveda as ‘Swasthya’ that includes physical and spiritual well-being. Life, according to Ayurveda, is a conglomeration of the four interdependent components. These components are the body (Shareera), the sensory & motor faculties (Indriya), the mind (Satva), and the soul (Atma). A healthy life needs excellent complementary support for all these factors. Thus, the concept of health encompasses physical, mental, sensory, and spiritual domains.

It also indicates that a person with Swastha Mana (healthy mental state), Prasanna Aatmendriya (delighted soul with the proper functioning of sense organs), Sama Agni (proper metabolism), Sama Dhatu (proportionate body organs and tissues), and Sama Kriya (good physiology) is perfectly healthy.

Attributes Of Physical Health

The desire for timely intake of food followed by proper digestion.
Timely evacuation of evacuant products.
Lightness to the body
Proper and satisfactory sleep
Normal growth and development of body
Nice complexion, texture, and luster of the body
Good immunity

Mind In Ayurveda – Physiological Aspect

Manas is derived from the root ‘man,’ adding the suffix ‘Asuna’ having the meaning, ‘to perceive,’ ‘to lead to knowledge,’ and ‘to analyze by special knowledge’. There are various synonyms of Mana such as Chitta, Chetas, Hrit, Hridd, Manas, and Satva.

“Chittam chetah hrdayam svantam hrnmanasam manah iti”. (Amarakosha 1/4/3)

The meaning of the above shloka is, “Mana is the entity through which knowledge is obtained, which is closely related with Atma. Through Atma, one can perceive. Mana is the superior analyzing faculty, the seat of soul or Atma, and controls the whole body. It accommodates the special senses and is the seat of knowledge.

Ayurveda proves that the existence of the mind is the existence of knowledge (Lakshanam Manaso Jnana). Ayurvedic tips for mental health helps to maintain the brain’s health and improve its functionality.

Attributes Of Mental Health

While explaining the concept of Swasthya, Ayurveda has also included the following attributes of mental health:

A well-balanced and pleasant state of mind.
Being cheerful and gracious.
Proper and satisfactory sleep.
Steady and well-balanced mental faculties.
Pleasant and active state of sensory attributes.

Relationship Between Body And Mind

It is known even from earlier times that body and mind influence each other. Psychological suffering is often expressed through somatic problems. In individuals with difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions, physical manifestations are often seen. These manifestations include loss of sleep, decreased/increased appetite, loss of libido, vague aches, pains in the body, etc.

Some physical diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, autoimmune diseases, blood pressure, etc., are thought to worsen by mental factors such as anxiety and stress.

The current mental state of a person can influence how bad a physical disease is at a particular time. Hypochondriasis, Conversion disorder, Somatization disorder, etc., are believed to be rooted in mental problems. Certain chronic conditions and life-threatening conditions, such as Cancers, Renal Diseases, etc., also affect the mind retrospectively.

The mind can also exert a positive or negative impact on the effect of a treatment on the body. The positive effect of a placebo on treatment is due to the impact on the mind. The innate positivity also guides the positive response of a patient to therapy.

The concept of Satvavajaya Chikitsa in Ayurveda is centered on the mind by promoting positive vibes to the individual. Ayurveda believes in the individual as a whole, encompassing body and mind together, and treatment is also aimed for both.

Ayurvedic Tips For Improving Physical And Mental Health

Ayurveda believes that it is essential for an individual to have a healthy mind and body for overall well-being. So, people suffering from a disease can counter that disease with the power of reason and willingness.

Here are some of the Ayurvedic tips that you can follow to keep your mind healthy:

Three Pillars

According to Ayurveda, good health foundations include a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and a balanced lifestyle. In Ayurveda, the management of digestive and metabolic fire is the starting point to achieve dosha balance for mental and physical health.

Follow A Seasonal And Daily Regimen

Align with natural rhythms; spring could be an anxious time with Vata Dosha imbalance and winter with Kapha Dosha imbalance.

Here are some tips on balancing these Doshas:

Practice physical exercise for mental health regularly, such as concentration exercises.
Include warm beverages in your diet.
Don’t consume stale food.
Use liberal amounts of sesame oil, Ghee, butter, olive oil, and coconut oil.
Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and chocolate.
Avoid raw or gas-forming vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, etc.
Have some boiled milk with cardamom and Haldi before bed.

Consume Herbs

Medhya Rasayana or brain tonics inherently boost immunity. Some other herbs also are beneficial for brain health to improve memory, concentration, and other brain functions.

These herbs include:

Brahmi
Amalaki
Ashwagandha
Shankhapushpi
Amruth
Shakti Drops
Kalyanaka Ghrita
Saraswatharishtam
Chyawanprasha

Cleansing Therapies

Try Abhyanga (self-massage), Nasya (oil or herb application in the nostrils), Shirodhara (pouring of warm medicated oil on the forehead), and a full Panchakarma (a comprehensive, individualized therapeutic cleanse). These therapies will help to remove mental and physical fatigue. They also cure various psychological and physical diseases like stress, anxiety, joint pain, headache, insomnia, etc.

Nurture Relationships

Ayurvedic scholars attribute the decline in our collective physical and psychological immunity to losing our connection with nature and the ability to withstand stress. Ayurveda also encourages healing relationships with nature and commitment to sustainability.

Detox Regularly

According to Ayurveda, undigested food is the root cause of toxins spread across the body. These toxins are making the body unhealthy and sick. It may cause infections, illnesses and finally weakens the immune system. Hence, detoxification is essential, and you can do it by regularly consuming lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and juices.

Ayurvedic Tips For Improving Physical And Mental Health

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Conclusion

Ayurveda has many benefits. There is nothing better than going the Ayurveda way of eating healthy and taking care of physical and emotional health. Being the oldest medicinal system globally, Ayurveda helps build internal power and strength. Holistic healing helps to increase immunity for the body to combat many diseases and infections. There are many causes of mental and physical health loss, including genetic factors, poor mental health, pollution, poor diet, lifestyle, and metabolic issues. You can overcome all these problems with the help of the above self-care tips for mental and physical health that are easy to follow.