Ayurvedic Remedies for Anxiety
- Manish Arya
- Nov 1, 2017
- 3 min read
Ayurvedic Remedies for Anxiety.
Anxiety is characterized by the overwhelming presence of fear and nervousness in the mind, body and spirit. In an increasingly stimulating and troubling world, we see an increase in the number of people that suffer from chronic anxiety. Anxiety can manifest itself in ways such as sleep disturbances, agitation, unceasing fear, digestive disorders and feelings of not being able to catch and hold one’s breath. Anxiety has many roots; there we will look at how to approach anxiety as a symptom of dosha imbalance.
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Vata.
Vata personalities, in their balanced state are very happy and outgoing. Vata doshas are very connected to the element of air, are easily carried away and thrown off balance by the negative influences of anxiety. When dealing with anxiety, meditation is suggested for all three of the doshas, but it seems to be even more important to help balance Vata. Deep, mindful meditation, along with Hatha yoga and breathing exercises are recommended. Too much activity will also cause a Vata imbalance. Again, here we encounter how the delicate, airy Vata balance is thrown off easily. Too much movement, be it constant travel, long work commutes or just a sense of always being on the go will increase anxiety symptoms in Vata doshas. Take time for quiet and stillness and participate in activities that allow you to be still, peaceful and to renew your perspective.
Vatas should avoid over stimulating substances such as caffeine and other stimulating drugs. Instead turn to warming teas of ginger, cardamom and licorice. Finally, eat well balanced, nurturing, warming meals. Avoid fasting, as this will only contribute to the light airiness that can so easily become out of balance for the Vata dosha.
Pitta.
Pitta has a strong element of fire and can be thrown off balance by too much heat. When concerning anxiety, think in terms of anger, agitation, and physical exertion. Like the other doshas, meditation is important in keeping Pitta in balance. Take time daily to reflect, and let go of the stressors that are causing an overheated reaction in you. Refocus your energy to a more peaceful, cooling place. Pittas are more prone to inflammatory issues, including those physiologically associated with abundant stress and anxiety, such as cardiac disorders and digestive issues. To further eliminate anxiety, Pittas should avoid hot, spicy foods, extremely hot weather and strenuous activities. Create an anxiety removing ritual of gently misting your skin with a rosewater spray, or floating calmly in cool water away from direct
sunlight. After meditation or time spent in a cool, peaceful environment continue to balance Pitta by consuming cool liquids such as aloe juice, coconut water or purified water infused with fresh sliced cucumbers.
Kapha.
An out of balance Kapha can suffer from extreme anxiety and insecurity. The combined dominate water and earth elements of Kappa can produce a muddy, clay like substance that will leave a Kapha feeling stuck and insecure of what the next best move is. Mediation is stressed as a healing tool for anxiety in all three doshas. The Kapha dosha should focus their meditation on relaxing and freeing themselves from whatever is holding them in place and encouraging anxiety. For some people movement and exercise can increase anxiety symptoms, however this is not true for Kaphas. It is important that Kaphas keep moving to avoid getting stuck, and regular mild to moderate regular exercise is strongly encouraged. In their diet, Kaphas need to avoid heavy and greasy foods that have the tendency to settle in the stomach and sit there, slowing digestion and further promoting the key factors that increase anxiety and stress in the Kapha body.
To promote movement and the clearing out of anxious mental energy consume teas that are gentle and warming. Use spices and herbs such as ginger, black pepper and cumin.
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