New Delhi, January 26 (IANS). In today’s busy life, work pressure, money worries, sour relationships, uncertainty about the future and the competition to do and look better all the time, all these gradually tire our mind. Initially we think that it is just a mental problem, but when stress persists for a long time, its effects become clearly visible on the body.
Headache, sleeplessness, upset stomach, fatigue, irritability and rapid heartbeat are all signs that the mental confusion has now started making the body helpless.
Ayurveda believes that the mind and body are not separate. Both are deeply connected to each other. If there is imbalance in the mind, the body’s defects (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) also start worsening. Constant worry and fear aggravates Vata dosha, leading to nervousness, insomnia and joint pain.
Anger and stress increase pitta, causing acidity, high blood pressure and skin problems. Whereas sadness and lethargy increase phlegm and cause obesity, lethargy and weak digestion. Therefore, in Ayurveda, treatment starts not with the body but with calming the mind.
To keep the mind balanced, Ayurveda first of all emphasizes on improving the daily routine. Waking up early in the morning, taking a walk in the sunlight and starting the day with deep breaths lightens the mind. Massaging the head and feet with sesame or coconut oil for 10-15 minutes daily calms the nervous system and reduces stress. Food also affects the state of mind, hence excessively spicy, fried and caffeine-laden food should be reduced. Instead, light, simple and warm food like pulses, vegetables, ghee and milk keeps the mind stable.
Ayurvedic herbs are also very helpful in fighting stress. Ashwagandha adapts the body to mental pressure and removes fatigue. Brahmi and Shankhapushpi improve memory and calm the mind. Drinking Tulsi and Giloy tea daily strengthens the mind as well as the immune system. Apart from this, yoga and pranayam like Anulom-Vilom, Bhramari and Shavasana give deep peace to the mind and gradually reduce restlessness.
–IANS
PIM/VC