Stress Management

Ayurveda

Ayurveda considers anxiety as primarily due to the aggravation of vata dosha in the nervous system. So the primary treatment for anxiety is to balance vata dosha.

Here are some effective Ayurvedic remedies to manage anxiety and fear. Please refer to Ayurveda infocenter in holisticonline.com for more details on balancing vata including dietary recommendations.

Ayurvedic Oil Massage

A full-body oil massage helps to reduce anxiety. What oil you use for the massage depends on your basic ayurvedic dosha type.

Use 6 or 7 ounces of warm (not hot) oil. Rub the oil all over your whole body from head to toes.

This massage is generally given before the morning bath. But if you have high anxiety or insomnia, you can also do it just before going to bed.

Mini Massage

Sometimes you can benefit from a minimassage when you don't have time for a full massage.

Using the appropriate oil for your constitution, rub some on your scalp and spend a few minutes rubbing the bottom of your feet.

Diet/Herb

Calming Tea

Make a tea of the following herbs:

Tagar or valerian 1 part

Musta 1 part

Steep 1/2 teaspoon of these herbs in 1 cup hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.

This tea pacifies vata and reduces anxiety. Drink it twice a day.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is very good for anxiety.

Soak 10 raw (not toasted) almonds overnight in water. Peel off the skins, and put the almonds in the blender.

Add 1 cup warm milk. While blending, add a pinch of ginger and a small pinch of nutmeg and saffron.

Orange Juice

If your anxiety is accompanied by a fast heart rate, ayurvedic practitioners recommend drinking a cup of orange juice with 1 teaspoon of honey and a pinch of nutmeg powder.

Relaxing Bath

A warm bath of ginger and baking soda is helpful in pacifying anxiety.

Add 1/3 cup ginger and 1/3 cup baking soda to a tubful of water. Soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes.

Calming Pressure Point

Dr. Vasanth Lad recommends the following ayurvedic pressure point therapy for combating anxiety:

Make a fist with your left hand, so that the fingers rest in the middle of the palm. Locate the point where the middle finger ends, in the "heart" of the palm. Then, with the thumb of your right hand, press firmly on this point in the center of your left hand. Press for I minute. This will calm down the agitation of prana, which causes anxiety.

Yoga

Ayurveda also recommends yoga. Please see our section on yoga treatments for management of anxiety for more information.

Meditation

Ayurveda practitioners also recommend meditation for managing anxiety. 
Sitting quietly, focus your attention on the top of your head while doing the So-Hum meditation.

See Also:

Ayurveda Infocenter in Holisticonline.com

Dietary Advice for Balancing Vata Dosha

Next Topic: