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Stress is not an alien phenomenon in today’s society. With the raging demands and expectations, it is natural for a body and mind to suffer periods of stress. Rather than resorting to drugs for this purpose, natural methods to manage and release stress are ideally recommended. Stress attacks the body in various forms. Sometimes, it gets stored in the hips, mouth, shoulders, and back, while sometimes it affects our sense of taste, focus, and mind in general. Let us discuss the most projective techniques through which stress can be naturally released, as advocated by the great science of Ayurveda.
Tune your Clock with the Sun
DISCIPLINE ~ this is not just another terminology in Ayurveda that is preached to scare people off. The discipline that comprises of following a timely schedule has a special emphasis on enhancing the quality of life towards complete health. Ayurveda pays prominent attention to fine-tuning the clock of the body with that of the Sun to balance and align the inner mechanism with the celestial powers of the universe. Hence, rise up with the Sun, feel the most active-self as the warmth of the Sun augments, and gradually wind up the day as the Sun prepares to set, eventually hitting the bed no later than 10 pm. Let the energy of the universe align for you and ease your heart, mind, and body. (See also: 7 Effective Tips For Making Stress Disappear)
Go Ayurvedic by Including Natural Stress-Busting Foods According to Dosha
During Ayurveda courses in India, the first thing experts discuss and reveal is ‘understanding the body’s humor (doshas)’ so that the course can be imparted with greater intricacy and meaning. If you have not taken a formal training in India then we suggest you get your body’s constitution tested by a professional as the entire course of Ayurveda journey depends upon this. Ideally, body humor is of three types: Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. An entity can be any of these or can be a combination of two as well.
Vata Dosha
Vata-Specific Foods: Foods those are warm in temperatures such as wheat, nuts, rice, and dairy products. Avoid raw foods like salads and dry and light, airy foods as well.
Vata-Specific Stress Busting Fragrances and Herbs: Ginger, cardamom, cinnamon,
Pitta Dosha
Pitta-Specific Foods: Foods those are cold in nature like cucumbers and melons; avoid astringent and peppery foods like chili peppers and cranberries.
Pitta-Specific Stress-Busting Fragrances and Herbs: Rose, Jasmine, and lavender.
Kapha Dosha
Kapha-Specific Foods: Artichokes, eggplant, broccoli, cherries, cranberries, and pears; avoid sweets and nuts; carefully monitor the quantity of food
Kapha-Specific Stress-Busting Fragrances and Herbs: Rosemary and frankincense.
Few Common Stress-Releasing Herbs:
- Ashwagandha
- Brahmi/Gotu Kola
- Bhringhraj
- Jatamansi
You can take up Ayurveda Cooking Courses for a detailed analysis and knowledge of Vedic dietary principles and its preparations.
Take Up Oil-Pulling Therapy
Try the oil-pulling therapy for releasing tension that gets stored in the jaw, teeth, and gums. Choose from sesame oil, coconut oil, or cow’s ghee, for this purpose. Swish and gargle with the warm concoction of any of these for instant relief.
Practice Ayurvedic Oil Massage – The Abhyanga Therapy
An improper circulation in the body is another outcome of tension and stress which needs to be revived to reduce the stress element. The Abhyanga Therapy, a traditional type of massage therapy is a highly effective technique to regulate blood and oxygen circulation in the body. Additionally, it also calms the nervous system and revives the deepest tissues of the body. This Self-care ritual shall surely lead you to be in love with yourself and life all over again.
Pamper Your Feet
Our feet suffer a lot whenever stress attacks the body. Feet are the regions that suffer from poor blood circulation the most owing to this. If you do not have the time to indulge in Abhyanga then you can surely reward yourself some self-care by massaging the feet. Let the stress melt away in the drops of sesame oil as you rub on. You may also choose from Bhringaraj or Brahmi oil for this. Feel grounded in it.
Take Herbal Infusions Nasally to Relax and Unwind
Fragrance plays another significant role in enlivening the senses and busting stress from the mind. Choose your fragrance according to the Dosha for best results. Pour a few drops of your favorite essence on the pillow when calling it a night and wake up fresh and rejuvenated.
Soothe Your Heart by Practicing Gratitude
GRATITUDE – even though a much-overlooked emotion by many of us is actually one of the most crucial elements during natural Stress Releasing Therapy implementation. According to the Ayurveda and Yoga experts, practicing the art of gratitude for a few minutes can really help take a load of the heart and chest where stress tends to get stored for long.
Practice and all will come!
About The Author:
Manmohan Singh has been a practitioner of yoga and Ayurveda for the last 12 years. He is managing director of Rishikul Ayurshala, an authentic Ayurveda training institute. The Institue offers Ayurveda courses in Kerala India and Panchakarma Treatment. The institute’s goal is to provide the simplest healing solutions and treatments for multifarious health problems. Apart from the institute management, Manmohan Singh loves to spend time writing, doing photography and traveling.
