Treating Stress the Yogic Way
Treating Stress the Yogic Way
Dr. Chaya Jambigi
Depression’ and stress-related conditions (psycho-somatic disorders) can be easily managed by applying simple principles of Ayurveda in our daily life. The three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas) are connected to tridosha in ayurveda.
Tridosha
Dosha can be defined as the factor found in our body which is responsible for maintenance of physiological condition. Doshas are two type, Sharirik (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and Mansik (Raja, and Tama ). Due to its important functions this trio is termed as Tristambha.
Mental Disturbances
Vata governs all nervous system functions. Pitta is more associated with digestive and hormonal functions. Kapha dosha is more of kinesthetic hallucinations. Mental Health is a concept that refers to the psychological and emotional well-being of a person. Stress is the “wear and tear” our mind and body experiences as we attempt to cope with our continually changing environment.
Preventive Routine
Rising with the sun, eliminating waste according to urge, cleaning the body and beginning our personal practice of worship helps recognize our place in the family, community and cosmos. Choosing right foods for our appetite and metabolic needs is a fundamental alignment to show respect toward our body and life. ‘Right use of time’ means to eat when hungry, rest when fatigued and make time to play for nurturing creativity.
Circadian rhythms become disturbed by sleeping late, eating stale foods, having sex at a wrong time such as during the menses, with an inappropriate partner or for inappropriate reasons. Misuse of any of the senses leads to imbalance.
Diet
It is stated that “Praninam Punarmoolamaaharam” – the route of all beings is nothing but food itself. In Ayurvedic classics it is mentioned foremost among the three Upasthambas. The time, place, quantity and manner of food intake are also necessary. ‘Aahar sambhava Vastu Rogashcha Aahar sambhava’
Food taken in proper manner helps in the proper growth of the body on contrary if taken in improper manner leads to various diseases. The mental factor of a man is reflected by the type of food he takes – “Ahara Shuddhou Satwa Shudhihi”.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice in India used to keep the body flexible and attain spirituality. Yoga is one among those wonderful procedures that bring a perfect blend of physical, mental, intellectual and emotional strength. The most important benefit of Yoga is physical and mental equilibrium. Yoga is the science which integrates self with the universe. It establishes harmony of self with systems of the body as well as the surroundings leading to positive physical and mental changes.
This is most desired element of yoga to counteract the emotional problems, anxiety, stress, jealousy etc.
Dhyana - Meditation
Much of the studies show that the practice of yoga, meditation can relieve the chronic stress patterns.