Healing Anxiety & Depression the Ayurvedic Way: 6 Steps to Balance Mind and Body
Introduction:
Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health concerns in our society, often stemming from imbalances in Prana, Doshas, and lifestyle habits. Both include a complex set of emotional and functional challenges. According to Ayurveda, depression happens with the suppression of Prana – or life force energy. Prana plays the most crucial role in mental health by providing positive life energy. When it is diminished, much of our life force is lost.
It gives various symptoms, such as:
- Loss of desire to participate in activities
- Increase in anxiety
- loss of interest and pleasure
- Fatigue, irritability
- Social withdrawal
- Acting out behavior
- Family conflict
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite or weight gain
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Poor concentration
Prana may become diminished for a variety of reasons above, but what people with reduced Prana have in common are low ojas and the inability to remain stable under stress.
Mind-Body Connection:
The science of mind-body medicine helps us understand the ongoing connection between the mind and body and see how a variety of factors may trigger anxiety and depression. From the Ayurvedic perspective, stress & anxiety happens when there is a lack of coordination of senses, emotions, and thoughts. The heart and mind are intimately connected because the heart is the “seat” of consciousness.
The Ayurvedic textbook Charaka Samhita says, “hridaye chetana sthanam” which means, “the seat of consciousness is in the heart.”
According to Ayurveda, these conditions occur mainly due to the imbalance of the three doshas (Biological Humors), mainly vata, which maintains the body’s equilibrium. The vata dosha controls the body’s sensory and motor activities, and the brain is the center of all these activities. Ayurveda offers holistic solutions to restore harmony between mind and body, promoting emotional stability and well-being.
Explore six practical steps rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom to alleviate anxiety and depression naturally.
- Balance Prana For Enhanced Vitality: In Ayurveda, depression happens when there is a suppression of Prana. Low Prana leads to various symptoms, including loss of interest, fatigue, and social withdrawal. To boost Prana, prioritize restorative sleep by going to bed before 10:00 p.m., the Kapha time of night. This time generates a deep, restful sleep that refreshes the mind and body. Falling asleep after 10:00 p.m. produces a more restless sleep and emotional distress.
- Embrace Brahmamuhurta: Wake up before sunrise, which is Brahmamuhurta (GOD’s Time), the auspicious time before dawn, for mental clarity and serenity. Brahmamuhurta is the morning period, an hour and a half before sunrise. After a good night’s sleep, the mind is refreshed, calm, and serene. There is a preponderance of Sattva or purity in the mind and the atmosphere at this time. Waking up after 6:00 a.m. causes the channels of communication to be clogged with impurities, leading to a dull mind, depressed moods, and slow communication between heart, soul & mind.
- Embrace Morning Rituals For Mental Clarity: Kickstart your day with morning rituals that nourish the mind and body. Engage in outdoor walks during sunrise, practicing pranayama breathing to invigorate the senses. Incorporate yoga sequences to release blocked emotions and stimulate positive neurohormones, uplifting mood and promoting mental resilience.
- Cultivate Sattvic Eating Habits For A Healthy Gut: Opt for pure, sattvic foods that support your digestion and Gut microbiome to create an emotional balance and overall health. Prioritize natural, unprocessed foods such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, milk, ghee, and honey. These foods nourish the body and promote the production of ojas, the essence of vitality. Reduce your intake of processed and stimulating foods, opting for simplicity and purity in your diet.
- Harness The Power Of Ayurvedic Herbs: Integrate Ayurvedic herbs known for their adaptogenic and mood-balancing properties into your daily routine. Explore the benefits of Brahmi, Ashwagandha, licorice, and other herbs renowned for restoring mental equilibrium, enhancing cognitive function, and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Seek Professional Guidance And Support: While Ayurvedic practices offer valuable tools for managing anxiety and depression, it’s essential to consult with qualified practitioners for personalized guidance. A holistic approach may include Ayurvedic therapies, counseling, and lifestyle modifications tailored to your unique constitution and needs.
Conclusion:
Healing anxiety and depression in the Ayurvedic way involves harmonizing Prana, doshas, and lifestyle choices to promote holistic well-being. By embracing Ayurvedic principles and integrating mindful practices into daily life, individuals can cultivate resilience, emotional balance, and a profound sense of inner peace.
By incorporating these six steps into your routine, you can journey towards healing and reclaiming mental wellness the Ayurvedic way.
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