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Every wonder what Ayurveda says about stress?
In a way, this ancient “science of longevity” is all about
preventing or undoing it – because stress imbalances the doshas and
leads to disease.
According to the American Medical Association,
stress contributes to over 75 percent of all illnesses today. Extensive
medical research in the United States and other counties has linked
stress to high blood pressure, heart disease, ulcers, insomnia, anxiety,
depression, and even cancer. Although no one is immune to the effects of
stress, we can take steps to keep our levels in check. Here are a few
quick tips to help you relax and regroup when you days are overwhelming.
Food is medicine.
Food makes or breaks our mood.
According to Ayurveda, every taste of food has an emotional and physical
effect on the body and mind. So during stressful times: Avoid hot
spices, red cayenne and chili peppers, raw garlic, meat, cold and
processed foods, sugar, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and other mood
altering drugs.
Include fresh fruits and fruit juices,
vegetables, and herbs such as cumin, coriander, ginger, saffron, nutmeg
and cardamom.
Drink herbal teas such as chamomile,
comfrey, and angelica 2 to 3 times a day.
A mini-massage
A belly massage is an excellent way to reduce the effects of stress.
The abdomen (the second and third chakras) is a major depository for
toxins, since most of us hold un-expressed emotions in our guts.
Abdominal massage as well as diet and regular exercise is also the
easiest and healthiest method for toning and flattening the tummy.
Simply massage it with oil twice a day – clockwise for one minute, then
counterclockwise for another minute.
A mental fast
Give your mind a break for at least one hour a day with a few of
these restful suggestions:
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Avoid Tv, arguments, discussions, meetings, and
lighten your schedule.
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Enjoy some light reading, practice deep
breathing from your naval, and take a leisurely walk.
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Hold a baby, give or receive a massage, or hug
a friend, nurturing touch can undo a days worth of tension and
stress.
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Take a warm bath with ginger tea.
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Practice yoga and alternate nostril breathing
daily.
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Sleep well and meditate daily.
The bliss compress
Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that balances the
central nervous system, relieves mental tension, and induces a blissful
state of mind. This is not a therapy that can be done easily at home,
but you can enjoy some of the same effects by using an oil compress, or
pichu. To make a pichu, soak the middle part of a folded cloth in a
dosha-appropriate liquid.
When you’re ready, give yourself a neck, face and
scalp massage with your dosha oil mix. Then lie down and apply the oil
compress to the center of the forehead just above the brow line. Relax
with your eyes closed for 10 minutes. If you like, dim the lights,
listen to soft music, and burn incense to enhance the mood.
Choosing an oil
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For Vata: 1 oz. warm sesame oil (excellent for
warmth, hydration and nourishment)
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For Pitta: ˝ oz. cool milk + ˝ oz coconut oil +
2 to 3 drops rose water (also good for cooling off in the summer)
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For Kapha: ˝ oz. warm sesame oil + ˝ oz. ginger
tea. (also good for relief of winter head colds or sinus conditions)
Note: To warm the oil, pour it into a plastic
bottle and hold it under hot water for 2 to 3 minutes.
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