The Importance of Balance:
Life is uncertain. The only certainty is that everything changes. The secret of good health and happiness according to Maharishi Ayurveda is to remain balanced amidst the change. Balance is an individual thing because everyone is unique. The beauty of Ayurveda is that it helps everyone to find their own balance.
A little pressure or demand on us is good for us. Otherwise, life becomes a bore. Moderate pressure or demand allows us to perform efficiently and achieve our goals. However there comes a point when we are strained by the pressure. At this stage we may feel still in control and even believe we are superhuman and can handle anything. But, also at this stage, fatigue is setting in, performance is falling and quickly we enter the area of stress, hyper-excitability and even disease.
Ayurveda and Anxiety:
Different natures may initially respond differently to stress with pitta natures getting angry and aggressive while kapha natures get despondent and depressed. However, vata is rising rapidly if we are rushing, strained, tired, travelling, skipping or rushing meals and stressed, and this gives rise to anxiety. If anxiety is allowed to grow generally it can lead on to insomnia and panic.
So how can we handle anxiety? The secret is first to remove some factors causing the increase in vata and second is to introduce factors calming to this hyperactive dosha. Then the third strategy is to consider safe gently strategies like Transcendental Meditation and Yoga or the use of Herbal preparations. Fourth is to go for more intense treatments like Panchakarma treatment.
Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Anxiety:
It is said that 90% of what happens to you is outside your control. What is in your control is how you react. The beauty of TM is that it allows you to achieve a natural state of inner stillness and calm. By regular practice this serenity lingers after meditation and as time passes you are more relaxed within, even surrounded by the changes and challenges that life brings. This is the most natural antidote to anxiety.
Sleep and Anxiety:
Anxiety can disturb sleep and disturbed sleep can increase anxiety. So, it is well worth considering how to ensure better sleep. Early to be is a wise old proverb. We tend to get an initial deeper dive in to sleep when we go early, and this helps us to sleep through. Starting the practice of TM may also help sleep. So does the regular practice of yoga. Taking good rest breaks at meals during the day helps by preventing you becoming too highly strung from rushing, non-stop, all day. Maharishi Ayurveda herbals called Blissful Sleep help. Also a course of spa treatments called ‘One Day Wonder’ include a whole body massage and a shirodhara. Shirodhara is a continuous flow of oil over the forehead and head which deeply relaxes and supports good quality sleep.
Eating and Anxiety:
Stress and anxiety create an excess of free radicals which cause your body to under-perform and to become ill. Eating fresh, organic fruits and vegetable which are lightly cooked and nicely spiced along with good grains provides natural antioxidants. These assist your body to contain the damaging free radicals. The most powerful antioxidant is called Maharishi Amrit Kalash, available from Maharishi Ayurveda Products.
Furthermore, the pure relaxation and joy of eating replenishes your tired body. So sit and enjoy meals at regular times. Taking adequate fluids is also helpful. One drink worth considering is Raja’s Cup. This is a coffee substitute which contains tonic herbs that also relax.
Exercise and Anxiety:
Moderate exercise is a great way to de-stress. Yoga, which is an integral part of Ayurveda, is an excellent way to exercise all parts of the body, soothes the nerves and balances the mind. Research suggests that the happiest and healthiest people are those who exercise regularly.
Oil Massage and Anxiety:
One of the best strategies for balancing vata is a whole body sesame oil massage. This is recommended to be done daily and is followed by a shower or bath. It is surprising just how relaxing this can be. Even better is to use Vata massage oil which has herbs that are relaxing and that reduce vata.
Anxiety is natural:
Considering the fact that life is constantly changing, a modicum of anxiety may be natural. However, since we live in a society that is too busy and overactive, it is easy to get overwhelmed with excess activity and as a consequence experience anxiety. The solution can sometimes be simple enough – slow down and moderate both the pace and content of your life. Maharishi Ayurveda is a great help as it reminds us of simple things we should be doing anyway. Yet these simple things can make a huge difference for the better.
