 Seven
Ways to Stop Stress In Its Tracks
Maharishi Ayurveda approach to stress
Stress
has become part of life for many of us. High levels of stress cause
excess build-up of free radicals in the physiology, and can lead to
disease and premature aging. The ancient science of Ayurveda offers
many ways to combat day-to-day stress and enhance your natural ability
to throw off the effects of stress. Here, Vaidya Nitin Agrawal of
Maharishi Ayurveda describes some of these approaches.
1.
Start the Day Stress-Free
"The
Maharishi Ayurveda approach to stress is unique because it is a total
approach, and includes mental, physical and emotional aspects,"
says Vaidya Agrawal. Many of these approaches are included in
the ayurvedic daily routine, called Dinacharya. When you begin
the day with a routine, it sets you up for a stress-free day by helping
to keep Vata in balance.
Vaidya
Agrawal suggests creating a schedule to make it easier to plan your
time. If you have to leave for work by 8:30 a.m., for instance, it's
easy to fit these steps in if you wake up by 6:00 a.m.
Schedule
for the Ayurvedic Morning Routine
- Wake
up in the morning before 6:00 a.m.
- Empty
bowel and urine
- Wash
your face, giving special attention to the eyes.
- Brush
your teeth, scrape your tongue and rinse your mouth. This is also
a good time to drink a cup of water.
- Perform abhyanga (ayurvedic oil massage).
- Because it's best to wait an additional 10-15 minutes for the oil
to soak in between your massage and bath, to save time you might
want to spend this time shaving, flossing your teeth, or starting
your Surya Namaskara or Yoga Asanas.
- Bathe or shower. Use warm rather than hot water.
- Perform Yoga Asanas and Surya Namaskara (Salutation to the Sun Exercise).
- Practice deep breathing or Pranayama.
- Practice Transcendental Meditation® for twenty minutes
- Have breakfast -- a stewed apple or pear and warm cereal is ideal.
- Take herbal food supplements and Rasayanas
- School or work.
2.
Create an Armor against Stress
Abhyanga is an excellent way to build resilience to stress. If
you don't have time for the full body massage, at least massage your
hands, feet, and neck region," advises Vaidya Agrawal. These
are major stress areas. Vaidya Agrawal recommends the Relaxation
Massage Oil if your job is a high-stress one or the Youthful
Skin Massage Oil for nourishment of body and mind.
3.
Meditate to Release Stress
While all parts of the daily routine are important, the Transcendental
Meditation program is the most effective way to reduce stress. While
there have been over 600 studies conducted on the benefits of the
Transcendental Meditation technique, perhaps the most impressive research
indicates reduction in the stress hormone cortisol; lactic acid, an
indicator of stress; and anxiety. At the same time, seratonin, which
is a sign of relaxation, increases dramatically.
4.
Calm Anxiety with Therapeutic Aromas
"Therapeutic aromas work very well in relieving stress and have
a proven calming effect," says Vaidya Agrawal. Maharishi Ayurveda
recommends Pitta
(Cooling) Therapeutic Aroma Oil.
Flowers
in the home also create a natural soothing aroma. You can enjoy stress-reducing
aromas wherever you are by using an aroma locket, a diffuser or incense
sticks. Or you can add six drops of aroma oil to your bathwater for
a calming effect.
5.
Listen to Serene Music
"Music has a vital effect on your nervous system, mind and emotions,"
notes Vaidya Agrawal. That's why Maharishi Ayurveda recommends
the soothing, serene melodies of Gandharva
Veda music, which align biological rhythms with nature's rhythms.
When you listen to music for its therapeutic effect, keep the volume
low. Increasing the volume causes noise pollution and actually increases
stress.
6.
Drink Stress-Busting Beverages
"Almond
Energy is an ideal drink for students and others who use their
minds at work," says Vaidya Agrawal. Both the herb Ashwagandha
and the almonds are energy-producing.
Worry
Free Tea also reduces helps support the body's natural ability
to combat stress. Sip a cup of this potent herbal brew at three different
times during the day. In the evening, drink Vata
Tea.
"Often
when people feel stressed they drink large amounts of coffee,"
says Vaidya Agrawal. But if they start gradually substituting Worry Free
Tea, Almond
Energy or Raja's
Cup in place of coffee, they will feel more relaxed and less stressed
and toxic.
7.
Rasayanas
Rasayanas are
special herbal formulations that promote all aspects of health. Research
on Amrit from Maharishi Ayurveda indicates that it helps increase
your ability to withstand stress and nourishes all aspects of your
physiology. A powerful free radical scavenger, Amrit is recommended
as lifelong support. Other Maharishi Ayurveda Rasayanas for mind/body
health include Vital
Man or Lady,
which help create outer dynamism and inner balance and strength.
Vaidya Agrawal encourages everyone who faces a stressful day to use
these tips. He says, "Even if you apply only 50 percent of these
recommendations, you'll see definite results.
These articles provide a great resource from The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians on the knowledge, practices, products, and applications of Maharishi Ayurveda.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these newsletters is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic expert, call our Health Educators or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area.
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