Anxiety, in its various forms, affects millions of people around the world. While conventional anxiety treatments often focus on medications and therapy, there is a growing interest in holistic approaches that consider the mind-body connection and natural healing methods. This blog will explore three holistic approaches to dealing with anxiety: Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Osteopathy. These ancient systems of healing offer unique perspectives and techniques for managing anxiety.
Anxiety is often associated with an excess of the Vata dosha. It also recognizes the role of emotional factors in anxiety. Unresolved emotional issues, fear, grief, and excessive worry can disturb the balance of doshas and contribute to anxiety. Dietary imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and food sensitivities can contribute to anxiety. Stress, lack of sleep, and inadequate physical activity are considered lifestyle factors that can contribute to anxiety. Anxiety disorders disrupt emotional brain responses, leading to increased heart and breathing rates, tension in the muscles, upset stomach, skin problems, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, etc.
Anxiety Treatment in Ayurveda
- Vata balance
Experiencing excess Vata dosha often correlates with anxiety, characterized by qualities such as dryness, coldness, and instability. Stress, irregular routines, and poor dietary choices can exacerbate Vata dosha, leading to anxiety. To embark on your journey of anxiety treatment, avoid astringent, bitter, and pungent-flavored foods. Instead, introduce sweet, salty, and sour flavors into your dietary choices. Embrace warm, oily, and moist foods over their cold and dry counterparts as part of your treatment regimen.
- Shirodhara
The rhythmic flow of oil or liquid onto the forehead in Shirodhara therapy can significantly improve mental clarity and focus. This enhanced mental clarity is a powerful component of anxiety treatment, aiding individuals in managing anxiety-inducing thoughts and emotions more effectively. Numerous research studies have underscored the effectiveness of Shirodhara in reducing anxiety levels. Warm medicated oil used in Shirodhara expands blood vessels and enhances blood circulation, thereby improving brain function and alleviating cognitive exhaustion—an essential treatment.
- Meditation and Pranayama
Meditation provides profound relaxation to your restless mind. Stress triggers the release of stress hormones, causing anxiety. Consistent meditation reduces these stress hormones, promoting a state of calm and relaxation. Scientific research has substantiated the efficacy of yoga, pranayama, and meditation in decreasing anxiety levels. Studies have demonstrated that meditation can be just as effective in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression as antidepressant medications. It augments the prana level, or life force, in the body.
According to Ayurveda, an increase in prana naturally leads to a reduction in anxiety. Replace your cravings for stimulants such as coffee or electronic devices with Pranayama as an effective way to manage anxiety, and make it a regular practice to cultivate resilience.
Naturopathic anxiety care
- Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a therapeutic massage technique that involves the use of smooth, heated stones that are positioned on specific points of the body that are thought to be the body’s energy centers. It is used by the massage therapist to massage and manipulate the muscles. The warmth generated by the stones aids in balancing the vata element, bringing a sense of tranquility to both the body and the mind.
- Swedish Massage
Swedish massage not only helps reduce muscle stiffness and soreness but also addresses the mind’s stress and anxiety. Massage has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone associated with anxiety disorders. If you’re dealing with muscle discomfort or a mind filled with anxiety, Swedish massage offers anxiety and stress treatment benefits.
It elevates serotonin, often referred to as the calming hormone and triggers the release of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone. These effects contribute to reducing stress and anxiety, making Swedish massage an effective form of anxiety treatment.
Watch the Transformative Effects of Anxiety Treatment at Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital
Osteopathy approach to anxiety
- Structural Issues
Osteopaths carefully assess structural issues, such as spinal or muscular tension, that can contribute to physical discomfort and stress. By addressing these structural concerns, they aim to reduce physical discomfort and potentially offer relief as part of anxiety disorder management.
- Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy, a subset of osteopathy, involves gentle manipulation of the skull and spine. This therapy is believed to release tension in the central nervous system, potentially offering anxiety and stress treatment benefits. Craniosacral therapy (CST) has the capacity to unwind stored trauma patterns, leading to a reduction in stress and pain while fostering a heightened sense of relaxation and overall well-being—an integral aspect of anxiety treatment with osteopathy.
Lifestyle changes & Diet
Get yourself out of the sedentary lifestyle. Do some physical activity. Keep your environment clean. Pick up a hobby or a sport for yourself and engage your mind. It’s a good idea to go for a stroll after a meal this also gives a physical activity and helps you digest your meal. Ayurveda offers a vast array of herbal remedies to soothe anxiety.
Herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi have been used for centuries to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. Consuming a diet that is both appropriate and light promotes a tranquil state of mind. Incorporate light, and natural foods into your diet, along with the use of natural sweeteners. Nuts, coconut water, ginger, cardamom, basil, chamomile, mint, milk, legumes, yogurt, avocado, grapes, pumpkin seeds, mangoes, apricots, carrots, Leafy greens, parsley, and sunflower seeds are all known to have properties that can help alleviate mental stress.
Dealing with anxiety holistically requires a comprehensive approach that considers the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Osteopathy offer unique perspectives and treatment modalities beyond conventional methods. They can be valuable complementary therapies for managing and reducing anxiety holistically. Always consult with qualified practitioners when seeking holistic treatments for anxiety to ensure safety and effectiveness.
At Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital, we also offer online consultation support with our Ayurveda specialists to get the right guidance from the comfort of your home. Connect to our specialists and plan an individual path back to health.