Anxiety
Anxiety, which often is associated with insomnia and feelings of fear, is due primarily to aggravation of vata dosha in the nervous system. So to heal anxiety, we have to balance vata.
Here are several effective Ayurvedic remedies to pacify vata, heal anxiety and fear, and improve your sleep.
CALMING TEA. Make a tea of the following herbs:
tagar or valerian 1 part
musta 1 part
Steep ½ teaspoon of these herbs in 1 cup hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, and drink.
TIME TO SEE THE DOCTOR
Everyone experiences worry and anxiety from time to time. But if severe anxiety continues for a long time or becomes overwhelming and interferes with your social or occupational functioning, medical attention is required. Here are three reasons to see a doctor:
- You chronically experience severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pressure or pain, and dizziness, along with extreme worry and tension.
- You have panic attacks—short, unexplained periods of intense fear.
- You avoid people, places, or situations in order to avoid feeling anxious.
This formula effectively pacifies vata and reduces anxiety. You can drink this tea twice a day.
RELAXING BATH. A warm bath of ginger and baking soda will help you pacify anxiety. Use ⅓ cup ginger and ⅓ cup baking soda in a tubful of water. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
ALMOND MILK. Almond milk helps to eliminate anxiety. Soak about 10 raw (not toasted) almonds overnight in water. Peel off the skins, and put the almonds in the blender. Add 1 cup warm milk. While blending, add a pinch of ginger and a small pinch of nutmeg and saffron.
ORANGE JUICE. For anxiety accompanied by a fast heart rate, a cup of orange juice with 1 teaspoon of honey and a pinch of nutmeg powder can be effective.
CALMING PRESSURE POINT. Make a fist with your left hand, so that the fingers rest in the middle of the palm. Locate the point where the middle finger ends, in the “heart” of the palm. Then, with the thumb of your right hand, press firmly on this point in the center of your left hand. Press for 1 minute. This will calm down the agitation of prana, which causes anxiety.
Ayurvedic Oil Massage
Giving yourself a full-body oil massage will greatly help to reduce anxiety. Vatas should use sesame oil; pittas, sunflower or coconut oil; kaphas, corn oil. Use 6 or 7 ounces of warmed-up (not hot) oil, and rub it over your whole body from head to toes. Ordinarily this massage is done before the morning bath, but if you have high anxiety or insomnia, you can also do it before going to bed.
A minimassage is also effective: Using the appropriate oil for your constitution, rub some on your scalp and spend a few minutes rubbing the bottom of your feet.
RELAXATION POSE. Lie down on your back in the yoga posture known as savasana, the “Corpse” or Relaxation pose, arms by your sides.
MEDITATE TO RELAX. Sitting quietly, focus your attention on the top of your head while doing the So-Hum meditation (described in chapter 7).