Stress from an Ayurvedic perspective

How omnipresent stress throws us off balance

In the history of evolution, we found ourselves in a stressful situation when we saw ourselves in danger, had to flee from an enemy or wild animal, or had to attack. Nowadays, we experience stress when we are overwhelmed by our daily tasks. Pressure to succeed at work, the desire to perfectly juggle work, household and children and to have a great relationship, high expectations of ourselves and our appearance - stress is our constant companion.

Ayurveda distinguishes between three types of stress

• We experience physical stress through various diets that make us hungry and put our organism in an emergency situation. Other physical stressors can be medication, restless and insufficient sleep, toxic environmental factors, excessive exercise, but also stimulants such as coffee, cigarettes and alcohol. It is almost unbelievable that every cup of coffee puts us into a stress mode that has an enormous impact on our metabolic processes.

• Mental stress occurs when we fear for our existence, have relationship problems or fear of failure, or are under pressure at work.

• Emotional stress happens to us when we have not processed certain traumas, when we feel alone, when we feel guilty, when we cannot satisfy certain needs and when we doubt ourselves.

What does stress mean for the body?

The adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenaline in stress mode. The hormone cortisol regulates fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, influences the production of thyroid hormones and the function of our reproductive system. Cortisol is a storage hormone. In stressful situations, it stores fat in our cells and at the same time needs a lot of new energy in the form of food, which can lead to cravings and obesity. Glucose (sugar) is pumped into our muscles and brain via the blood. The blood reduces in our organs, especially in the digestive and reproductive organs. Blood pressure and blood sugar levels rise as long as the "dangerous" stress situation continues. After that, we return to relaxation mode with the help of the autonomic nervous system.

Stress explained in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, stress means that we are out of balance on a physical and mental level. Our health and well-being suffer as a result. 80 percent of illnesses are attributed to stress as the cause. Stress causes our bio-energies (doshas) to become unbalanced. The result: complaints such as hormonal imbalances, obesity, diabetes, sleep disorders, depression, skin diseases, cardio-vascular diseases, depression, digestive problems and chronic diseases.

How the three doshas deal with stress

Stress generally increases the Vata and Pitta dosha. People who generally have a lot of Vata in their constitution are therefore particularly susceptible to stress. Even the slightest exertion, challenge or irregularity throws them off balance. Vata reacts strongly to an overload of sensory organs. The development of new media promotes this stress, but it is difficult to avoid these days. Vata quickly feels overwhelmed and cannot cope with a lot of stress. They can no longer think clearly, become restless, chaotic, doubt themselves, complain and only want one thing - to escape from the difficult situation. Vata constitutions tend to develop complaints such as anxiety, panic attacks, inner restlessness, depression, hyperactivity, migraines, sleep disorders and complaints in the musculoskeletal system.

Pitta types initially give the impression that they can handle stress well. They are performance-oriented, strive for success and recognition, and like to compete. However, Pitta puts itself under pressure, wants to deliver perfectly, and goes into attack mode in stressful situations. Pitta constitutions get angry when something doesn't work, get into heated discussions, and react strongly on an emotional level with anger and rage. Pitta people are very responsible, stand up for themselves, and fight against stress until nothing else works. This is then referred to as a typical burnout syndrome. Symptoms such as high blood pressure, inflammatory skin diseases, stomach and intestinal problems such as heartburn, diarrhea, and hyperacidity can arise.

People with a lot of Kapha in their constitution are naturally calm, thoughtful and act slowly. Nothing can upset them so quickly. They are the most resistant to stress of all three constitutional types. Kapha stands for harmony, solidarity, charity and growth. Kapha people can handle pressure and hecticness very well. However, stressful situations can force them into a state of paralysis. They often withdraw, build a wall around themselves and feel paralyzed. Stressed Kapha types retreat, make no progress and resign themselves. Physical and mental complaints such as listlessness, obesity, depression and respiratory diseases are the result.

Type-appropriate nutrition, spices and medicinal plants

In Ayurveda therapy, stress is treated according to the constitution. The aim is to bring the individual bioenergies (doshas) back into balance. A diet appropriate to the type and the targeted use of spices are the most important tools in Ayurvedic medicine to balance physical and mental imbalances. This strengthens the digestive power and the body has sufficient prana (energy) available again. Ayurveda also uses medicinal plants that work on a physical and psycho-mental level. Oil massages, yoga exercises, meditation and breathing techniques are also recommended to specifically reduce and prevent stress.

• Ashwaghanda – the anti-stress plant
  The powder from the Ashwaghanda root has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is one of the rejuvenating medicinal plants at the cellular level, especially for the muscles and bone marrow. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine for weakness, tissue deficiencies, exhaustion, overload and stress. Due to its clarifying and nourishing effect, it is one of the most important plants for the mind. Ashwaghanda has a Vata and Kapha reducing effect.

• Brahmi (Navel herb)
  The Brahmi plant has a balancing effect on the mind and promotes the regeneration of the central nervous system. In Ayurvedic medicine, Brahmi is used to treat depressive moods, inner tension and concentration problems. It has Vata and Kapha reducing qualities.

• Lemon balm
  Lemon balm is also often used as a natural medicinal herb in this country. Its essential oils have a calming and anti-anxiety effect.

• Gotu-Kola
  According to Ayurveda, Indian pennywort promises memory-enhancing, mood-enhancing, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.

• Triphala
  Triphala, the combination of Amalaki, Haritaki, Bibhitaki, supports digestion, detoxification and has a mild laxative effect.