Anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent worry or fear that interferes with daily activities.
It’s the most common mental disorder and affects about 30 percent of adults at some point in their lives.
The risk factors for Anxiety include:
· Genetics- having a family history of Anxiety
· Environmental stressors – adverse life events, childhood trauma, natural disaster, family environment, etc.
· Brain chemistry – imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, epinephrine, etc.
· Personality traits – a shy personality is more prone to Anxiety
It’s a complex disorder, and all the above factors interact with one another to produce Anxiety. Most of the symptoms are caused by the sympathetic nervous system.
A holistic approach to Anxiety treatment:
Anxiety has been referred to as ‘Autsukya’ in Ayurveda. ‘Arati’ or restlessness has been mentioned as a symptom of anxiety.
Vata dosha, or air element, is mainly responsible for anxiety. It represents an increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
This dosha is controlled by a multi-pronged approach, which includes:
· Herbs
· Diet and lifestyle modifications
Panchakarma therapies
Panchakarma is a set of five cleansing therapies in Ayurveda.
At Himveda, we have successfully treated anxiety and depression using Panchakarma therapies.
Melancholy is derived from the Latin words ‘mela,’ meaning black, and chole,’ meaning bile. Black and congested bile is responsible for a chronic pensive mood.
The processes of Virechana and Vamana remove dirty bile from the system, and then the body regenerates fresh bile. This is like giving a car fresh engine oil. It results in a fresh mood and removes symptoms associated with anxiety.
Basti treatment works in an entirely different manner. It works on the gut-brain to produce increased quantities of happy hormones like serotonin. Animal studies have shown that the happy hormones are stored in platelets for future use, hence the long-lasting effect of these therapies. We have seen smiles appear on patients’ faces right on the therapy table after many years.
Nasya involves putting specially prepared oils in the nose. Oils have the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach deep inside the brain. Here, it works on decongesting the brain lymphatics, which is known as glymphatics. The clogged lymph is responsible for low mood, brain fog, etc.
In Shirodhara, a continuous stream of oil is poured on the forehead. It has a calming effect on the mind by reducing stress hormones like cortisol. It also works by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce mood-balancing hormones.
So, a combination of the above therapies goes a long way in alleviating anxiety.
Herbs
Herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi clean the lymphatic channels in the brain, boost neurotransmitters, and reduce stress hormones like cortisol, supporting mood and cognitive function.
Unlike chemical medicines, these herbs are non-stimulating. The stimulating chemical medicines eventually tire out the brain neurons.
Unlike raw herbs, Ghee can reach deep parts of the brain. At Himveda, we make special ghee for psychiatric illnesses. Herbs like Brahmi are cooked in raw ghee sourced from the Himalayan cows. This ghee takes the herbs much deeper and is a boon for calming Vata in an anxious mind.
Diet and lifestyle
Following the underlying principles is important to benefit from the therapies and herbal treatments.
· Identifying the triggers and then working to avoid those triggers that worsen the symptoms.
· Having a routine in all aspects of life. Routine brings about a sense of stability and grounding, which Vata generally lacks.
· Following an Ayurvedic vata pacifying diet includes eating warm, cooked, nourishing foods like ghee and milk instead of cold, raw, detoxifying foods and fasting and deep-fried foods. Water should be drunk warm.
· Making sure to have a deep sleep
· Practicing stress management techniques like Meditation, Pranayama, gentle grounding Yoga
· Following an exercise schedule that is muscle-strengthening yet gentle. It should not take a toll on joints and muscles.
A combination of the above methods and principles goes a long way in alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood-related disorders.
