Anxiety is an excess of the Vata dosha, which is a combination of the universal elements of ether (space) and air (all movement) qualities. It has the energies of being cool, dry, light, and erratic.
When Vata is out of balance, there can be erratic digestion with dry symptoms such as burping, bloating, constipation, dry skin, hair, and brittle nails. It can also feel mentally and emotionally unsettled, making it difficult to focus, leading to instability that results in worry, stress, and anxiety.
Balance can be achieved by incorporating opposing actions from nature along with warm, heavy, nourishing, and grounding practices. These practices include foods, herbs, yoga, body therapies, and spiritual activities to foster focus and rejuvenation.
Ayurvedic practitioners tailor programs individually for each case; however, here are some fundamental practices to consider.
The first consideration is establishing a daily routine (Dinacharya) that promotes regularity. Observing nature, you will notice that most plants and animals follow a daily rhythm. However, with the advent of electricity, humans have strayed from this habit due to constant connectivity and overstimulation, which creates an imbalance for many. Fundamentally, we all benefit from regularity, which alleviates anxiety and fosters groundedness, stability, calmness, and a spiritual and introspective path.
Some of the holistic practices that can be introduced are:
Establish consistent times for going to bed and waking up.
Find a realistic schedule for three daily meals and avoid snacking.
Explore mindful practices like meditation and be in nature by visiting the ocean or hiking.
Develop a pranayama practice to promote balance in the mind.
Investigate more spiritual and rejuvenating yoga practices such as Iyengar or Yin.
Ayurvedic therapies that help with anxiety include abhyanga (oil massage), marma points (energetic pressure points), and nasya (nasal oil) which establish balance and calmness.
To help you achieve restful sleep, create a “Wind Down Scenario” using holistic practices such as soothing herbal tea, pranayama, body oiling, and ginger baking soda baths.
Design a daily exercise program that aligns with your lifestyle and constitution.
Finding regularity in maintaining a balanced and nourishing diet can be overwhelming and time-consuming, but cultivating continuity with warm, wet, and grounding foods creates stability.
Introduce balancing herbal formulas with the guidance of a practitioner or herbalist.
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