Ayurveda cannot quit your job for you (unless you change your career and become a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist like I am doing), take away all of the demands you have acquired or prevent the bottom from falling out of your life. What Ayurveda CAN do for you is give you the strength and stamina to be able to handle whatever inevitably comes your way.
We cannot have a conversation about Ayurveda without including the 3 Pillars of Life:
1. Proper Digestion- Our bodies are able to extract the nutrients and life energy from our food. The end result is production of ojas, a subtle energy that protects our body and mind from disease, a real stress repellant.
2. Sleep- Proper rest is essential for the body to use its energy for healing and repairing damage that accumulates during waking hours. If we do not receive enough sleep, the body cannot repair the damage caused by stress and strain.
3. Brahmacharya- There are many translations for this Sanskrit term, however “archarya” means, “not to wander away” and “Brahma” is God or the Divine.
Managing sexual energy is the most common interpretation. Sexual energy is the foundation for the production of ojas (that which protects the body and mind) The preservation of sexual energy is imperative to good health.
It is not surprising that rest is fundamental in dealing with stress especially from burnout. Rest allows the body to function at its maximum and balance of the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland releases numerous hormones that regulate inflammation, electrolyte balance, blood pressure and blood sugar. The “fight or flight” hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) are activated in physical or emotionally stressful situations when your body needs additional resources and energy to endure unusual strain. These functions are vital to proper functioning of the body and prevention of disease. Over activation of this system has been understood to be a contributing factor in many stress-related illnesses from arthritis, headaches to heart attacks and strokes.
Rest is accomplished by following basic Ayurveda principles of living that encourages peace of mind such as rituals and self care practices. Avoidance or limiting media, computers, cell phones that stimulate the senses or connect to the dramas of life. Meditation and gentle yoga practices play a huge role.
The diet should be designed to build ojas and normalize digestive function. Coffee and caffeine-containing beverages should be avoided as well as simple sugars.
Cooking with herbs called dipanas is used to regulate digestion and can relieve gas and other digestive disturbances. Examples of these herbs are ginger, cumin, fennel, and black pepper should be used in accordance to your specific constitution.
Rejuvenating herbs and restorative treatments can be added when digestion is functioning properly. Examples of rejuvenating herbs (also are prescribed in accordance with your specific constitution) are ashwagandha, shatavari, amalaki, and licorice root. Chyawanprash is a classic ayurvedic formulation cooked as a jam that is a mixture of honey, ghee, amalaki and various herbs and spices that builds ojas.
Many lovely sensory therapies are often utilized to build ojas such as massage or self massage (abhyanga) with oil, aromatherapy, color therapy and sound therapy. Essential oils that can increase ojas include lavender, rose, rosemary, saffon and sandalwood. Chromotherapy is the use of color for healing, these colors include gold and brown. Sensory therapies work more directly on the mind and on a subtle level. We are not only what we eat but also what we see, hear, smell and touch.
Emphasis is placed on designing a life that focuses on being more present, and self-aware. You will learn when you need to pause and give your nervous system a break before your breaking point. You will also have tools to build yourself back up if you miss the mark and become too overloaded. Ayurveda is just what the doctor ordered to live a harmonious life keeping stress at bay!