Anxiety

The Ayurvedic Way to Deal with Anxiety

Anxiety, though often overlooked, is a very serious problem.
For such a little word, it carries a lot of weight. And the conversations around anxiety can be confusing because while some may only experience it lightly, for others, it can have a struggling impact on their lives.
So, we need to ask ourselves this: Do we really understand what Anxiety is?

When some people speak of anxiety, more often than not, they refer to the feeling of being anxious, or dreading something in particular. For others, anxiety is a chronic condition that interferes with daily life. GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) is a serious condition that is experienced acutely and intensely.

Anxiety can affect one and all - young and old, children and adults. Whether it’s chronic or situational, Anxiety generally manifests in one or more of the following ways:

Restlessness
Inability to focus/concentrate
Racing thoughts
Thoughts of dread
Insomnia
Nausea
Trembling
Headaches
Rapid heart rate

And with one-third of Americans showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression, it can be easy to have anxiety even about our anxiety! It’s important to note that there are several manifestations and treatments for anxiety, many of which need clinical assistance. Today, let's take a look at how Ayurvedic practices can be incorporated into your regimen as a part of your self-care routine to help ease down the built-up feeling of anxiousness and to incite in you a blossoming feeling of wellness and bliss.

But first: WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY?

An Anxious Pace

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to what causes anxiety. But there are quite a few things that are proven to make anxiety worse. Let’s do a quick overview of what might trigger or fan the flames of anxiety:

Lack of sleep
Overwork
Constant attachment to our devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches)
Lack of exercise
Lack of proper nutrition
Environmental stressors like air pollution and noise pollution
An incessant stream of bad news
Chronic illness
Caffeine
Stress
Dehydration
Negative thoughts
Alcohol

It is important to note that the trigger for each of us may be different; one person’s anxiety trigger may have absolutely no effect on someone else. But for individuals struggling with anxiety, certain things are well-documented to make matters worse.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the anxious pace of our modern world and how it could be amplifying our anxiety:

Phone Usage

Many of us are tied to our mobile phones day and night. Sometimes our jobs or our families make it seem like life without constant phone-checking isn’t possible. But did you know that the average person checks their phone about a hundred times a day?! Excessive checking of anything promotes anxiety and worry. It places your body in a constant state of hyper vigilance.

Time away from your phone is essential. Creating boundaries around calls, messages, emails, and social media can help encourage balance in your mind and ease anxiety.

Bad News

While some of us can remember back to a time when there were “nightly news”, the news now comes at us in an endless, aggressive, disruptive stream. We can’t escape the negativity, violence, and hostility.
Or, can we?

It all goes back to setting healthy boundaries. The news does not need our immediate attention, no matter how much the media would like to convince us otherwise. Remember, social media and news agencies are sometimes playing into our anxieties. They are designed to create a false sense of urgency and stoke feelings of insecurity or even fear.

You can resist by establishing healthy boundaries around phone usage and news consumption. Also, reading print news can be healthier than watching or listening to news that’s delivered in a frantic or aggressive tone.

Caffeine

One of the most popular jokes of the age is one that hints at our inability to “do it all” and our reliance on caffeine to help us try. But at the heart of this joke is a hint of sadness. Why are we trying to do it all? And for those dealing with anxiety, is caffeine really the safest option?

Unfortunately, coffee and other caffeinated beverages can trigger or heighten anxiety, depending on the person. While coffee definitely has some health benefits, if we overdo it, we might be in trouble. Remember, caffeine is a stimulant. It increases the heart rate, and too much caffeine can make already anxious people feel even more restless and unsettled.

If you are an avid coffee-drinker, you can try experimenting with consuming less caffeine to see if it has any positive effect on your anxiety. It’s all about balance and equilibrium - not necessarily elimination.

No Exercise

One of the disadvantages of living at a frenzied pace is thinking there’s no time for exercise. As busy as we are, much of our activity takes place in front of a computer screen, in a car, or at a desk. While our brains might feel like they’re going a mile a minute, our bodies certainly are not.

Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle is not healthy for anyone, and that includes people with anxiety. But you don’t have to become a bodybuilder to improve your life. Modest, low-intensity exercise and movement can boost your mental state and curb anxiety. Even if you’re pressed for time, a ten-minute jog or yoga session can result in noteworthy improvements.

Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach to Anxiety

Ayurveda is an ancient system of wellness that was birthed in India over 5000 years ago. In fact, it’s considered the oldest system of holistic health on the planet!
Holistic (meaning whole-body) is the idea that balance between mind, body, and spirit is the ultimate goal. Therefore, Ayurveda doesn’t focus on treating one symptom here or one ailment there. It looks at the whole person and plans accordingly.

As you can see, a holistic approach to anxiety is a helpful one. Because anxiety affects mind, body, and spirit, why not seek changes and habits that promote balance and harmony in the entire being?

Ayurvedic Oils and Herbs

While there are many approaches to managing and easing anxiety, massage with Ayurvedic oils and herbs is one that stands out as superior. Just the act of Ayurvedic daily massage is a gesture that defies the hectic, frenzied pace of the world. It can be combined with reading, music, meditation, or still sacred, a few minutes of silence and peace.

Ayurvedic daily massage is called Abhyanga, and it isn’t complicated at all. It’s a simple, full-body massage with a warm oil. For best results, Abhyanga should be practiced daily as a regular part of your self-care routine. By participating in this loving act, you aren’t just soothing sore muscles and a restless mind, you are carving out a portion of time to pause, reflect, and breathe.

So, what is the best kind of oil for Abhyanga?

In Ayurveda, potent oils are thoughtfully crafted using only the best, all-natural ingredients. These oils are combined with herbs, essences, and fruit extracts that calm, ease, and nourish. Ayurvedic elixirs reject harsh toxins and chemicals in favor of clean, time-honored ingredients.

Below are some premium oils that can be used in Ayurvedic massage for anxiety.

iYURA Oils For a Soothing Massage

Morning or night, when you take the time for a full-body self-massage, you adopt a practice that’s both relaxing and uplifting. It’s a truly holistic act because it engages all of the senses and delivers multiple benefits to mind, body, and spirit.
Our rich portfolio of nourishing iYURA oils are created for face, scalp, hair, and body. It is our promise to you that Ayurvedic iYURA oils are always:

All-Natural
Free of chemicals
Not tested on animals (cruelty-free)
Free of binders and toxins

Here are some luxurious oils well suited for calming an anxious mind and body:

VYAM YOGA OIL

Whether or not you practice yoga, this velvety oil can be applied to your entire body as an act of loving self-care. Many in our Ayurveda community use this oil in the morning before starting their day or in the evening prior to bath and sleep. This silky-smooth oil softens your skin, soothes sore muscles and joints, even as its divine aroma uplifts your spirit, imbuing a sense of beautiful calm.

Key Ingredients:

Sesame oil
Yogurt
Licorice
Himalayan rock salt
Himalayan Cedar
Long Pepper
Leadwort

$32.30

Or read more about Vyam Yoga Oil here

See what people are saying about Vyam Yoga Oil:

I love to put that oil in the morning before yoga or even after. It has tremendously help...yoga or even other activities. When I wear it in the early morning before yoga it gives me that wake up push which is very welcome instead of laziness feelings. I also love the sensation and smell on my skin.

Cristina T.

Results may vary from person to person

Divine energy!
I love it! Vyam oil is now a part of my morning routine.This ritual vitalises me spiritually, mentally and physically. There is a noticeable increase in my energy levels and my state of mind is more positive. I feel alive, nurtured and nourished!! And my yoga practise had never been better. Please continue to make this amazing life changing oil available as I don’t think I’ll be able to live without it now I’ve tasted it’s divine magic!

Jacqueline W.

Results may vary from person to person

VYAM YOGA OIL

Key Ingredients:

Sesame oil
Yogurt
Licorice
Himalayan rock salt
Himalayan Cedar
Long Pepper
Leadwort

$32.30

Or read more about Vyam Yoga Oil here

See what people are saying about Vyam Yoga Oil:

I love to put that oil in the morning before yoga or even after. It has tremendously help...yoga or even other activities. When I wear it in the early morning before yoga it gives me that wake up push which is very welcome instead of laziness feelings. I also love the sensation and smell on my skin.

Cristina T.

Results may vary from person to person

Divine energy!
I love it! Vyam oil is now a part of my morning routine.This ritual vitalises me spiritually, mentally and physically. There is a noticeable increase in my energy levels and my state of mind is more positive. I feel alive, nurtured and nourished!! And my yoga practise had never been better. Please continue to make this amazing life changing oil available as I don’t think I’ll be able to live without it now I’ve tasted it’s divine magic!

Jacqueline W.

Results may vary from person to person

Nidradi Oil

Another oil that is super effective in calming an anxious mind is Nidradi Oil. It carries a blend of time-honored ingredients such as Licorice, Tender Coconut Water, Chamomile, and Blue Water Lily. In addition to moisturizing and hydrating your scalp and nourishing your hair, this soothing tonic will relax and calm you.
A pre-sleep oil, the silky, smooth Nidradi oil massaged thoughtfully into the scalp can do wonders for your scalp, hair, and mind!

Nidradi Slumber-Time Head-Massage Oil is wonderful for:

Relaxing, soothing scent
Velvety, luxurious massage for your scalp
Silky, moisturizing nourishment
Supports your hair’s shine and luster
Invigorates the senses

$34.00

Or read more about Nidradi Oil here

Nidradi Oil

Nidradi Slumber-Time Head-Massage Oil is wonderful for:

Relaxing, soothing scent
Velvety, luxurious massage for your scalp
Silky, moisturizing nourishment
Supports your hair’s shine and luster
Invigorates the senses

$34.00

Or read more about Nidradi Oil here

See what people are saying about Nidradi Oil:

This is by far the best product I have ever used on my hair and scalp! It is absolutely like being at the spa. The aroma is so relaxing and calming. My hair is in better shape than it has ever been. It is silky and healthy. Buy this! You won’t regret it. Worth every penny!!

Melissa D.

Results may vary from person to person

I used this oil on my scalp the night before washing my hair or at the forehead, temples and behind the ears before bedtime as a gentle massage. It relaxes me almost instantly and prepares me for a goodnight sleep. Really doing wonders in my quality of sleep. So happy for to have this oil now.

Cristina T.

Results may vary from person to person

See what people are saying about Nidradi Oil:

This is by far the best product I have ever used on my hair and scalp! It is absolutely like being at the spa. The aroma is so relaxing and calming. My hair is in better shape than it has ever been. It is silky and healthy. Buy this! You won’t regret it. Worth every penny!!

Melissa D.

Results may vary from person to person

I used this oil on my scalp the night before washing my hair or at the forehead, temples and behind the ears before bedtime as a gentle massage. It relaxes me almost instantly and prepares me for a goodnight sleep. Really doing wonders in my quality of sleep. So happy for to have this oil now.

Cristina T.

Results may vary from person to person

RUJAHARI OIL

Another superb oil for a relaxing Ayurvedic body massage is the herbaceous, body-loving Rujahari Oil. This stunning, sensational elixir includes around 46 powerful Ayurvedic ingredients.

In Sanskrit:
Ruja = suffering
Har = liberates

Rujahari Oil is a potent oil that’s specially crafted to ease a distressed mind, body, and spirit.

$47.60

Or read more about Rujahari Oil here

See what people are saying about Rujahari Oil:

Awesome product!
Rujahari Joint Oil - this product is truly awesome.My 80 year old mother, my husband and myself used it with great results. I used it first on my hand that had been hurting for over a week... I thought maybe it was a fluke or placebo effect, so I had my mom use it on her knee...I also had my husband try it on his ankle...!!!We love it and highly recommend it.

Michelle C.

Results may vary from person to person

I have been using Rujahari oil on my joints and some muscles every night for a few weeks.This has become a ritual I am looking forward to do before bedtime that honestly ... my joints feel rejuvenated... I can’t go without that oil anymore.It is so much more than an oil to rub. Thank you so much to bring that treasure to the world.

Cristina T.

Results may vary from person to person

See what people are saying about Rujahari Oil:

Awesome product!
Rujahari Joint Oil - this product is truly awesome.My 80 year old mother, my husband and myself used it with great results. I used it first on my hand that had been hurting for over a week... I thought maybe it was a fluke or placebo effect, so I had my mom use it on her knee...I also had my husband try it on his ankle...!!!We love it and highly recommend it.

Michelle C.

Results may vary from person to person

I have been using Rujahari oil on my joints and some muscles every night for a few weeks.This has become a ritual I am looking forward to do before bedtime that honestly ... my joints feel rejuvenated... I can’t go without that oil anymore.It is so much more than an oil to rub. Thank you so much to bring that treasure to the world.

Cristina T.

Results may vary from person to person

Embrace the Ayurveda Way of Life for a Truly Holistic Experience

While these massages can be a beautiful addition to your day and can help you calm and ease your mind in a really gratifying way, the Ayurveda Way of Life can do much more!

With results-oriented, habit-reforming steps, Ayurveda aims to help you deal with Anxiety, Chronic Stress, and Depression in a streamlined way - one that involves taking into account your everyday habits, diet, exercise, and so much more!

And to help you effectively and infallibly guide you through this journey of transformation, we have with us Dr. Akil Palanisamy - a Harvard-trained MD who specializes in the filed of Integrative Medicine.

Dr. Akil’s unique and effective approach of using Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine and his sophisticated, empathetic way of busting some of the commonly held misconceptions would make even a layman see reason by understanding the science behind it all.

Make your journey on the Ayurveda way of Life more seamless and fruitful, so that you can enjoy a better, healthier lifestyle, stronger immunity, and a holistic feeling of wellbeing.
Take the course, now!

Ayurveda - Chronic Stress - Anxiety - Depression (Digital) Educational Course The Ayurveda Experience

Ayurveda- Chronic Stress, Anxiety and Depression - DVD Set Experience Ayurveda

Ayurveda on Chronic Stress, Anxiety & Depression (Root Causes, Symptoms & Recovery)

A timely intervention to our busy, hustled lives, this course helps you take a pause to discover some unheard-of underlying causes of Chronic Stress, Anxiety and Depression, and address them naturally so you can keep stress-related disorders at bay and find the way to stay Happy, Upbeat and Energetic!
Purchase this program now and get a free PDF text companion and instant access to the entire course in HD Multimedia (which means that you can watch the course online on your desktop or mobile!)

Course Duration:1 hour 40 minutes

$39.95