Dealing With Stress The Ayurvedic Way

Adolescence is a crucial stage of development, but today's teenagers face many unique challenges which can impact their mental well-being. Things like social media, coping up with trends, body image, academic stress, and cultural expectations have contributed to rising cases of anxiety, depression, and even suicide among young people. Research also shows that mental health disorders have increased sharply in the past decade.

While there are modern medicines, and counselling, however, there also exists alternative therapies, mainly traditional therapies which have the capability to promote holistic well-being. Ayurveda is one such ancient Indian healing system, which provides natural remedies that may help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

The Growing Mental Health Crisis

Ayurveda focuses on balancing the mind and body. Some traditional treatments have been found to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support emotional health.

What can help with mental stress?

Shirodhara: Oil Therapy for stress

Shirodhara involves gently pouring warm herbal oil on the forehead, specifically on the "third eye" area. This calming therapy relaxes the nervous system. What it does:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improve concentration and emotional stability
• Enhance sleep quality

For teens, experiencing constant stress, sleeplessness, or overthinking, Shirodhara could help in promoting a sense of calm.

Abhyangam: Ayurvedic Massage

Massages are a great way to relax and relieve stress stored in different parts of your body, especially your neck, shoulders and your hip. Abhyangam is a rhythmic massage that uses warm herbal oils to wase muscle tension and improve circulation. Studies also suggest that this can

• Lower cortisol
• Enhance emotional resilience
• Reduce physical restlessness

Nasya: Clearing mind through nasal therapy

It involves administering medicinal oils through nasal passages, which can:

• Improve oxygen flow to the brain
• Relieve stress-related headaches and congestion
• Enhance mental clarity

Ayurvedic experts recommend this technique for people dealing with mental fog, emotional distress, and focus-related issues.

Stress in Ayurveda

As per the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, stress is called Sahasa in Ayurveda, which is a result of ojah ksaya, which means loss of immunity. It also increases the susceptibility to various diseases. Furthermore, a person's lifestyle is also what leads to stress. However, Ayurveda believes that stress too has two kinds, positive and negative, which is based on your energy, which are called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Depending on which one you may have to deal with, is how Ayurveda works on.

For Ayurvedic techniques to work, you also must align it with a supportive diet. Eating a balanced diet does not have to be a taxing task. It should be nourishing and grounding. Furthermore, Ayurveda highly believes in committing to a daily routine, to balance out excess stress.

A Holistic Approach

Supporting adolescent mental health requires a combination of modern and traditional treatments. By increasing awareness, offering accessible support, and embracing holistic therapies like Ayurveda, a more balanced approach to mental well-being can be created.

Integrating Ayurvedic practices with modern mental health care can help teenagers build emotional strength and stability, allowing them to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.