COPING WITH STRESS: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE
Dr. Vrinda Kaknurkar*, Dr. Jayashree Tongaonkar** and Dr. Vikram Rajpurohit***
ABSTRACT
Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Stress is good when it is limited to anxiety or tension. However, beyond one’s comfort zone, stress stops being helpful and can start causing major damage to one’s mind and body. Ayurveda recognizes this stress as a sign of imbalance in one’s body. It alters the functions of mind and body through imbalance of Satva-Raja-Tama and vitiation of Vat–Pitta–Kapha respectively and thus prevents one from being able to cope with the situations that arise. Stress affects ‘the channel of mind’ Manovahastrotas, and ultimately affects mind or Man. Stress leads to an offence against wisdom (Pradnyaparadh) which is root cause of all diseases. There is no cure for cognitive, emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms of stress. However, getting control over them automatically cures physical signs and symptoms of stress. Ayurvedic treatment given in the form of oletion, gentle massage, oil flow and oil pad on head, application of oil in ear or nostrils pacifies vitiated Vata and prevents one from landing in many serious health issues. Additionally One’s support network, regular exercise and healthy diet and practicing Pranayama helps one to build strength of mind, senses and soul. Optimistic attitude, accepting the change in life, knowing one’s stress full situation including how long it would last and affect one’s life is what one need to gain by getting treatment and that is what is called coping with stress.
Keywords: coping with stress, ayurveda, vata, pitta, kapha, satva, raja, tama.
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