Posts Tagged ‘depression’

Shake away your blues with Ayurveda

October 28th, 2010

Depression is a common term that we come across in the present day scenario. Some reach out to anti depressants to relieve them of their condition but these will leave behind a lot of side effects.  The traditional medicine of India -Ayurveda, has cures for many serious disorders that exists and depression is no exception. M. Hemdev gives some of the cures that this medicinal practice provides.

Ayurveda advocates yoga, massage and meditation, which increase “prana”or the energy of life.  A concoction of Ashwagandha and Brahmi powder steeped in water for 10 minutes and drunk twice or thrice a day is said to cure depression. Another natural remedy for depression, which is widely advocated, is drinking a “kasahayam” or tea made from the (Indian basil) tulsi and sage.  Massaging the body and head with herbal oil and then having a hot water bath does wonders for the body and mind. These have been practiced from time immemorial in India and are very popular forms of treatment. In fact there are actually parlors  which offer you this kind of massage.

Yoga exercises helps in the increase of circulation of oxygen in the system, helps the mind to relax, stretches the muscles and helps to restore the neurochemicals. Deep breathing exercises or “pranayama” help the body  and mind to relax. By focusing on calm and peaceful things, the mind tends to counter the negative energy, which is present.

Aromatherapy has gained popularity of late because of its ability to help the body to relax and revive the nervous system. Inhalation of some herbal oils like rose, jasmine, lime, and grapefruit is a natural remedy for depression. Acupuncture is said to be a great mood enhancer. Eight –10 weeks of acupuncture treatment culminates in mood elevation, which is very similar to the elevation got by the use of anti depressants. Last but not least, prayer is said to have the power to heal. Religious practices and religious beliefs could help the person to cope with depression. All these natural remedies for depression may be sufficient by themselves if depression is not very severe, but in severe cases it needs to be combined with medication.

Do’s and don’ts of stress control and spiritualty.

July 2nd, 2008

Erosion of potential is known as stress. Spirituality is the key. Selection of ‘Eustress’ over ‘Distress’ is known as stress management. Stress is the non-specific reaction of the external stimuli. If we take stress positively, it becomes Eustress and negative stress is called Distress. Concept of sound health depends on physical health, mental health, social health and spiritual health. Disharmony among the four components of human beings can lead to stress. Stress should be constructive to gain creativity.

Spiritual health is the key. We should take care of ourselves. We should be energetic. Our thoughts should be positive. We should eat balanced diet.  We should be vegetarians.  We should practice yoga and Ayurveda to be more agile and active. We need to stay alert. We should be speedy and learn new things. We should take risks and go for success. Blissful life is a positive way of complete well being. We should identify the stress signals and then these signals need to be lynched by us. Three types of signals are — physical and nervous signals, mood signals and behavioral signals. Stress gives us tension, depression, frustration, hostile attitude, pressure and that’s how we become hopeless and helpless.

Medicine is not the way to keep good health. we need to balance our emotions. to keep good health and get relief from stress we should follow some directions which are mentioned in WHO. We should aware of the influence around us– what we eat, what is our daily routine and how we sleep. Anxiety and pressure prevail as we ignore mental health. Mental fatigue makes man weak. Eight hours of sleep is must. Exercise, yoga, balanced diet, daily routine should be maintained.

Due to stress inner potential gets injured and energy level gets down. Unhealthy diet, unhealthy pattern, drug addiction, feeling of financial insecurity or illness in family creates stress problems. Lower compatibility level is one of the reasons of stress. We are progressing towards decay and stress is going to be the killer. Rhythm of life should be smooth. Burning out shows that the person has reached the critical stage. Physical health depends upon the activities we do. Do not get disheartened by small things in life.

Modernization and self-centered attitude lead to loneliness. Loneliness is the cause of disease. Socializing is one of the best qualities as it brings happiness, freshness and vitality. Being interactive, friendly and affectionate improves health. Life has turned mechanical. We should provide selfless service for the benefit of others. The concept of USA — ’Upasna’, ’Sadhna’ and ’Aradhna’ should be followed. Laugh as much as possible. Avoid feelings of jealousy, hatred, anger and frustration. Self confidence is the faith of God.

Failure in achieving set standard affects mental health. Stay away from guilt and be free from complexes. Mental well being depends on art of thinking. Negative thoughts lead to illness. Good thoughts nourish life. Meditation leads to mental health. Gayatri mantra gives light and energy. Being a social animal, we should learn the art of living in the society. All relationships are suffering; man has bought loneliness for itself. If you are always surrounded by good thoughts, you will be spiritually stronger and your mind will be always filled with good and high thinking. We need to know the level of our emotions in order to refine them.

Holistic health depends on spiritual health and positive thinking. Spirituality is immortal. Self-development, inner happiness and self-force give you growth. Spirituality is essential in your outlook. Spiritual health nourishes life. The one who comes out of this vicious circle is a true human being. Stress management is all about the selection of ’Eustress’ over ’Distress’.