In This Guide
Prashanti: The Art of Mental Peace
Anxiety is described in Ayurveda as Chittodvega. It is excessive movement (Vata) in the mind (Manas). The cure lies in stability and grounding.
The 3 Gunas of the Mind
Just as the body has Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), the mind has Gunas:
1. Sattva
Clarity, Balance, Peace.
This is the ideal state.
2. Rajas
Activity, Passion, Restlessness.
Stress is excess Rajas.
3. Tamas
Inertia, Dullness, Depression.
Lack of motivation.
Ayurvedic therapy aims to increase one's Sattva to overcome Rajas and Tamas.
Dr. Arti
B.A.M.S.
The Vata-Anxiety Loop
Top 4 Brain Tonics (Medhya Rasayana)
Nature has provided specific herbs that cross the blood-brain barrier to nourish neurons.
1. Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)
The "Herb of Grace". It improves communication between brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). It cools the head and improves concentration.
2. Ashwagandha
The ultimate adaptogen. It regulates the HPA axis (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal), stopping your body from panic-reacting to every small stressor.
3. Jatamansi (Spikenard)
A hairy root that looks like an ascetic's hair. It increases serotonin and taurine levels, acting as a natural anti-depressant without sedative side effects.
4. Shankhpushpi
Enhances cognitive function (Medha) and reduces mental fatigue. It helps you retain what you read.
"I was having panic attacks before every meeting. The doctor suggested 'Shirodhara' and Brahmi pearls. The racing heart beat stopped within 10 days. I feel grounded now."
Key Result
Calm & Focused
Holistic Therapies
Shirodhara
The pouring of warm medicated oil on the "Third Eye" point (forehead) in a continuous stream.
Mechanism: It synchronizes alpha brain waves, inducing a "Turiya" state—deep alertness combined with deep rest. It creates a profound sense of safety.
The Breath-Brain Link
Anulom Vilom
Alternate Nostril Breathing. Balances the Left Brain (Logical) and Right Brain (Emotional).
Duration: 10 mins daily.
Bhramari
Humming Bee Breath. The vibration stimulates the Vagus nerve, switching off the "Fight or Flight" mode.
Duration: 5-7 rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does diet affect mental health?
Yes. Stale, processed, and meat-heavy (Tamasic) foods dull the mind. Spicy, coffee-heavy (Rajasic) foods agitate it. Fresh, vegetarian, sweet fruits (Sattvic) calm it.
Q: Can I combine these herbs with anti-depressants?
Consult a doctor. Herbs like St. John's Wort or large doses of Brahmi can interact with SSRIs. Always keep a 2-hour gap and monitor effects.
Q: How to stop overthinking?
Overthinking is Vata. Grounding is key. Walking bare feet on grass (Earthing) or eating warm, heavy foods (Root vegetables, Ghee) helps ground flighty thoughts.
Peace is Your Nature
Stress is an acquired habit. Peace is your factory setting. Use Ayurveda to do a factory reset.
Scientific References & Sources
- Efficacy of Brahmi in memory and anxietyView Study
- Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) in stress managementView Study
Disclaimer: This content is medically reviewed by Dr. Arti (BAMS) but should not replace professional medical advice.