According to Ayurveda, stress is closely related to three vital energies, or doshas, in our body – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The extent of negative stress differs on the proper balance of these doshas. To maintain good health and have less stress, it’s important to fine-tune these doshas to be in complete balance. Moreover, every person has one of these dominant doshas in them that defines their personality.

These doshas are the key to understanding the triggers behind your stress and adopting the right stress management skills to fight them. 

Vata – This energy is all about quick thinking, creativity, innovation, and intuition. If this is the dominant dosha in you, then you may be prone to life changes that can make you feel anxious or panicked. An increase in this dosha will manifest itself through fear, anxiety, insomnia, isolation, etc.

Pitta – This energy can be described as determined, intelligent, competitive, and confident. It can be manifested through irritability, frustration, and anger. The symptoms of triggers in Pitta can include sweating, heartburn, diarrhea, and hypertension.

Kapha – This energy is known for being strong, steady, reliable, and rooted. Kapha-dominant people can be resistant to change and are less flexible and more stubborn in uncomfortable situations which can create stress. The stress can be manifested through comfort eating, lack of motivation, tiredness, etc.

Ayurveda’s approach to stress and pain management:

There are several ways to manage stress through Ayurveda therapies and some of them are: 

• Swedana (Loosening of toxins through herbal steam therapy).
• Abhyanga (Body rejuvenation through warm oil massage).
• Pizhichil (Muscular toning through oil bath).
• Shirodhara (Nervous destressing through a rhythmic flow of medicated oil on the forehead).
• Shirovasthi (Nervous rejuvenation through medicated oils that are retained on the head using an elongated cap).
• Thalam (Nervous relaxation through herbal decoctions applied to the crown of the head).
• Thalapothichil (Nourishment to nervous tissue by application of medicated paste on the head).
• Njavarkizhi (Stress relief through full-body massage with medicinal rice gruel contained in a pouch).
• Elakizhi (Therapeutic massaging with warm pouches containing herbs).

Elakizhi

Elakizhi, where Ela means leaf and Kizhi means bundle, is a massage treatment, hailing from the ancient traditions of Ayurveda, in which medicinal leaves are used to tackle arthritis, joint pain, muscle cramps, and stress. This treatment is especially recommended for inflammatory conditions of bones & joints, chronic back pain, spondylitis, and sports injuries. Mixed Herbal leaves are used for this treatment. Herbs are cleaned, dried, and powdered prior to the treatment. These are then tied into a bolus using a suitable cloth. Medicated oil will be applied over the body as per the individual conditions or as advised by the physician. The herbal powder bolus is heated in medicated oil and applied over the body or affected area in soft punches. It removes the toxins from the circulatory system, clearing the channels, and imparting blood circulation. It is beneficial in inflammations of spinal muscles and found to be effective in certain low backaches, cervical spondylitis, and frozen shoulder.

Indian Ayurvedic Head Massage

An Indian Head Massage is one that focuses on providing balance to the body, through its relaxation techniques done to the head, shoulders, face, neck, and upper back. The Indian Head Massage also helps with blood circulation, and healthy hair growth and is usually performed in upward movements. Head Massage stimulates and improves lymphatic drainage and blood flow to the neck thus helping to remove waste products from the body. Using ayurvedic oils are helps to cool the head.

Dry Floatation Massage with Jets

The flotation experience – floating in your clothes – feeling weightless and warm with jet massage, is an ideal way to relax after a strenuous day or prepare you for the exercise to come. To enhance the experience, you will receive a scalp massage to soothe or invigorate. It’s like physical dreaming. Unlike floating in the ocean or pool, where you need to contribute physically to stay afloat, this treatment allows you complete weightless relaxation. Some flotation treatments include other aspects to indulge your senses as well: lights, sounds, and variations in temperature all help to make this a full-body experience that should ooze into your whole consciousness.

Reflexology with Foot Treatment

Foot reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflex points on the feet that correspond to every organ, gland, and part of the body. For example, the toes represent the head, and the ball of the foot represents the chest and lung region. The treatment will then begin with some general relaxation techniques, followed by a precise thumb and finger-walking technique aimed at applying pressure to every reflex area on the top and bottom of the foot. The feet’s are exfoliated by special scrub which helps to improve the texture of the skin and keep the moisture, it will indeed relax you, but will aim to increase circulation throughout your body to ease any conditions or problems in your body. Since reflexology foot massages only deals with your feet, you’re able to stay fully clothed the entire time!

Shirodhara

Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice performed in India for over 5,000 years. The word Shirodhara consists of two words: Shiro, meaning head, and dhara which means flow. Together they form a concept that aims to bring physical and emotional balance by rejuvenating the spirit and preserving health. This is achieved through a relaxing technique in which warmed oil is poured over a patient’s forehead for the desired period. Shirodhara is a form of Ayurveda therapy that involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead and can be one of the steps involved in Panchakarma. The liquids used in Shirodhara depend on what is being treated, but can include oil, milk, and buttermilk. Shirodhara has been used to treat a variety of conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, graying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, Meniere’s disease and certain types of scalp diseases like psoriasis.

Chakra Balancing Head Massage

Chakra Balancing Head Massage is a seated massage based on the ancient ayurvedic system of healing. The treatment will last for 45 minutes and, if it is your first time, the session includes a brief consultation (5-10 minutes) to ensure the treatment is tailored to your needs. A typical Indian Head Massage starts with the upper back and neck working deeply over the muscles and pressure points to encourage the muscles to relax and free up the energy flow around the head. The practitioner then moves into scalp massage, where further massage techniques are used to revive this whole area, improving circulation and the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. The effect of this increase’s energy flow, helps stimulate hair growth and improves concentration. A variety of pressures and techniques are used to relieve stress and tension in the upper back, shoulders, neck, upper arms and scalp, finishing with a soothing face massage and mini chakra balancing treatment, including drainage techniques to alleviate any tendency towards headaches and sinus problems.