Stress, the silent killer

by Ayurveda Admin

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Is stress good or bad?

Stress is good (eustress) if one properly copes with the demand (stressors). It helps to improve performance and efficiency be it at work or in life. It also makes one more alert about the activities indulged in, bringing out satisfaction, excitement and fun while at work.

Stress is bad (distress), if one is not able to cope with the demands(stressors) one faces due to the limited physical, mental and emotional resources.

How distress affects the body?

Chronic unmanaged stress results in chronic illnesses at various levels leading to physical, mental and emotional disorders.

As per Marma Ayurveda, the chronic stress vitiates all the doshas (basic functional units). Vitiated doshas slowly affect the normal functions of the tissues and the organs. It also slows down the metabolic activities resulting in the formation of aama (metabolic toxins) in the tissues and organs. Later, this leads to lack of immunity, various disorders in the organs and infectious diseases.

Types of stress disorders

Stress can manifest in the various organ systems of our body.

Cardiovascular system

The accumulation of aama (plaque) in the coronary artery can produce ischemic heart disease. It also increases heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

Immune system

Reduced metabolism and accumulation of toxins reduce the immunity of the body. This leads to various infections and organic disorders.

Digestive system

Agni (digestive fire) reduces due to chronic stress. It creates acid reflux, heart burn, stomach ache, loose bowels or constipation.

Respiratory system

Heavy breathing increases the oxygen supply to meet the demands of the body.

Muscular system

Chronic stress tightens the muscles to protect them. This leads to chronic headache, cramps, stiff neck and body ache.

Sex and reproduction

Men develop impotency due to loss of sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, oligospermia. This increases the risk of infection in the prostrateglands and in the testicles. In women, it affects the menstural cycle which becomes irregular, painful and they also experience heavy periods.

Nervous system and endocrine system

Chronic stress ends up in anxiety or depression. It increases the production of emergency hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This increases the blood pressure and the heart rate.

Ayurveda management

Avoid causative factors(stressors).

Vatashamana therapies (relaxation therapy) like shirodhara, abhyangam, shirovastican be practiced etc.

Detoxification or panchakarma therapies should be practiced.

Perform marma yoga therapy.

Practice satsanga and counselling

Indulge in satvavajaya treatments

Regimens

Avoid tea, coffee and aerated drinks.

Avoid sour, salty and spicy food

Drink plenty of water

Protect yourself from the direct rays of the sun