ayurveda for an anxious mind
Fear, uncertainty, worry, busy, repetitive mind are familiar mental territory for many of us. From an Ayurvedic lens, we understand this family of emotions as an outcome of increased Vata dosha affecting the mind. Vata, the constitutional combination of air and ether elements, is marked by dry, light, rough, cold, subtle, mobile, and clear qualities.
In times of uncertainty and high levels of stress, Vata can increase, causing us to experience our minds as more anxious than our personal mental baseline. We may notice shorter, quicker breath; trouble getting to or staying asleep; irregular digestion and elimination; a sense of being cold, trembling, or being ungrounded. Yoga & Ayurveda don’t view body and mind as separate entities, so working to decrease Vata in times of anxiety will have a physical as well as a mental/emotional benefit.
While there are innumerable Vata pacifying practices, there are a few powerhouse practices that I like to use when anxiety is high.
Shift your breath
Breath techniques that lengthen exhale are calming and quieting for Vata, and therefore an anxious mind. Traditionally, we might shift the breath ratio to one where the breath is twice as long as inhale, or a 1:2 ratio. So you would inhale 3 counts and exhale 6, or inhale 4 and exhale 8, etc. Simple diaphragmatic breath can be shifted this way, as can alternate nostril breath or nadi shodhana. Buzzing Bee, or brahmari, is especially potent for anxiety as well.
Our favorite breath practices can be found here.
Use oil
Where Vata is dry, light, rough, cold, and subtle; oil is lubricating, heavy, smooth, warming, and substantive - all of the therapeutic opposites of Vata dosha. When applied to the body regularly as a part of daily oil massage, or abhyanga, the qualities of the oil are integrated by the body, decreasing Vata and thereby decreasing our level of anxiety. Ayurvedic oil massage is beyond a moisturization technique; the oil and the herbs that Ayurvedic massage oils contain are transported via the dermis into the deeper tissues, including the nervous system.
Receive support from herbs
During times of high stress, we may be using practices of Yoga & Ayurveda, and still find a level of anxiety present. This is a lovely time to access herbal support. There are many Ayurvedic herbs that when alchemized in formulation create potent support for an anxious mind.
We use these Vata pacifying and mind-calming herbs in our Vata Root Down Tea and Sereni-Tea formulations.
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When it come to an anxious mind there’s so much help to be had using the tools of yoga & ayurveda. Try these Vata pacifying practices and let me know what you notice in the comments below. Know someone who could use this information? Share this article with them!
And please remember… Ayurveda takes an individualized approach to wellness, if you need support putting together a personalized plan consider an Ayurvedic consultation. Having an ally focused on your health and helping you to craft a personalized diet, lifestyle, and yoga routine is so supportive to body AND mind.
Ayurvedic Supports for Anxiety from the Apothecary
vata root down tea
Root Down Tea is formulated to counter the light, dry, airy qualities of Vata Dosha. When you need to feel grounded, present, and steady of mind brew a daily cup of Root Down. This blend contains Ayurvedic Herbs that support the nervous system, strength of digestion, and the adrenals.
Boil 2-4 tsp for 10-20 minutes and strain. Add milk/mylk and sugar for an extra cozy cup. If adding milk, be sure to boil for an additional minute or two. Do not boil mylk.
In a pinch, steep 1-2tsp in hot water for 10 minutes.
pitta cool refresh tea
When Pitta get overheated and cranky, Cool Refresh is a lovely support. Cooling, blood nourishing, and a little sweet - this blend makes a Pitta pacifying and delicious cup.
Steep 2-4 tsp in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Let cool completely (for most effectiveness), or drink warm.
Alternatively, brew at room temperature or under the light of the moon for 8-12 hours. Discard herbs and refrigerate.
kapha bright fire tea
Bright Fire tea is a warming antidote to slow, sluggish Kapha-type digestive fire. A cup of this tea 20-30 minutes before a meal supports strong digestion, and lessens the physical accumulations Kapha brings.
Boil 1-2 tsp in water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and enjoy! In a pinch, try steeping 1-2 tsp in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
2oz + 5oz
Nourishing Tailam is a traditional preparation, pacifying to Vata and Pitta, supportive to those experiencing stress, depletion, insomnia, issues of the mind (which we know as Vata imbalances), menstrual issues, and male reproductive issues.
Tailam means "oil" in sanskrit, and Nourishing Tailam is part of a new series of classical, Ayurvedic oil preparations we are offering at the Ayurvedic Wellness Center. This oil is appropriate for whole body abhyanga as well as massaging crown, ears, and feet with before bed.
It is rejuvenating, nourishing to the senses, life-giving, and building in nature. And because of the specific way in which this oil is prepared, it absorbs into the skin quickly, minimizing any residue on the skin!
4oz/16oz
Āyurveda understands stress, worry, fear, and anxiety as symptoms of elevated Vata dosha. This formula synergies Āyurvedic herbs that pacify Vata, soothe the nervous system, and calm the mind. Ashvagandha, Bacopa, and Shankhapushpi are accompanied by warming digestive spices to support grounding and steadiness.
Ashwagandha is a Vata reducing nervine that bolsters the nervous systems.
Shankhapushpi calms Vata tendencies in the mind, and is a soothing rejuvantive.
Brahmi/Bacopa rejuvenates the nervous system, and supports Sadhaka Āgni, the aspect of digestive fire that is responsible for mental/emotional digestion.
*For client reorder only.
2.5oz
When Vata is high, and a warming, earthy blend is just what your doshic imbalance needs.
This calming, herbaceous blend contains some of our favorite Āyurvedic scents... Jatamamsi acts as a soothing balm for the nervous system, Frankincense clears the field, Tulsi (Holy Basil) nourishes the heart, and Cedarwood grounds.
Use as a centering daily wear scent, or keep in your bag for those stressful moments and let your olfactory sense (which is connected to the earth element) recenter you.
8ml
Grounding Tailam is a traditional formulation that pacifies Vata dosha across all tissue systems. It’s warming, nourishing, and grounding, and there is a weight to this oil which soothes the nervous system. And because of the exacting traditional preparation of this oil, it absorbs into the skin quickly and deeply, minimizing any residue on the skin!
Tailam means "oil" in Sanskrit, and Grounding Tailam is part of a new series of classical, Āyurvedic oil preparations we are offering at the Ayurvedic Wellness Center. This oil is appropriate for whole body abhyanga as well as massaging crown, ears, and feet with before bed.
This oil is a great option for those who are already using the Vata Daily Doshic Massage Oil and would like to try something in a more traditional preparation.
4oz/16oz
Deepen your pose by adding weight to your practice.
*This item is available for in-store pickup only.
