Nourishing The Brain

How To Reduce Stress & Improve The Sense Of Wellbeing

How To Reduce Stress 
There is no event in life which is intrinsically stressful. However, stress by which we mean psychological stress may not be any more “real” than any other thought within the mind. Likewise, not all stress is considered equal and not all stress need be harmful. For example, it’s only natural to feel the excitement about an upcoming event [i.e. your wedding] while at the same time feel nervous. Interestingly, this motivated yet stressful state of the mind is sometimes referred to as eustress, or “good stress” which may be beneficial for meaningful and purposeful action. However, if this state of stress or heightened state of arousal goes unchecked - we often can feel stressed out!

“Wherever a thought goes, a chemical goes with it.”
- Deepak Chopra

Tulsi - The #1 Ayurvedic Herb For Stress By David Wolfe

Tulsi
Tulsi, also known as "Holy Basil," has been used by many cultures around the world for thousands of years. Described in the Vedas as the most sacred holy plant of India, it was traditionally used in religious ceremonies, ayurvedic formulas, and called "the wonder herb".

Ojas - The Chemical Of Bliss
According to Ayurveda, ojas is referred to as the source of vitality, immunity and provides the sense of well-being. Having strong ojas helps maintain optimum health and many diet and lifestyle factors can contribute to either depleting or nourishing one’s ojas. Low ojas and low immunity result from the same cause; excess physical and psychological stress. It is well established that the brain is the center for interpreting and integrating perception and that the autonomic nervous system modulates the stress response. Modern science also recognizes that chronic stress can cause cumulative effects of neural, endocrine, and immune stress mediators which may have adverse effects on various organ systems resulting in adverse health consequences.

Blissful Joy
Blissful Joy nourishes the mind-body connection by helping to remove toxins that make you feel dull or sad, by supporting the memory of bliss in your cells, and by helping to balance hormones that govern emotions. The result is a renewed feeling of energy and happiness — and an overall sense of well-being. Situations that used to cause stress will be easier to handle. You’ll find yourself responding to life’s challenges — big and small — with a new outlook.

"Too Blessed To Be Stressed" - Bliss

Calming The Restless Mind
Research strongly suggests that people who suffer from “hurry-sickness” which is the anxious feeling of always rushing as if there’s never enough time may be more likely to develop health related problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. According to Ayurveda, this sense of worry and stress arises because we lose connection with our true nature and innermost needs. The wisdom of Ayurveda states that once your body, mind, and heart all want the same things, a natural state of bliss and sense of wellbeing occurs spontaneously.

The Body
On the physical level, stress can generate free radicals. Free radicals are reactive, unstable, and damaging which can disrupt normal cellular activity. For example, free radicals can wreak havoc on the brain, nervous system, heart, and overall immunity. This stresses the importance and benefit of antioxidants!!

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Amrit Kalash Ambrosia
Traditional ayurvedic formula of 13 herbs that supports the health of mind, brain, and nerves; increases vitality and inner strength; powerful antioxidant — research shows it to be up to 1,000 times more effective than vitamins C and E.

The Mind
The science of Ayurveda speaks of vata as being the basis of all movement of the body and mind. When vata is in excess [within the mind] it can result in anxiety, nervousness, depression, insomnia and many other forms of difficulty handling stress. With nearly eighty percent of all diseases in the west being attributed to stress, it is no wonder why Shirodhara has been considered one of the most popular Ayurvedic treatments of modern day.

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Sweet, soothing choice to help restore balance quickly whenever life gets too hectic.

Stress Free Mind
Supports natural resistance to daily mental stress and fatigue; promotes peace, stability, and calmness under pressure.

Nourishing The Brain
The human brain contains about 100 billion cells which continuously require oxygen. Because of this oxygen demand, the brain is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage; i.e. free radicals. Antioxidants are therefore crucial for longevity and continued effective functioning of the brain.

Herbs – Enhancing The Mind
Ayurveda talks highly about a special class of herbs called “Medhya” herbs. Ultimately, by providing nourishment to the brain, these herbs are especially useful for balancing the mind, reducing stress, and helps to enhance learning.

Intelligence Plus
Promotes natural intelligence; rejuvenates mental processes; supports attention span and concentration; promotes positive emotions and self-confidence.

Mind Plus
Stress and fatigue can diminish mental strength and clarity. Support mental functioning under stress and revitalize the mind with Mind Plus.

Organic Youthful Mind
Supports mental functioning as one ages; removes toxins that impede learning, memory, and recall; promotes the development of consciousness.

Benefits Of Meditation
It seems that research centered around the benefits of meditation have now been rolling in steadily validating the ancient wisdom common to both Ayurveda and Yoga. Ayurveda is an ancient science which literally means ‘the science of life’. A basic fundamental premise to both Ayurveda and Yoga is that – both a sound mind and sound body are integral to one’s overall health and well-being.

Just Some Of The Potential Benefits Of Meditation:
– greater clarity and inner calmness
– increased creativity and happiness
– improved sense of emotional stability
– reduced level of anxiety and depression
– improved brain function and memory
– reduced level of stress
… the list can go on and on …

Shirodhara – The Most Popular Ayurveda Treatment
Shirodhara is undoubtedly one of the most popular Ayurvedic treatments in the west. The word ‘shiro’ means head and ‘dhara’ means steady flow. Therefore, shirodhara involves pouring a steady stream of soothing oil over the forehead and acts as a method of relieving stress to the restless mind.

Oil Massage
Massage yourself with warm organic sesame oil. Sesame is warming and is generally considered beneficial to every body type for this time of year. Massaging oil on the body is a great way to keep the skin soft, supple and wrinkle free. It is a rejuvenating technique that improves circulation and, when done at night, induces sleep.

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Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained ayurvedic expert, call or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.

by Mike Dhaliwal