Dr Arpita C Raj
Vol. 10, Jul-Dec 2020
Abstract:
Stress: a very common term nowadays. In this wired world people are desperate to “Disconnect to Connect” from outer virtual world to inner real one. Stress has been postulated to be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of a variety of diseases ranging from psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, immuno-suppression as well physical disorders like diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer, hypertension. Stress imparts a negative impression to mental health directly or indirectly. According to the WHO [world health organisation] mental health accounts for global loss of productivity worth $1 trillion annually. Several studies have explored the connection between stress and entire health. ‘The World Health Organization says stress has become a ‘World Wide Epidemic.’ Westernization, modern and sedentary lifestyle, tech-addiction, cut throat competitions, social media exposure leads young generations more prone to stress. Loneliness can manifest as low self-esteem, lack of motivation, social withdrawl, ultimately shrinks their own presence, dim their own light and identity. Stressed people with loneliness are desperate for conversation with themselves as well their near dear ones. It's not technology but biology too likely for the early onset of puberty, hormonal disbalances, pre-menopause blues that accounts for stress. From ayurvedic perspective, stress management is focused on relieving the stress from the nervous system to calm and relax the entire body. Ayurveda advocates lifestyle modification like balanced diet, yoga, pranayam, meditation along with various therapies like Panchakarma including oleation with medicated oils, swedan process [fomentation] of expulsion of toxins through steam. Massage rejuvenation through medicated oil, shirodhara nervous destressing through a rhythmic flow of medicated oil on the forehead and other therapies in order to breakout of cocoon of stress. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach for stress management. In process of rejuvenation intake of ‘rasayan’ is to increase the coping capacity of the body enhancing the immunity. Several medicinal value herbs as well rasayan provides stress attenuating effects. Stress deciding factors for a variety of diseases ranging from psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, immunosuppression influencing mental health, as well physical disorders like diabetes mellitus, peptic ulcer, hypertension. The emergence of these diseases is an alarming sign for the health sector in the last two decades.