Tag: Women’s Health

Ayurveda and Stress Management: Healing the Nervous System Through Ancient Wisdom

by Michelle Berry, posted in Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Lifestyle, Herbal Medicines, Women's Health

By Dr. Sugesh, Ayurvedic Doctor and Wellness Consultant

In our modern world, stress has become an almost accepted part of daily life. Yet, beneath the surface of constant pressure and mental overload, our bodies are quietly crying out for balance, rest, and nourishment. As an Ayurvedic doctor, I have seen how chronic stress can silently erode physical health, emotional stability, and spiritual clarity.

The good news? Ayurveda has been addressing stress for over 5,000 years, not as a disease, but as a signal—a sign that something is out of harmony. Through its deep understanding of mind-body balance, Ayurveda offers practical, time-tested tools for not only managing stress but building long-term resilience from within.

Understanding Stress in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, stress is seen as an imbalance in the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person reacts to stress differently depending on their unique constitution.

  • Vata imbalance often leads to anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
  • Pitta imbalance can cause anger, irritability, and burnout.
  • Kapha imbalance may result in lethargy, depression, and emotional withdrawal.

The first step in managing stress is recognizing how it shows up in your body and mind—and then working to bring the doshas back into balance using daily habits, herbs, diet, and spiritual practices.

My Go-To Ayurvedic Tools for Stress Relief

1. Abhyanga (Self-Oil Massage)

Every morning or evening, I recommend my patients take 10–15 minutes for self-massage with warm oil specific to their dosha. This isn’t just a luxury—it’s medicine.
Abhyanga calms the nervous system, promotes circulation, and fosters a deep sense of groundedness.

  • For Vata: Warm sesame oil with ashwagandha or bala
  • For Pitta: Cooling coconut oil with brahmi
  • For Kapha: Warming mustard oil or oils infused with trikatu herbs

2. Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogens help the body adapt to physical and emotional stress while building long-term resilience. A few of my favorites:

  • Ashwagandha – A grounding herb for calming the mind and supporting restful sleep
  • Brahmi – Nourishes the brain and enhances memory, clarity, and peace
  • Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Supports emotional balance and enhances spiritual awareness

Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for the right dosage and form.

3. Dinacharya (Daily Routine)

Ayurveda teaches that consistency is the antidote to chaos. A stable daily routine soothes Vata and strengthens the body’s natural rhythm.

  • Wake before sunrise
  • Eat meals at the same time each day
  • Limit screen time in the evening
  • Sleep before 10 p.m.

Even small shifts in daily rhythm can bring profound calm.

4. Pranayama and Meditation

Breath is life. Pranayama techniques regulate the nervous system and restore inner peace. I often recommend:

  • Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) for balance
  • Bhramari (humming bee breath) for calming the mind
  • Guided meditation or japa (mantra repetition) for spiritual anchoring

Just 10 minutes a day can reset the stress response.

5. Sattvic Diet for the Mind

What you eat affects how you think and feel. A sattvic diet nourishes both body and mind.

  • Favor fresh, cooked foods: seasonal vegetables, whole grains, ghee, and herbal teas
  • Minimize caffeine, sugar, leftover food, and stimulants
  • Eat in a calm environment, with full attention and gratitude

Final Words from Dr. Sugesh

Stress is not just in your head—it lives in your tissues, your breath, your digestion, and your energy. Ayurveda doesn’t ask you to escape your life. It invites you to re-align with it—with the wisdom of nature, with the rhythm of your body, and with the stillness that already exists inside you.

Through Ayurveda, we don’t just manage stress—we transform our relationship to it. We learn to meet life’s demands from a place of balance, clarity, and inner strength.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply out of rhythm, know this: you don’t need to fight your body. You need to listen to it. And Ayurveda can help you hear what it’s saying.

With care and calm,
Dr. Sugesh
Ayurvedic Doctor & Wellness Consultant

Ayurveda and PCOS: A Natural Approach to Heal the Body

by Michelle Berry, posted in Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Diet, Ayurvedic Lifestyle, Herbal Medicines, Women's Health

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. It is caused by an imbalance of the hormones which leads to irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain. PCOS not only affects the reproductive system but can also lead to other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and infertility. Ayurveda, an ancient form of medicine, can help alleviate the symptoms of PCOS and offer a natural approach to heal the body. Let’s explore how Ayurveda can help women with PCOS live a healthier and happier life.

  1. Understanding PCOS from an Ayurvedic Perspective

According to Ayurveda, PCOS is caused due to an imbalance in the doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. This imbalance results in the formation of cysts in the ovaries. For optimal health, all three doshas should be in balance. Ayurveda recommends a personalized approach to treat PCOS by focusing on the root cause of the imbalance. This approach can help restore the balance of the doshas and support the body’s natural healing process.

  1. Ayurvedic Diet for PCOS

A healthy diet is crucial to manage PCOS symptoms. Ayurveda recommends a diet that is rich in whole foods, high fiber, and low glycemic index. Eating a well-balanced meal at regular intervals can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. Adding herbs like cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and fennel can also help reduce inflammation in the body and support hormonal balance. In Ayurveda, each individual’s dietary needs are unique, and a personalized approach is recommended.

  1. Ayurvedic Lifestyle Changes for PCOS

Along with a healthy diet, lifestyle changes are essential to manage PCOS. Ayurveda recommends incorporating moderate exercise, yoga, and meditation into daily life. This helps reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and boost overall well-being. Other lifestyle changes like following a daily routine, practicing self-care, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins can also support the body’s healing process.

  1. Ayurvedic Herbs for PCOS

Ayurvedic herbs have been used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including PCOS. Some of the herbs that are commonly used to manage PCOS symptoms include Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Licorice, and Tribulus. These herbs can help support healthy hormonal balance, reduce stress levels, and improve fertility. However, it is important to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before taking any herbs as they may interact with other medications.

  1. Ayurvedic Therapies for PCOS

Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), Shirodhara (oil dripping on the forehead), and Nasya (nasal cleansing) can also help manage PCOS symptoms. These therapies help reduce stress levels, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. However, it is crucial to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing any therapies as they may not be suitable for everyone.

Ayurveda offers a natural and holistic approach to managing PCOS symptoms. By understanding the root cause of the imbalance and personalizing the treatment approach, Ayurveda can help support the body’s natural healing process. A healthy diet, lifestyle changes, herbs, and therapies are all potent tools in an Ayurvedic practitioner’s toolbox to manage PCOS effectively. If you are struggling with PCOS, consider a consultation with me an Ayurvedic Doctor to explore the potential benefits of Ayurveda in managing your symptoms.

Be Well,

Dr Sugesh