Stress is universally experienced. Psychologically, it is the perception of being unable to cope with the demands of the body and environment. It is not having enough resources to successfully resolve a problem. As such, more than usual energy is required, not only to handle the stressor, the situation that causes stress but also the feeling of stress itself. 

Under stress, the body tends to activate the ‘fight-or-flight’ response, resulting in heightened activation across the body’s senses along with an increased heart rate. 

Over time, recurrent stress starts weighing on the body, causing headaches, high blood pressure, chest pains, fatigue and more. Complex psychological illnesses such as panic disorder, phobias, anxiety and depression may also develop

Due to the nature of these conditions, many approaches to stress management exist and continue to develop today. One such approach originates from the Ancient Indian Philosophy of Ayurveda. At the Dharana Wellness Retreat, this philosophy is utilized to identify and manage stress. To understand how this is achieved, understanding the key tenets of Ayurveda is essential.

Ayurvedic Philosophy identifies  ‘Doshas’ within individuals, unique ‘Body Humoral Factors’ termed as ‘Vata’, ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’. The dominance of a certain type of Dosha can tell a lot about a certain individual. It hints towards temperament, personality and what lifestyle, and diet best suits them. However, it is also the imbalance in these Doshas that lead to sickness, and in this context, stress. Ayurveda, which terms stress as ‘Sahasa’, further states that it leads to a Loss in Immunity, termed ‘Ojahksaya’. 

Ancient Ayurveda thus identifies stress as a telling factor in illnesses and diseases due to the role it plays in lowering the body’s natural defences. To understand these imbalances, the Dharana Ayurveda Panchakarma Retreat conducts a ‘Prakruthi-Vikruthi’ analysis via a Manual Pulse Diagnosis and Scientific ‘Naadi Tarangini’ Methodology, forming a complete Holistic Picture of an individual.

One of the primary recommendations made by Dharana’s Ayurveda Panchakarma Retreat expert, Dr Arun Pillai, is the inculcation of Yoga and Meditation in routine life. Besides providing intrinsic physical benefits, these activities actively distract the mind from the stressor. Consistent with the modern Psychological understanding of Stress and Conditioning, the relaxation they provide also encourages one to continue practising them. 

As one of the leading Ayurveda Panchakarma Retreats, the Dharana Wellness Retreat provides  a tailor-made daily lifestyle recommendation, termed ‘Dinacharya’. This is a highly specific plan, detailing every aspect of daily living to best suit the Dosha most prominent in an individual. At the Dharana Ayurveda Panchakarma Wellness Programme, you can find an effective Stress Management plan. This Wellness Programme is your gateway to a Healthy and Future-Focused Mindset with a minimum stay of 7 nights and a recommended stay of 28 nights. Book the programme today with this link.