Adrenaline, often called the “fight-or-flight” hormone, is part of your body’s natural response to stress. When you’re dealing with stress—whether at work or elsewhere—your body may release this hormone even without immediate physical danger. It preps you by boosting your heart rate, energy, and alertness for a quick reaction. But when it’s constantly triggered, it can indeed lead to issues like racing hearts, fatigue later, and yes, even digestion issues.
In Ayurveda, stress and its impact is often connected with dosha imbalances, especially pitta and vata. Here, we can look at ways to pacify these doshas.
First, let’s chat about herbs. You mentioned ashwagandha and brahmi. Spot on, they’re well-known adaptogens in Ayurveda. Ashwagandha can help balance cortisol, a stress hormone, easing the adrenal system. Brahmi, on the other hand, is excellent for calming the mind and reducing anxiety. Typically, taking ashwagandha in the morning and brahmi at night could help, but always check with a healthcare provider first, especially if you’re on other meds.
For those digestion issues, you want to focus on strengthening your agni (digestive fire). Try adding spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel to your meals. These support digestion and soothe bloating. You can also sip warm water with a pinch of ginger throughout the day—soothing for that vata imbalance causing constipation or cramps.
Yoga and meditation, excellent! They calm the nervous system and regulate adrenaline. Consider incorporating specific pranayama like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), which balances energy and promotes relaxation.
For better sleep, which is often disturbed when stress is present, try switching off electronics at least an hour before bed. Preparing a warm bath with lavender oil or doing a self-massage (abhyanga) with a calming oil like sesame or coconut, can deeply relax your nerves.
Ayurveda also emphasizes routine—eat, sleep, and work consistently. It signals safety to your body and can reduce chronic adrenaline overdrive.
Remember, it’s about creating harmony, so listen to your body, and don’t rush into doing everything at once. Give yourself the grace to adjust and adapt. Sometimes it’s a journey, not a sprint, in balancing stress and health through Ayurveda.
