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Mental Disorders
Question #16995
142 days ago
188

PTSD - #16995

Penelope

I’ve been struggling with PTSD for the past few years, but I didn’t even realize it at first. It started after a really bad accident I was in three years ago. At first, I thought I had recovered physically, but mentally, it was like my brain refused to move on. I kept having flashbacks, nightmares, and this constant anxiety that would just show up out of nowhere. Loud noises, sudden movements, even certain smells would send my heart racing like I was back in that moment. I avoided talking about it for a long time, thinking it would go away on its own. But the PTSD got worse. I started feeling disconnected from my family and friends. My sleep got messed up—either I couldn’t sleep at all, or I’d wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. Even when I tried meditation or deep breathing, my mind wouldn’t calm down. I read that Ayurveda considers mental health deeply connected to the balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and I wonder if my PTSD is due to an imbalance in my doshas. Are there specific Ayurvedic herbs or treatments that help with PTSD symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, and nightmares? I’ve read about Brahmi and Ashwagandha, but I don’t know if they actually work for trauma-related stress. Also, is there an Ayurvedic way to improve sleep naturally? Another thing I’ve noticed is that I get digestive issues, headaches, and random body aches since the PTSD started. Are these connected? Does Ayurveda see trauma as something that affects the whole body, not just the mind? If so, what kind of treatments should I consider to heal on all levels? I would really appreciate guidance on how to deal with PTSD through Ayurveda, especially natural remedies and daily habits that can help me feel more stable and less anxious.

Ptsd
Ayurvedic treatment for ptsd
Herbs for ptsd
Mental health in ayurveda
Natural remedies for trauma
Stress relief in ayurveda
Ayurvedic herbs for anxiety
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Doctors’ responses

In Ayurveda, PTSD is linked to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system and mental stability. Trauma increases Vata, leading to anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, and restlessness. Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi are excellent Ayurvedic herbs to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote emotional healing. Drinking warm milk with nutmeg and Ashwagandha before bed can help improve sleep naturally. Abhyanga (self-massage with warm sesame oil) is also highly effective in grounding Vata and reducing anxiety. PTSD often affects the body, causing digestive issues, headaches, and body pain due to the connection between the mind and gut. Stress disrupts Agni (digestive fire), leading to bloating, acidity, and irregular digestion. Ayurveda recommends eating warm, nourishing foods, avoiding caffeine and processed foods, and using herbs like Triphala and licorice to support digestion. Shirodhara (warm oil therapy on the forehead) and Nasya (herbal nasal drops) can also help in calming the mind and reducing headaches. Healing PTSD in Ayurveda involves a holistic approach—daily meditation, deep breathing (Pranayama), grounding yoga (like gentle stretches and forward bends), and maintaining a stable routine are essential. Avoid overstimulation, late nights, and excessive screen time. Practicing Sattvic living—spending time in nature, journaling, and engaging in creative activities—helps restore mental balance. If trauma feels overwhelming, combining Ayurveda with professional therapy can offer deeper healing.
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Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
140 days ago
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PTSD in Ayurveda is linked to an aggravated Vata dosha, which causes restlessness, fear, anxiety, and disturbed sleep. The mind and body are deeply connected, so unresolved trauma can also weaken Agni (digestive fire), leading to digestive issues, headaches, and body aches. To calm the nervous system, herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Shankhpushpi can help stabilize emotions and reduce hypervigilance. Warm, grounding foods like ghee, milk, and lightly spiced meals support Vata balance. Drinking Ashwagandha or Jatamansi tea at night can promote deep sleep. Abhyanga (self-massage) with warm sesame or Brahmi oil before bed soothes the nervous system. Yoga, especially slow, mindful movements, and deep breathing (Anulom Vilom, Bhramari) can release stored trauma. Ayurveda also emphasizes emotional healing through Sattvic living—spending time in nature, listening to calming music, and maintaining supportive relationships. PTSD healing takes time, so be gentle with yourself and focus on creating a daily routine that brings stability and peace.
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Hey there, I'm really sorry to hear what you're going through, and I get why you're exploring Ayurveda for relief. PTSD is tough because it’s more than just the mind—it really can affect the whole body, like you've noticed. Firstly, you’re totally right thinking of this in terms of doshas. Often, trauma can ramp up Vata dosha, bringing anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. Pitta might also get agitated, leading to irritability and those intense flashes of emotion. Kapha imbalances can contribute to that feeling of disconnection and dullness. Herbs, like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are indeed often recommended in Ayurveda for situations like yours. Brahmi is great for calming the mind and improving focus, while Ashwagandha helps in reducing stress and promoting an overall sense of well-being. They’re typically considered safe, but always a good idea to consult someone who can guide you with correct dosages. For sleep issues, one approach, abhyanga, involves self-massage using warm oils like sesame or almond. Do it before bed to calm the nervous system. Warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg or turmeric can also soothe you before sleeping. Considering the digestion and headaches you're mentioning—yep, that's connected. Ayurveda sees the gut (agni) as central to health. When stressed, digestion often goes out of whack. Sip on ginger tea or warm water with a hint of lemon to support digestion and reduce toxins (ama) build-up. Triphala, a blend of three fruits, is another option for maintaining digestive health. Daily habits or dinacharya are super important. Tr to wake up early, practice gentle yoga or even just some stretching. Breathing exercises like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) can help balance the doshas. Lastly, remember healing from PTSD is a journey. Take it step by step, and know that mind-body connection in Ayurveda is meant to nurture and restore, not rush. Reach out for more tailored advice as you go along this path – you're not alone in this.
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