Overthinking , anxiety, muscle stiffness - #26122
I am 25 years old . For the past two years, every year during the rainy season (July-September), I have been experiencing severe anxiety. My symptoms include trembling hands, shortness of breath without any clear reason, muscle stiffness, and knuckle pain. My brain feels constantly hyperactive, with an overwhelming number of thoughts racing at light speed, making it impossible to process them. Even while sleeping, my brain remains active with overthinking, and I don't feel refreshed even after eight hours of sleep. Throughout the day, I feel sleepy and lethargic, as if my muscles lack the strength to move. I also have gastric issues. Despite undergoing a full body checkup every year, my reports consistently come back normal. I am at a loss to understand what the underlying issue is, and I feel utterly exhausted. My memory has been significantly affected; I struggle to retain information I've studied for extended periods.
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Doctors’ responses
HELLO RIDDHI,
What you are experiencing is clearly distressing and exhausting. The cluster of symptoms- seasonal anxiety(during monsoon), muscle stiffness, fatigue, knuckle pain, gastric issues, and mental overactivity- suggests a combination of Vata and Pitta imbalance in Ayurvedic terms, possibly aggravated by Ama(toxins) and seasonal changes affecting your Manas(mind) and Sharira(body).
1) VATA IMBALANCE SYMPTOMS= overthinking, tremors, stiffness, dryness, insomnia, fatigue -Vata is aggravated in the rainy season as the atmosphere becomes moist and unstable, disturbing the naturally cold and dry vata dosha
2) PITTA DISTURBANCE -mental hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, irritability, digestive fire irregularities -pitta gets disturbed during the shift from summer to monsoon, especially if there’s acid reflux or gastric issues
3) AMA(toxin accumulation) -your gastric symptoms and fatigue suggest poor digestion(mandagni), leading to toxin buildup - Ama blocks the channels , including the manovaha srotas(mind Chanels) , leading to mental fog and anxiety
YOUR CONDITION ANALYSIS
Overthinking, racing thoughts= vata in manovaha srotas(mind channels), aggravated by Rajas guna
Anxiety, panic, trembling= vata-pitta imbalance, especially in majja dhatu(nervous tissue)
Muscle stiffness, knuckle pain= accumulated vata in asthi and majja dhatu, possibly Ama obstructing srotas
Fatigue, brain fog, poor memory= Mandagni(low digestion) + srotorodha (channel blockages) from Ama(toxins)
Sleep disturbances, unfreshed slee= hyperactive Manas, vata derangement, weak Taraka kapha
Gastric issues= vishamngni (irregular digestion), disturbed samana and Apana Vata
Seasonal pattern(July-sept)= Varsha Ritu, when vata naturally increases, and agni is suppressed
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
** FOR ANXIETY, OVERTHINKING, POOR SLEEP
1) SARASWATARISHTA= 20 ml with water after meals twice daily =nourishes brain and calms mind
2) MANASMITRA VATAKAM= 1 tab at bedtime =deep anxiolytic , improves quality of sleep
3) ASHWAGANDHA + TAGARA CHURNA= 1 tsp + 1/2 tsp at night with warm milk =adaptogenic, stress , strengthens nervous system, natural sedative promotes sleep
** FOR MUSCLE STIFFNESS AND JOINT/KNUCLES PAIN
1) MAHARASNADI KASHAYA= 40 ml. before meals twice daily with water =relieves muscle stiffness, joint issues
2) RASNADI GUGGULU= 1 tab after meals twice daily =anti-inflammatory, anti-vata
3) SHALLAKI CAPSULES= 1 cap after meals twice daily =reduces pain, inflammation
** FOR DIGESTION, GAS, AND AMA REMOVAL
1) HINGWASTAKA CHURNA= 1/2 tsp with warm water before meals =improves digestion, removes vata in abdomen
2) TRIKATU CHURNA= 1gm after meals with honey =stimulates agni, burns toxins
3) AVIPATTIKAR CHURNA= 1 tsp at night with warm water= only if acidity =relieves acidity and constipation
4) AROGYAVARDHINI VATI= 1 tab twice daily after meals =liver and metabolism detox support
IF ACCESSIBLE, THIS IS ESSENTIAL BEFORE RAINY SEASON= PANCHAKARMA
1) ABHYANGA with Mahanarayan taila daily =vata pacification, relaxes nervous system, removes stiffness
2) SWEDANA= opens channels, relieves muscle tightness after massage
3) SHIRODHARA= calms mental overactivity, reduces insomnia and anxiety
4) BASTI(medicated enema)= cleanses vata from colon, deeply rejuvinates nervous system
SHOULD BE PERFORM BY EXPERT AYURVEDIC PHYSICIAN
** DIET = vata pacifying and digestive enhancing
EAT - warm, cooked, soft, slightly oily food -rice+moong dal khichdi, ghee, boiled vegetbles - soups with cumin, black pepper, turmeric - buttermilk spiced with roasted cumin and salt - warm herbal teas= ginger, ajwain, tulsi, brahmi
AVOID -raw salads - cold food and drinks -caffeine- excess tea/coffee -fermented , sour, fried, and dry food - wheat in excess switch to rice or millet if digestion is poor -daytime naps -especially after lunch
LIFESTYLE
-wake up by 6:0 am -sleep by 10 pm -daily routine= start with tongue scrapping , warm water, 5 min oil massage
EXERCISE= gentle yoga (30-45 minutes daily morning)
1) GROUNDING AND WARM UP -subtle joint movements= neck rolls, shoulder rotations, wrist/ankle circles- gentle and slow -Cat cow stretch=improves spinal flexibility, massage internal organs -pelvic tilts and spinal flexes(lying down)= releases stiffness in Lowe back and hips
MAIN ASANA= 15-20 MINS -tadasana= improves posture and grounding -Vrikshasana= Balances Vata, improves digestion -Bhujangasana= releievs gastric tension, opens chest -Paschimottanasana= calms mind, improves digestion -Vajrasana after meals= aids digestion, stabilise apana vata -balasana= deeply calming, releases spinal tension -supta matsyendrasana= relieves back stiffness, aids digestion
PRANAYAM(10-15 min) -Nadi sodhana= 10 mins, balances left/right brain, reduces anxiety -Bhramari= 10 rounds, calming racing thoughts instantly -Ujaayi= 5 min, deep relaxation, breath control -Sheetali= releives acidity
MEDITATION= start with 5-10 min yoga Nidra
** SEASONAL RITUCHARYA FOR MONSOON vata is naturally increased in Varsha (rainy) season. Follow seasonal guidelines strictly
DO’S -follow light, warm cooked food -use warm oil for massage -use herbal incense, dhoop or camphor to dry environment -prefer indoor exercise and rest
DON’TS -avoid getting wet in rain or sudden temperature changes -don’t fast excessively or skip meals-weakens digestion further -avoid curd/yogurt in this season
FOR MEMORY AND FOCUS RESTORATION -brahmi ghrita= 1 tsp in warm milk in morning= very powerful nervine tonic
LABS RE-CHECK -vitamin b12, vitamin d3 - thyroid panel -RA factor, CRP -HbA1c -homocysteine
HEALING TIMELINE
WEEK 1-2= better digestion, mild relief in stiffness, reduced tremors
WEEK 3-4= calmer mind, reduced racing thoughts, better sleep
MONTH 2= muscle flexibility improves, gastric symptoms under control
MONTH 3= memory and energy restoration, stable sleep cycle
SEASONALLY= Panchakarma maintains balance and prevent recurrence
DO FOLLOW CONSISTENTLY FOR 3 MONTHS
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Hello, Please follow the following routine without skipping at all seasons: 1. Add lots of seasonal fruits in your diet 2. Start taking nuts and seeds. 3. Increase the amount of vegetables in the meal. 4. Hydrate always with boiled warm water by sipping throughout the day(2 liters a day) 5. Do not use any electronic gadgets for an hour before going to bed. 6. Join a yoga class and learn yoga-pranayama-meditation so that you can practice everyday for an hour. 7. Follow regular timings for meal and to sleep.
Medicines which you can use form the end of May till first week of august for 3 years: 1. Saraswatarishtam 20ml—0-----20ml after food 2. Manasamitravatakam 2----0-----2 after food 3. Chandanadi thailam for head for application
Take care. Kind regards.
1) sarasvatarishta 20 ml after food 2 times a day with water 2) tab smritisagar rasa 2 tab after food 3 times a day with water 3 panchagavya ghrita 10 ml 2 times a day Yoga Therapy Asana Shavasana Sarvangasana Sheershasana Pavanamuktasana Pranayama Anuloma-Viloma, Other: Meditaion, Yoga nidra, Om mantra chanting
Diet and Lifestyle Pathya Gentle squeezing of body parts. Drink a glass of cow’s milk before going to bed. Listen to Melodious Music. Drink Warm Milk. Do some physical exercise during the day. Keep Your Bed a Place for Sleep. Progressive Relaxation.
Deep Breathing.
Visualize Something Peaceful.
Apathya
Avoid Naps.
Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco.
Avoid Illuminated Bedroom Clocks.
Don’t worry Ridhi, And start taking1.Saraswatarishta 20ml with equal amount of Lukewarm water just after having meal twice in a day. 2.Ashwagandha choorna 1tsf with lukewarm milk twice in a day. 3.Manasmitravatakam 1-0-1 4.Brahmi vati 1-0-1 And include Meditation in your daily routine. Follow up after 15 days…
Daily Full body Massage with Dhanvantaram tailam followed by mild fomentation.
Hello Ridhi, In rainy season naturally vata increases in everyone.
Thinks you need to focus on Application of oil to entire body before bath in empty stomach.
Before bed - application of oil on feet and head will improve your quality of sleep significantly.
Eat when you are hungry. Drink when you are thirsty.
Have fresh and hot food , which includes fruits in the beginning, normal food,
Have 50% solid food , 25 % liquid 25% stomach should be left.
Avoid package , outside food , Avoid everything with preservatives.
Do yoga and meditation in empty stomach without having water Stay calm it’s just a seasonal variation. With above mentioned diet you will be fine.
Take manasmitra vatikam 1-0-1 after food with water Brahmi vati 1-0-1 after food with water Ashwagandha churan 0-0-1tsp at bedtime with water Use Brahmi oil twice weekly to massage your scalp Mahanarayan oil for Massage on body. Do Nasya with Brahmi grith 2 drops in both nostril once daily Do pranayam lom -vilom bhastrika bhamri 5-10mins daily twice Learn Rajyoga meditation and practice daily. Follow up after 1 month
hello ridhi, You’re just 25, yet your body and mind are signalling a state of deep functional exhaustion, not easily visible in routine tests. The fact that your symptoms worsen during the rainy season, with severe anxiety, tremors, muscle fatigue, gastric issues, and a restless mind even during sleep, clearly points toward an aggravated Vata dosha, especially Vata in the nervous system (Majja dhatu) and Manovaha srotas (mental channels).
During the rainy season, Vata becomes unstable, especially in sensitive individuals. If your digestion (Agni) is low, and your mind is already overactive, this season can throw your system into complete imbalance. That’s why your brain feels like it’s in overdrive, body feels weak, you can’t focus, and despite sleeping, you don’t feel rested. This is not a disease it’s a reversible neuro-hormonal imbalance triggered by season and lifestyle.
Now your gut-brain connection is also affected, hence gas, bloating, poor absorption, and low energy. And your memory issues and fatigue are signs of dhatu depletion (especially Majja and Ojas).
Internal Medicines (For 8 Weeks): Saraswatarishta – 15 ml + 15 ml water after lunch and dinner Ashwagandha Churna – ½ tsp with warm milk at night Manasamitra Vatakam – 1 tablet at bedtime Chitrakadi Vati – 1 tablet before meals twice a day (for digestion) Drakshadi Kashayam – 15 ml + 45 ml water on empty stomach in morning (calms mind + reduces Pitta)
External / Shodhana : Abhyanga (oil massage) daily or 3 times/week with Balashwagandhadi Taila or Dhanwantaram Taila Shirodhara (if available at nearby clinic) – for 7 days Nasya with Anu Taila – 2 drops in each nostril in morning (after oil massage and steam) Bashpa Swedana (steam) after massage on alternate days
Pathya (What You Should Eat and Do): Begin your day with 1 tsp cow ghee + warm water Soak 5 almonds + 5 raisins + 2 dates overnight and eat in the morning Eat freshly cooked, warm food only — add moong dal, bottle gourd, pumpkin, beetroot, rice Add turmeric, jeera, ajwain, and hing to cooking Use cow ghee generously Practice Bhramari Pranayama (5 mins) + Ujjayi (5 mins) in morning Sun exposure for 10 mins daily is important Sleep before 10.30 PM regularly
Apathya (What to Strictly Avoid): Raw salads, fruits at night, cold water Curd, fridge-stored food, leftovers Screen time after 9 PM Excessive talking, worrying, multitasking Tea/coffee on empty stomach Daytime sleep (unless fatigued)
Investigations (If Not Done in 6 Months): Serum B12 + D3 TSH + Free T3/T4 Serum Ferritin Homocysteine levels Stool Occult Blood + Gut Microbiome (if available)
You are not alone, and this does not mean you’re mentally ill. Your body is just asking for rhythm, nourishment, grounding, and rest. And Ayurveda has the tools to correct this without suppressing symptoms.
If you have any doubts, you can contact me. Take care, Dr. Karthika
You can start on Medha vati- Brahmi vati-one tablet twice daily after food with warm milk Saraswathi aristha-40 teaspoon with equal quantity of water twice daily after food Do regular Pranayam meditation
Hi ridhi this is Dr Vinayak as considering your problem…see as climate changes ourbody response will change and try to adjust…so no need to worry maa…be calm and composed… and mentally fit * Do some meditation and Pranayam *Along with medicine balance your mind this is only best treatment for you Rx- Manasamitra vati 1-0-1after food Saraswati arista gold 20 drops with warm water T.alert 1-0-1 after food
Given the seasonal nature of your symptoms, it could be related to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which tends to get aggravated during the rainy season. This dosha governs movement and is responsible for your mind’s activity and bodily functions. When in imbalance, Vata can contribute to anxiety, restlessness, trembling, and muscle stiffness.
To begin addressing your concerns, grounding is key. Try warming foods, cooked and moist, which helps balance Vata. Incorporate whole grains like rice and wheat, including vegetables such as carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. Spices like cumin, coriander, and fennel can aid digestion and soothe gastric issues.
Consider practicing Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic self-massage using warm sesame oil, daily in the morning. This activates the body and helps muscle relaxation, easing stiffness. Focus the oil not just on major muscles, but also knuckles and joints. You can also add lavender or chamomile to the oil for additional relaxation benefits.
For your sleep concerns and to manage overthinking, try a teaspoon of warm milk with nutmeg and honey before bed. Concentrate on establishing a consistent bedtime, and engage in calming activities, such as warm bath or reading something light. Avoid stimulating content or screens an hour before bed.
Pranayama can be immensely beneficial. Practices like Anulom Vilom or Nadi Shodhana helps calm the mind, reducing anxiety and enhances clarity. Try these for 10 minutes twice a day, preferably morning and evening.
Regarding memory and concentration, Brahmi or Bacopa monnieri is an Ayurvedic herb known for improving cognitive functions. A small amount in powder form or tablets with water can be taken, but advise consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting.
Drink warm fluids throughout the day to aid with digestion and keep your digestive fire strong, such as ginger tea or lukewarm water. Hydration can also aid lethargy and boost energy levels.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a practitioner for a purvakarma or other specific Ayurvedic therapies tailored specifically to your constitution.
Your symptoms suggest an imbalance in Vata dosha, which tends to increase during the rainy season due to its inherent qualities of dryness and mobility. This can lead to issues like anxiety, muscle stiffness, and overactive thought processes. It’s important to ground and stabilize Vata through diet, lifestyle, and specific practices.
First, consider your diet: focus on warm, nourishing, and easily digestible foods. Avoid raw, cold items and include ingredients like ghee, sesame oil, and cooked vegetables. Incorporate spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric to strengthen your agni (digestive fire) and address gastric issues. Drinking warm herbal teas made from fennel or chamomile can also help soothe Vata.
Establish a consistent daily routine. Wake up and go to bed at the same time each day to regulate your body’s rhythms. Practice gentle exercises like yoga or tai chi, which help release stiffness and relax muscle tension. For your overactive mind, engage in regular meditation or pranayama (breathing exercises) to calm mental agitations. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) in particular can stabilize and soothe anxiety.
Consider Abhyanga, a self-massage with warm sesame oil, performed before your bath. This can help relax the muscles and elevate mood. In terms of herbal supplementation, ashwagandha may be beneficial to support your nervous system. However, consult a qualified Ayurveda practitioner for personalized advice, given the complexity of your symptoms.
If there’s anything suggesting a serious condition, like severe shortness of breath or continuous lethargy, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues. While your checkups have been normal, it’s vital to stay vigilant and prioritize your safety.

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