Desire to “wash” things out and declutter - #26736

Don’t worry Sia,

I have totally understood your issue 😊

*Based on your description, it’s possible that a VATA IMBALANCE could be a contributing factor to the compulsive desire to “wash out” or purge things, and the need to quickly finish items.

1.VATA, comprising the elements of air and space, governs all movement in the body and mind, including thoughts, actions, and even the movement of waste materials.

2.An aggravated or imbalanced Vata can manifest as restlessness, anxiety, difficulty staying grounded, racing thoughts, and a tendency to feel overwhelmed.

3.Vata is characterized by qualities like dryness, lightness, and roughness. This can translate to a feeling of needing to cleanse or purify things, potentially reflecting an internal state of dryness or uneasiness.

4.The desire to “wash out” or purge might be an attempt to eliminate something perceived as disturbing or ungrounded, reflecting Vata’s need for stability and order.

*Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to balance Vata, focusing on incorporating warmth, moisture, and stability into your routine and lifestyle.

1. Counter the cold quality of Vata by dressing warmly, taking warm baths, and avoiding exposure to cold drafts.

2. Establish a regular daily schedule for eating, sleeping, and other activities.

3.Opt for freshly cooked, warm, nourishing foods like soups, stews, root vegetables, cooked grains (rice, oats), and healthy fats (ghee, sesame oil).

4.Favor Sweet, Sour, and Salty Tastes because these can help alleviate Vata.

5.Minimize Cold, Dry, and Raw Foods,bitter,astringent, spicy,Avoid or limit iced drinks,dry snacks, and processed foods that can aggravate Vata.

Start taking these medications, 1.Brahmi ghrita 1tsf with lukewarm milk at bed time. 2.Manasmitragullika 1-1-1 3.Saraswatarishta 20ml with equal amount of Lukewarm water just after having meal twice in a day. 4.Ashwagandha choorna 1tsf with lukewarm milk twice in a day.

*Daily Massage your scalp with BRAHMI OIL. *Daily Massage your full body with KSHEERBALA TAILAM followed by mild fomentation with DASHMOOL KASHAYAM.

Along with these medications include Meditation, yoga, pranayam in your daily routine…

TAKE CARE 😊

Hello sia

If you have any doubt, feel free to ask😊

SHIRODHARA ×15DAYS

Follow up after 45 days…

These can be due to any inner stress. 1. Keep a wake up and sleep routine. 2. Follow same meal time. 3. Start journaling. 4. Start reading books.

5. Ksheerabala tailam as talam over head at evening time. For 30 minutes, wipe off after that.

​Your observation about wanting to “wash” things out and “purge” items, even desirable ones, is insightful. It’s understandable that you’re curious about the underlying reasons for these feelings. It’s also important that you’re questioning the feelings of disgust and the lack of relief that follow the actions. ​The feeling you describe, of wanting to “wash” or “purge” things, and the associated disgust, can be related to a need for control, a desire for order, and a way of coping with stress. It’s a way for your mind to externalize internal feelings of anxiety or unease. The fact that it doesn’t bring a sense of peace or grounding, and that you feel disgusted afterward, suggests that the behavior isn’t actually addressing the root cause of the discomfort. ​The link you made between these behaviors and a Vata imbalance is an interesting one. In Ayurveda, Vata is associated with movement, air, and space. When Vata is out of balance, it can manifest as anxiety, racing thoughts, and a feeling of being ungrounded. The desire to “purge” or “wash” could be seen as an attempt to create space and order in an effort to feel more grounded, even if the method is not truly effective. The feeling of disgust could be a sign that the actions are not in alignment with your true self, and are instead driven by an underlying imbalance or stress reaction.

​Here are some ways to address these behaviors and the underlying stress:

​1. Mindful Observation ​Become aware of the trigger: The next time you feel the urge to “wash” or “purge,” pause and notice what you’re feeling. Are you stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? What thoughts are running through your mind? ​Acknowledge without judgment: Simply observe the feeling without acting on it. Tell yourself, “I’m having the urge to wash this item because I feel stressed,” or “I’m having the thought of finishing this quickly because I’m feeling anxious.” This creates a space between the urge and the action.

​2. Grounding Techniques ​Practice sensory grounding: When you feel the urge, bring your attention to your five senses. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? This can help pull you out of your head and into the present moment. For example, hold the item you’re tempted to purge and notice its texture, weight, and temperature.

​Physical grounding: Do something that connects you to your body. Take a walk, stretch, or do some gentle yoga. This can help release some of the pent-up Vata energy.

​3. Address the Root Cause ​Stress management: Identify your sources of stress and find healthy ways to cope. This could include things like meditation, deep breathing exercises, spending time in nature, or journaling.

​Dietary and lifestyle adjustments: If you suspect a Vata imbalance, consider incorporating Vata-pacifying practices. This includes eating warm, cooked foods, maintaining a regular routine, and getting enough rest.

​Creative expression: Find a healthy outlet for the feelings of wanting to “purge” or “wash.” This could be through art, writing, music, or any other creative activity that allows you to process and release your emotions.

​The fact that you’ve been aware of this since childhood and are now trying to understand it is a huge step. It shows a deep self-awareness. It’s important to remember that these behaviors are a coping mechanism, and the goal isn’t to punish yourself for them, but to find healthier, more effective ways to manage the underlying stress or discomfort. You are not “nuts” for feeling this way; you are a person with a sensitive nervous system trying to find balance.

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Hey, don’t get so worried about this.Take: Ashwagandha churan 1 tsp with warm milk at bed time Jatamansi Churan 2 piches with honey at at night, after meal Brahmi vati 2 tab twice a day, after meal Saraswatarishta 20 ml +20 ml water twice a day, after meal

Engage yourself in: Yoga & Pranayam Meditiation OM/ Mantra chanting

Your inclination to “wash” things out and declutter could indeed be linked to an imbalance, possibly stemming from the Vata dosha. Vata, which governs movement and change, when imbalanced, might lead to an increased desire for control or purging, reflecting a need for grounding and stability. This urge might not be just about physical objects but also a symbolic attempt to clear mental clutter. It’s quite common, especially when stress levels are high.

To address this tendency, focus on grounding practices that calm the Vata dosha. Start by incorporating more routine and stability into your daily life. Set a regular schedule for sleep, meals, and work. This predictability can ground Vata’s flightiness and bring a sense of calm to your day.

Diet also plays a critical role. Favor warm, cooked meals that are nurturing and easy to digest like stews and soups. Include grounding spices like ginger, cumin, and turmeric. These choices help pacify Vata, improving mental stability. Avoid cold, dry foods which might aggravate the dosha.

Mindfulness practices, such as yoga or meditation, are highly beneficial. Practices that focus on breathing can reduce mental clutter and encourage a slower, more deliberate mindset. Yoga postures that are grounding like Tadasana or Balasana might offer a more stable mental state.

Additionally, consider self-massage with warm sesame oil (abhyanga) to soothe and balance the dosha—it’s calming and nourishing to the nervous system.

If stress is a significant factor, exploring stress-reduction techniques such as guided relaxation or even seeking support from a counselor might be advisable. In case this pattern significantly disrupts daily life or contributes to distress, professional psychological support may provide deeper insights and coping strategies.

Based on what you’re describing, it does seem like there might be an imbalance involving the Vata dosha. Vata controls movement and changes in the mind and body, including your thoughts and nervous responses. When it’s out of balance, it can lead to restlessness, anxiety, and impulsive behaviors such as the repeated urge to “wash” or purge things out. These actions can be attempts by your system to seek stabilization or grounding.

To help manage this, focusing on routines and grounding practices can be beneficial. Aim to have regular meals and sleep schedules since Vata thrives on consistency. Including warm, cooked meals seasoned with calming spices like cumin, ajwain, and ginger can balance Vata, as these spices aid in strengthening the digestive agni. Avoid cold foods and drinks which can imbalance Vata further.

Incorporating daily practices like Abhyanga (oil massage with sesame oil) or warm oil baths can provide grounding and calm the nervous system. Practicing slow, deep breathing exercises - like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) - could help in reducing anxiety and calming the mind.

Engage in mindfulness or meditation practices to observe these impulses without judgment, which may help over time to lessen their grip. Ensure a peaceful and clutter-free living space, though this sounds counterintuitive, decluttering itself should be done consciously and slowly, not impulsively or driven by dissatisfaction.

Consult a healthcare professional promptly, as underlying stress and any completed eating disorder requires careful attention and could need interventions beyond lifestyle changes. Allow space for balanced healing through integrating Ayurveda alongside appropriate medical care.

Hello Sia, thanks for explaining your problem in detail. You have already taken the first step towards betterment by reaching out to qualified doctors on this plateform. Here is the treatment plan for you - 1. Ashwagandharistha+ Saraswatarishtha - 2tsp each with 4tsp water twice a day after meal 2.Brahmi vati 2-0-2 after meals 3. Rogan Badam oil - 2-2 drops in each nostril either in the morning empty stomach or at bedtime.

Diet- Adequate amount of water. Drinks to be consumed Homemade vegetable juices, coconut water, Herbal tea, Fruits juices, Amla juice, Red juice, Pumpkin Juice, Green juice,

Drinks to be avoided All Carbonated drinks, Energy drinks, Beverages that contain tannic acid, Alcohol. Eat walnut, cashew, soaked and peeled almonds. Eat seasonal vegetables and fruits. Yoga- Anulom vilom, bhastrika, tratak,ujjayi Lifestyle modifications - Take atleast 7 hours of sound sleep. Stress management -Through meditation, walking, journaling, gardening. Don’t worry , follow these and you will definitely get relief. Don’t hesitate to reach out for any further query. Would like to hear your improvement in the review. Take care Sia Regards, Dr. Anupriya

HELLO SIA,

Your experience- this urge to “wash things out”, purge items, and the discomfort that follows- does align closely with signs of a vata imbalance in Ayurveda. Vata dosha, composed of air and ether, governs movement, nervous system activity, anxiety, and elimination. When out of balance, it can manifest as compulsions, restlessness , aversion to clutter, and even dissatisfaction despite action

Your pattern suggests VATA IMBALANCE= restlessness, compulsive cleaning/ purging, lack of satisfaction Possibly Rajas (mental overstimulation)- pushing for action, cleansing, change, but without peace

DIET AND LIFESTYLE -warm, moist, grounding foods- khichdi, root vegetables, ghee, cooked grains -avoid dry, raw, cold foods and excessive stimulants (coffee, too many spices) -eat at regular times to stabilize internal rhythms

DAILY ROUTINE -Oil massage daily with warm sesame oil calms nervous system -NASYA= a 2 drops of warm ghee in nostril to ground the mind -set gentle structure- consistent wake/sleep times, meal time, light movements like yoga

INTERNALLY

1) MANASMITRAVATAKAM= 1 tab twice daily after meals with warm milk for 8 weeks =calms nervous system, stabilises thoughts, helps with compulsive tendencies

2) KALYANAKA GHRITA= 1 tsp on empty stomach in morning with warm water for 6 weeks =nourishes brain tissue, supports digestion, deeply pacifies vata

3) SARASWATARISHTA= 15ml with equal water twice daily after meals for 8 weeks =enhances mental clarity, memory, and reduces restlessness

MIND PRACTICES -Yin or Restorative yoga, Yoga nidra -Pranayam= Nadi sodhana , bhramari -journaling feelings before/after compulsion to observe pattern

WHAT YOU’RE REALLY NEEDING: Not more purging- but a sense of safety and inner containment

Instead of trying to “empty” the outer world to feel okay, Ayurveda guides you to build inner nourishment, ritual, and stillness to feel stable.

THANK YOU

DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA