HELLO SIA,
You’re describing an inner restlessness- the urge to “wash out” , throw away, or finish things quickly- even when they’re good or new. This is not just about liking cleanliness; it’s more like your mind can’t sit with things for too long. Ayurveda would say
1)MAIN CAUSE- vata dosha imbalance in the mind and nervous system. -vata is the dosha of movement, change, and lightness. -when it’s high, it causes mental "wind- thoughts that blow too. quickly from one thing to another, making it hard to just let things stay.
2) SUPPORTING FACTOR= excess Rajas guna in the mind. -Rajas is the quality of activity, agitation, and constant doing. -It pushes you to act quickly without feeling satisfied afterward.
3) SECONDARY FACTOR- mild Pitta dosha in the mental layer -pitta gives sharp, judgmental feelings (the disgust you notice)
4) DEEPER ISSUE- low Ojas -Ojas is the subtle essence that gives emotional stability and the ability to hold onto good things in life without fear of loss or contamination -past eating disorder tendencies can deplete Ojas.
So in simple words: “Your mental wind (vata) is blowing too hard, your mind- fire (pitta) is giving a sharp aftertaste, and your stability - fuel (Ojas) is low- which makes you restless with things and eager to clear them. out”
TREATMENT GOALS
1) PACIFY VATA= make the mind and nervous system steady and calm
2) REDUCE RAJAS GUNA= slow down the impulsive mental energy
3) BALANCE PITTA IN THE MIND= remove sharpness and self criticism
4) BUILD OJAS= restore mental nourishment and contentment
5) Train the mind to live with and enjoy possessions without urge to purge.
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) BRAHMI GHRITA= 1/2 tsp with warm milk in morning and night for 3 months =nourishes brain , reduces vata in mind, supports memory and calmness
2) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at night for 3 months =builds Ojas, calms anxiety, strengthens body and mind
3) SHANKHAPUSHPI SYRUP= 10 ml twice daily after meals for 3 months =soothes mental agitation, improves focus
4) SHATAVARI KALPA= 1 tsp with warm milk in morning for 2 months =cooling and nourishing, balances pitta, supports emotional stability
EXTERNAL THERAPY
1) OIL MASSAGE= warm BALA TAILA full body oil massage, 20 min before warm bath, 3-4 times/week = calms vata, grounds the body, improves sleep
2) NASYA= instill 2 drops of Anu taila in each nostril in morning after oil massage =nourishes brain tissues and pacifies Vata in head region.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
ROUTINE= sleep and wake up at fixed times, eat at same times daily
AVOID OVERSTIMULATION= limit social media/news scrolling, especially at night
SLOW LIVING PRACTICES= spend 10-15 min daily sitting quietly with one object (a cup of tea, a flower) without doing anything else
WARMTH= keep body warm ,avoid cold wind and late night acitivty
YOGA ASANAS -vrikashasana= improves focus and stability -paschimottanasana= calms mind -vajrasana= improves digestion and grounding -shavasana= full relaxation
PRANAYAM -Nadi sodhana= 5-10 min daily -bhramari= 7 rounds before bed - avoid excessive kapalbhati= too stimulating for vata
DIET -warm, moist, slightly oily foods -khichdi, soups, porridge -whole grains - rice, oats, wheats -cooked vegetables, sweet fruits -nuts soaked overnight- almonds, cashews -spices= cumin, coriander, cinnamon, fennel
AVOID -excess raw salads, dry crackers, popcorn (dry vata aggravating foods) -cold drinks, ice creams -excess caffeine or very spicy foods -stimulates pitta and rajas
HOME REMEDIES
1) Warm milk with nutmeg- 1 cup at night for deep sleep and Ojas
2) Brahmi tea= brahmi leaves or powder simmered in water, taken mid morning
3) Ghee on chapati or rice- daily for mental grounding
4) Sesame oil foot massage- before bed to calm mind
What you’re experiencing is not “going nuts”- it’s your mind and body showing a pattern of imbalance that Ayurveda has seen for thousands of years. The urge to purge is simple a Vata-rajas dance with low Ojas. when we ground, nourish, and slow the mind, this loop loses its power.
Ayurveda’s approach is gentle but consistent - changes happen in weeks, but deep stability builds over months. The goal is not just to stop the urge, but to help you enjoy and keep the good things in life without fear or restlessness
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Medha vati- Ashwagandha capsule-1 tab twice daily after food with lukewarm milk Saraswathi aristha-4 tsp with equal quantity of water twice daily after food Do pranayama meditation
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
