Panic attacks occur in case of intense fear even when there is no apparent cause. They are believed to be a one-time occurrence but many people have experienced panic attacks repeatedly. A panic attack may occur at any time without any prompt such as while crossing a road, a family get-together, public speaking, driving, etc. In such a situation, the person feels jeopardized, suffocated and unable to escape. It also triggers the body’s flight or fight response.
Some of the symptoms of a panic attack include shortness of breath (hyperventilation), increased heartbeat, trembling or shaking, nausea and sweating, hot or cold flashes, dizziness, fear of dying or going crazy. Though a single panic attack may last a few minutes, the effect may have a lasting impression. In some cases, people develop panic disorder which is severe than a panic attack.
It causes serious disruptions in day-to-day life, induces tension and makes you anxious about a future panic attack. It influences your life socially and personally. You may avoid certain places and environment that lead to a panic attack. In extreme cases, it concerns your mental equilibrium.
Ayurveda’s perspective
According to Ayurveda, imbalanced Vata intensifies worry, anxiety, and depression which causes panic attacks in the body. It desensitizes the functioning of the nervous system, neurohormonal system, nerve impulses and generates mental imbalance.
Ayurveda treatment in India can help you redress the same. Through the following article, let’s explore the effect of Ayurveda on a panic attack.
- Harmonize Vata
Imbalanced Vata accompanies a panic attack; it constantly confronts the nervous system and mental health. Therefore, one must pacify Vata. Here’s how you can harmonize it:
- As warm pacifies Vata, drink warm milk with honey and saffron, shower with warm water, keep a hot water bottle under your feet, etc. Follow these before you go to bed; they lessen sleep disturbances.
- Massage your head and body with olive or sesame oil. When you massage the feet, pressurize under the balls of the toes. On the body, massage your back; especially, where kidneys are located. When you massage head, include forehead and temples to release anxiety.
- Follow a diet that stabilizes Vata. For instance, Vata prefers salty, sour, sweet, oily and warm food. Oatmeal, sweet fruits, warm milk, and water are some of the best options.
- Include pranayama, meditation, and yoga in your workout regime. These exercises soothe mental health and bring your mind and body in-sync.
- Ayurvedic herbs
These herbs act as adaptogens and provide strength to the body during emotional distress. They enhance the mood and support the neurotransmitter function. They relieve stress from the nerves, prevent oxidative damage to the organs and scavenge free radicals from the body.
- Gotu Kala: Consume 500mg of Gotu Kala extract twice a day for 14 days. It has a positive effect on stress, anxiety, and depression. In 2016, a study conducted on a group of 33 people who suffered from anxiety disorders. The patients were asked to consume Gotu Kala extract for 60 days. It was found that the level of depression, stress and anxiety decreased.
- Kava: Daily dosage for kava shouldn’t exceed 250mg. As per research, the effective dosage of kava is between 70-250mg. It can be consumed either in the form of capsules, liquid or tea. The active ingredient kavalactone is believed to reduce stress and anxiety, protect the neurons from damage, reduce body aches, etc.
- Ashwagandha: Consumption of 300mg of ashwagandha root extract twice a day benefits the body as well as the brain. Several studies have been done to study the effect of ashwagandha. It was found that it decreases cortisol i.e. stress hormone and enhances the mood, reduces stress and anxiety, lowers depression, improves brain functions, etc.
- Panchakarma treatment
Panchakarma treatment in India is another effective treatment for a panic attack. To know more about the same, enroll for Ayurveda Courses Kerala
