Here are some very simple tips to build into your every day diet…

How about making some Peppermint Chia Balls?

What you will need is:

~ 450gm tahina

~ Either  1 cup organic cocoa with ¾ cup Agave          

~ Or  1 cup Carob with ¾ cup honey

~ ½ – ¾ cup coconut flour

~ 100gm chia seeds – ground to a flour

What you will need to do:

Mix well and roll into small balls and refrigerate.

How Many?

100 balls = 10gm/ball              50 balls = 20gm/ball

Enjoy!

Remember Aromatherapy to Help you Relax too!

To Boost Your Mood – Neroli, Bergamot, Rose Geranium, Petigrain

To Relax Your Mood – Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Sandalwood

Visit my Essential Health Australia website for a large range of pure essential oils and massage oil blends.

Enjoy Your Food & May Your Food Lift Your Mood Daily!

From an interview with Julie Wood RN, GDHSc(NM), GDHSc(OH), Dip Aroma  IAAMA 766 Nutrition Medicine Practitioner based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia for my book How To Overcome Stress Naturally (Chapter 5).

More Spices to Lift your Mood

• Cloves are one of those spices that an unseasoned cook may not use much. For ham eaters, the little unopened flower bud twigs are a familiar site. Cloves can also be used in Swedish meatballs, with dishes using beans, and in delicious desserts like Molasses Cookies, Pumpkin Pie, Gingerbread and Ginger Snaps.

One of the world’s healthiest spices, clove, adds Beta Cryptoxanthin, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium Vitamin A and Vitamin C to your food. Cloves can be used to treat digestive tract cancers. Cloves also offer anesthetic and anti-bacterial qualities and are used in oral care products, as well as in substances used by dentists.

• Ginger Because ginger is a root, it is considered a spice and not an herb. Ginger can be added to chicken, beef or vegetable dishes, as well as desserts like Gingerbread.
  Ginger, like most spices, is in cholesterol, low in saturated fat, and low in sodium. Ginger is one of the world’s healthiest spices and provides Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Potassium, and Vitamin C. Ginger, even when used in Ginger Ale, is known for its positive effects on an upset stomach, or medically, on gastrointestinal distress. Ginger is a great way to quell motion sickness. It also has some anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Mustard Seeds refers to actual mustard seeds, or ground mustard, not that bright yellow concoction in the familiar pull-top bottle. Mustard adds depth to any chicken dish, or cold potato salad. Mustard can also be used with a vinaigrette to make a delicious cold or warm dressing.

Mustard seeds are one of the world’s healthiest spices because they are a good sources of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and protein, as well as Lutein and Zeaxanthin. They also boast omega 3 fatty acids. Mustard seeds are also a great source of selenium. Selenium is considered to have cancer-prevention qualities, anti-inflammatory qualities, and can even lessen the severity of asthma.

• Tumeric A popular ingredient in curry powder, tumeric is part of the Ginger family, another one of the world’s healthiest spices. Tumeric is tasty when cooked with lentils and other vegetarian dishes. Tumeric is low in cholesterol and low in sodium. The yellow tumeric also provides dietary fibre, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Potassium. Tumeric is considered one of the world’s healthiest spices because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, it aids in digestion and it can help heal wounds.

Read more naturally healthy tips in my book

How To Overcome Stress Naturally by Tracey Stranger (BAppSci (Microbiology), GradDipMkt)

Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Tracey Book Launch

Chapter 5 – Change Your Food to Change Your Mood interview with Julie Wood

Next week …  Peppermint Chia Balls & Aromatherapy to Lift your Mood

From an interview with Julie Wood RN, GDHSc(NM), GDHSc(OH), Dip Aroma  IAAMA 766 Nutrition Medicine Practitioner based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia for my book How To Overcome Stress Naturally (Chapter 5).

Don’t Forget the Spices – to lift your mood

• Black Pepper Either purchase a peppermill and fill it with black peppercorns, white peppercorns or red peppercorns, or a mixture.  Freshly ground pepper adds zest to any dish, especially lean steaks and roasts. Pepper is one of the world’s healthiest spices because it is known for its positive effect on the digestive tract. It also has antibacterial and antioxidant benefits. Pepper also provides Vitamin A, Calcium, Copper, Vitamin K, Iron, Manganese, Magnesium and Potassium.

• Cayenne Pepper is derived from hot chili peppers. Cayenne pepper is great at fighting inflammation. Cayenne pepper is rich in Vitamin A, and also provides Iron, Manganese, Niacin, Niacin, Magnesium and Potassium, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Vitamin B6, making it one of the world’s healthiest spices.

• Chili Pepper Dried chili pepper powder adds heat and spice to chili, hot wings, and ethnic foods. Similar to cayenne pepper ground chili pepper provides anti-inflammatory benefits, as it contains capsaicin. Dried chili pepper is one of the world’s healthiest spices because it is also a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Iron and dietary fibre.

• Cinnamon If you cringe when you think of cinnamon, because the ground cinnamon you’ve tasted is bitter, try using Chinese Cinnamon. Chinese Cinnamon is sweeter, and has no bitter flavour. For a healthy snack, or fruit dip, combine equal parts non-fat vanilla or plain yogurt with unsweetened applesauce. Add cinnamon, and you have a healthy and nutritious snack.

Ground Cinnamon is not only very low in cholesterol, and in sodium, it is low in saturated fat. Cinnamon also boosts your vitamin intake with its Vitamin C , Iron, Manganese, and Vitamin K. In addition to exuding and incredible aroma when cooked, cinnamon has health-promoting properties, making it one of the world’s healthiest spices. Cinnamon promotes anti-clotting, can control blood sugar and improves digestive health. Ideal to add to your black coffee instead of sugar , 1/8^th teaspoon a day is all you need.

Read more naturally healthy tips in my book

How To Overcome Stress Naturally by Tracey Stranger (BAppSci (Microbiology), GradDipMkt)

Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Chapter 5 – Change Your Food to Change Your Mood interview with Julie Wood

Next week … More Spices to Lift your Mood

From an interview with Julie Wood RN, GDHSc(NM), GDHSc(OH), Dip Aroma  IAAMA 766 Nutrition Medicine Practitioner based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia for my book How To Overcome Stress Naturally (Chapter 5).

Nuts and Seeds To Lift Your Mood

• Pumpkin Seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium. Magnesium plays an important role in heart health and helps strengthen bones and teeth. It also helps the body absorb key minerals such as calcium and potassium. A glaring symptom of magnesium deficiency is depression (in addition to loss of appetite, leg cramps and migraines). This can be attributed to magnesium’s role in serotonin production (see My Blog entry 1st June 2010 for mood-boosting benefits of serotonin). Other sources of magnesium include halibut, quinoa, chia, spinach, plums and tomatoes.

• Sunflower seeds: One of the most popular seeds consumed, sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and known to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Studies have also shown them effective in guarding against cataracts. Experts recommend eating two tablespoons of sunflower seeds each day. Doing so will double your intake of vitamin E. However, they are high in calories and should be eaten in limited quantities.

• Chia Seeds: new kid on the block to us but known to the Aztecs for hundreds of years. Chia seeds are high in protein, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and have the highest level of omega-3 known. This amazing little seed is taken daily – 1 dessertspoon soaked in water.

• Almonds: Classified as a nut, almonds are actually the seed of the fruit of an almond tree. They offer a delicate and mild flavour to dishes and can be added to vegetables, meats, fruits and desserts.
  Eating twelve almonds per day can provide you with the recommended daily allowance of essential fatty acids. Almonds are rich in potassium and are considered a “good” fat. These fruit seeds are high in calories, so limit your intake to no more than twelve per day. They should be lightly roasted or sprouted. Use almond meal in cake mixes and muffins.

• Brazil nuts: Brazil nuts contain all the essential amino acids, making them a complete protein. Brazil nuts contain exceptionally high levels of selenium; a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Brazil nuts are an excellent source of zinc, which is essential to digestion and metabolism. Brazil nuts contain a high level of fat and should not be consumed more than three times per week. One serving equals eight nuts and is equivalent to 30 grams of fat.

Read more naturally healthy tips in my book

How To Overcome Stress Naturally by Tracey Stranger (BAppSci (Microbiology), GradDipMkt)

Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Chapter 5 – Change Your Food to Change Your Mood interview with Julie Wood

Next week… Spices to Lift your Mood

From an interview with Julie Wood RN, GDHSc(NM), GDHSc(OH), Dip Aroma  IAAMA 766 Nutrition Medicine Practitioner based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia for my book How To Overcome Stress Naturally (Chapter 5).

Fruits to Lift Your Mood Each & Every Day:

• Apricots: These beauties are rich in the antioxidant beta carotene; the molecule that gives fruits and vegetables their orange colour. Apricots also contain an abundant supply of iron and potassium. They help regulate blood pressure and maintain regular bowel function. If you ever experience constipation, eat an apricot!

One fresh apricot, provide an adult with one-fifth of the daily recommended value of potassium. It also packs a whopping 20 percent of the RDA of vitamin A, 8 percent vitamin C, and 5 percent fibre. Apricots contain tryptophan, which helps to induce sleep and relaxation.

• Avocados: Oftentimes, people shy away from avocados because of their fat content. However, avocados contain “good” fat and are rich in vitamins C, E, and B6. They are also a good source of potassium. Studies have shown avocados possess the ability to reduce cholesterol. Individuals diagnosed with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can obtain benefits by consuming two to three avocados per week. Avocados are high in calories, so limit weekly consumption to a maximum of three.

• Bananas: Need a quick energy boost? Eat a banana. This delectable fruit contains only 62 calories and is rich in potassium and vitamin B6. It also boasts  vitamin C and dietary fibre. Look for bananas which are not fully ripened because they contain less starch than fully ripened bananas.

Bananas are probably one of the most versatile health foods available. They can be eaten with every meal, as a snack or dessert. You can add them to frozen yogurt or a fruit salad. They can be grilled, broiled, sautéed or flambéed. A favourite banana recipes is to insert a popsicle stick into a banana, coat in melted dark chocolate, roll in chopped nuts and freeze. There’s nothing better on a hot summer night!

• Blueberries: This tart berry has been shown to reduce inflammation; making blueberries a good choice for individuals with arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Research shows that eating thirty blueberries per day can help alleviate aches and pains in the joints.

In addition to being an anti-inflammatory fruit, blueberries also offer anti-blood clotting and antibacterial effects. They can help ease the pain associated with diarrhoea or food poisoning. Blueberries contain the highest level of antioxidants and are said to possess anti-aging properties. One cup of blueberries contains less than 100 calories, yet provides nearly 30 percent of the RDA for vitamin C, 10 percent vitamin E, and 15 percent dietary fibre. They can be added to cereal, oatmeal, fruit salads, and yogurt or eaten plain. Add dried blueberries to muffin mix and eat as an afternoon snack .

• Mangoes: Mangoes contain beta-cryptoxanthin, a potent antioxidant that prevents free radicals from damaging your cells and DNA. Recent studies have shown that mangoes may help to reduce the risk of colon and cervical cancer. Mangoes are rich in beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A within the body.

It’s important to note that beta-cryptoxanthin is best absorbed by the body when eaten with fat. For best results, consume mangoes as part of a meal.
Mango salsa makes an excellent companion with chicken and pork. They add a tart, yet sweet flavour to fruit salads and smoothies. Mangoes can be frozen, but be certain to remove the skin and core and store in a freezer bag.

Read more naturally healthy tips in my book

How To Overcome Stress Naturally by Tracey Stranger (BAppSci (Microbiology), GradDipMkt)  Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Chapter 5 – Change Your Food to Change Your Mood interview with Julie Wood

Next week… Nuts & Seeds to Lift your Mood

From an interview with Julie Wood RN, GDHSc(NM), GDHSc(OH), Dip Aroma  IAAMA 766 Nutrition Medicine Practitioner based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia for my book How To Overcome Stress Naturally (Chapter 5).

Vegetables

• Artichokes – see last week’s blog
• Broccoli – see last week’s blog

• Garlic: One of the most notable benefits of garlic is its ability to reduce blood pressure. Garlic is also known for its antibacterial properties, which can reduce the risk of infection and illness. Recent studies show garlic may also help reduce the risk of  heart disease and cancer.

At only 9 calories per clove, it is a perfect vegetable for those watching their weight. Garlic is a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C and calcium. Garlic can be eaten raw, added to nearly every recipe, or baked for a delicious garlic spread. Garlic salt or garlic powder can be used as a salt substitute.

• Onions: Not only are onions a good source of fibre, potassium, and B vitamins, they also possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Research indicates onions may help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, and relieve bronchial congestion.

At only 36 calories per medium-sized onion, these flavourful veggies can be abundantly consumed on a daily basis. Raw onions provide the highest level of health benefits. Add a splash of extra virgin olive oil to onion slices and toss on the grill. Fresh herbs and spices can be added for an extra punch of flavour. Add red onion to your salad

• Tomatoes: Perhaps one of the most versatile vegetables(fruits) is the tomato. It can be eaten raw, cooked, steamed, grilled, baked, juiced, or pureed. Tomatoes are compatible with nearly every type of food including meats, vegetables, potatoes and rice. Tomato paste has the highest concentration of antioxidants and just a teaspoon a day will work for you. They are a good source of  vitamins C and E. Just one cup will provide you with more than 50 percent of the RDA of vitamin C, 20 percent of vitamin A and 15 percent of vitamin K. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, a phytochemical known to reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Spinach: Is a potent green. Part of the family that includes kale and chard, spinach is a rich source of several minerals that are good for anxiety and depression.

Spinach contains magnesium, a mineral with relaxing and calming effects. Green leafy vegetables are also high in folic acid, low levels of which have been linked to depression in several studies. Other foods loaded with folic acid include sunflower seeds, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, wheat germ, oatmeal, black-eyed peas, lentils, soybeans and mustard greens.

• Sweet potatoes: Eating complex carbohydrates sets off a process that results in boosting your levels of serotonin. This brain chemical packs a wallop when it comes to mood enhancement. Carbs trigger the production of insulin, which clears glucose and amino acids from the bloodstream. This process paves the way for another amino acid, tryptophan, to cross the blood-brain barrier and get to work on boosting serotonin levels.

Complex carbs offer far more nutritional value than biscuits, candy and soft drink, and they’re more slowly absorbed in your bloodstream, which contributes to keeping blood-sugar levels — and your mood — stabilized.

Read more naturally healthy tips in my book

How To Overcome Stress Naturally by Tracey Stranger (BAppSci (Microbiology), GradDipMkt)

Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Chapter 5 – Change Your Food to Change Your Mood interview with Julie Wood

Next week… Fruits to Lift your Mood

From an interview with Julie Wood RN, GDHSc(NM), GDHSc(OH), Dip Aroma  IAAMA 766 Nutrition Medicine Practitioner based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia for my book How To Overcome Stress Naturally (Chapter 5).

Protein

Incorporating quality foods into your daily life will help you stay on an even keel. Protein encourages the production of dopamine and noradrenalin, which produces alertness, mental energy and faster reaction time. The effects of eating protein last about 2 – 3 hours.

If you have trouble sleeping make sure that you have your last protein meal several hours before you go to bed.

• Fish such as salmon, mackeral and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acid. Research has shown that omega-3 is used for building neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain and helps reduce depression and it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Sardines are also high in zinc and calcium – with their bones.

• Chicken and turkey are also recognised as being higher in their levels of tryptophan which naturally boosts serotonin levels (relax & calming).

• Lean red meat also has small amounts of tryptophan and tyrosine – another amino acid our brain requires and boosts serotonin (relax & calming).

• Oysters are high in zinc as is crab.

Vegetables

• Artichokes: This odd-looking vegetable is fat-free, a good source of complex carbohydrates, and contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a non-digestible fibre. The human body does not possess the enzymes required to break down FOS. However, bacteria found in the large intestine and colon does contain the enzymes. For this reason, artichokes are beneficial to people who experience bowel problems.

Artichokes are a good source of iron, potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese. They provide nearly 20 percent of the RDA for vitamin C, 23 percent of vitamin K and 17 percent folate. One artichoke contains around 76 calories.

• Broccoli: Research has proven broccoli has the potential to prevent cancer. That fact alone should make you want to eat it on a daily basis. Broccoli has also been proven effective in lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Broccoli is rich in beta carotene, calcium, iron, folate, vitamin C and E, and zinc. Broccoli contains about 15 percent of tryptophan; an essential amino acid that aids in sleep and relaxation. Eat this food throughout the day and for an evening snack to keep your nerves calm and to obtain a peaceful sleep.

3 PRACTICAL STEPS FOR EACH DAY

Firstly, Love & Respect your body!

1. Start Your Day with Protein – Have some salmon or sardines to boost alertness and faster reaction time. (protein encourages production of dopamine and noradrenaline) REMEMBER: The effects of eating protein last about 2-3 hours.
2. Eat an Apple today – to boost your mental alertness
3. Feeling tired? – eat some raisons which are rich in iron

Read more naturally healthy tips in my book

How To Overcome Stress Naturally by Tracey Stranger (BAppSci (Microbiology), GradDipMkt)  Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Chapter 5 – Change Your Food to Change Your Mood interview with Julie Wood

Next week… More Vegetables to Lift your Mood

A survey of 200 people in England reported that 88 percent found that changing their diet improved their mental health. Survey conducted by the “Food and Mood Project”, Amanda Geary, reported on BBC Health.

I interviewed Julie Wood RN, GDHSc(NM), GDHSc(OH), Dip Aroma  IAAMA 766

Nutrition Medicine Practitioner based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia for my book How To Overcome Stress Naturally (Chapter 5).

How many of us know the relationship between food and mood?

There are three main chemical neurotransmitters in the brain which help send messages from one cell to the next. They are dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin.

Dopamine and Noradrenalin are the brain chemicals that keep us alert: they have a tendency to make us think more quickly and they increase motivation, mental acuity and productivity.

Serotonin on the other hand is the calming brain chemical: it produces a relaxed, more focused, less anxious, less stressed, more euphoric feeling.

How does food affect mood?

What we eat has an influence on our brain chemicals (neurotransmitters, ie serotonin, dopamine and acetylcholine) which influences the way we think, feel and behave.

Here are 5 examples:

• Blood sugar level: Fluctuations are associated with changes in mood and energy, and are affected by what we eat.
• Artificial colouring/flavouring: There can be abnormal behaviour reactions to artificial chemicals in foods, such as artificial colourings and flavourings.
• Vitamins/Minerals: Low levels of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids can affect mental health, with some symptoms associated with particular nutritional deficiencies. For example, links have been demonstrated between low levels of certain B-vitamins and symptoms of schizophrenia, low levels of the mineral zinc and eating disorders, and low levels of omega-3 oils and depression.
• Toxins: A build-up of toxins from the environment, such as lead from traffic pollution or mercury from leaky amalgam fillings, can also affect the proper functioning of the body and brain.
• Poor digestion: Leading to an accumulation of undigested foods in the gut can result in poor absorption of nutrients and a build up of toxins or malabsorption in the bowel leading to bowel dysbiosis “Leaky gut”. Our bowel also has a large number of neurotransmitter receptors and these can be affected. Toxins can also escape the bowel and end up in the brain interfering with the neurotransmitters in the brain.

Choosing the right foods

Protein: Protein encourages the production of dopamine and noradrenalin, which produces alertness, mental energy and faster reaction time. The effects of eating protein last about 2 – 3 hours.

ie Fish, sardines, chicken, turkey, lean red meat, oysters

Vegetable: artichokes, broccoli, garlic, onion, tomato,spinach, sweet potato
Fruits: apricots, avocado, banana, blueberry, mango

Nuts & Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, almonds, brazil nutsSpices: Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chili pepper, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mustard seeds, turmeric.

7 Tips to Overcome Stress Naturally

1. Change your diet, just the simple things.
2. Take ten minutes and sit down and eat lunch. Take the time to do that.
3. Meditation – a simple 10 minute “time out” peace & quiet for yourself.
4. Walk, go for a walk, along the river, down the beach, or even just around the shopping centre.
5. Go and have a coffee with somebody, and simply have a chat.
6. Aromatherapy. Burn some aromatherapy oils or have a massage, a foot massage. It starts to lift the spirit.
7. Make the stressful situation a challenge. Look at how you can get out of it, or change it, or what can I do rather than being a victim in it.

In my next article more on Choosing the Right Foods to Change your Mood.

Chapter 3 of my book How To Overcome Stress Naturally, I interviewed Shanti Gowans, President Australasian Ayurvedic Practitioners Association & CEO The Meditation Institute – Southport, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia … cont.

What is the Ayurvedic approach when someone has stress in their life?

Stress and pain are shadows of the outstretched hand of the divine. It is the universal Truth asking us to make a change that will help us fulfil the purpose of our life.

When people approaches us with stress, we first would ascertain what dosha they are, what their signature tune is, because to bring them back to that would be to bring them back to the optimum tune that they play. Vata, Pitta, Kapha.

Note: Go to www.HowtoOvercomeStressNaturally.com to fill in the FREE Ayurvedic dosha questionnaire.

For instance, a vata dosha person under stress would get anxious and nervous and fearful.

A pitta person under stress would get angry and aggressive.

A kapha person under stress would go into a kind of state of no action like a paralysis that is the precursor to depression.

When we find out what their constitution is which we find out when we go through a series of observations and questioning and they talk about how they feel things they then begin to understand their own characteristic state.

It’s really an explanation and education as to why we wouldn’t want them to be anything but who they are, to honour who they are, and to function optimally, they must be who they are.

What if we could entertain the possibility that there were nothing wrong with this person?

Ayurveda and Yoga are so welcoming to everything and that’s what acceptance is all about. There is absolutely no reason to reject anything. In an holistic perspective, life is an all-inclusive oneness and it allows us to negotiate with it.

The three guidelines of traditional ayurveda are:

1.   food (aahar)

2.   life style (vihar) and

3.   thoughts (vijar).

To maintain a healthy body and mind it is very important to take care yourself with:

1.   The right food,

2.   A disciplined life style and

3.   A balanced mind with healthy thoughts.

A disciplined life style means giving our body the proper rest and exercise. According to traditional ayurveda proper sleep is the base of health and sleep is known as the best therapy in life.

Sleep, like most healthy and beautiful things on this earth, is free.

The only thing we need to do is to fix an appointment with our bed and keep it every day.

How can people find an Ayurvedic practitioner in their local area?

You can get in touch with one of the associations. Shanti Gowans is President of  Australasian Ayurvedic  Practitioner’s Association. http://www.ayurvedapractitionersaustralia.com/

BUY the Book How To Overcome Stress Naturally by Tracey Stranger with Foreword by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

for more natural choices to overcome stress naturally + 20 Page Resource Directory.

Chapter 3 of my book How To Overcome Stress Naturally, I interviewed Shanti Gowans, President Australasian Ayurvedic Practitioners Association & CEO The Meditation Institute – Southport, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is the ancient and extremely well refined traditional medicine of India and one of the oldest health care systems in the world.  Ayurveda, often regarded as the ‘sister’ health care system to Yoga, has a recorded history of over 3,000 years.

Health is defined as ‘harmony and happiness,’ hence disease is disharmony and imbalance.

The word Ayurveda is comprised of two Sanskrit words ‘Ayur’ means ‘life’ and ‘Veda’ means ‘knowledge’. So, it is knowledge about life, a healthy life, a long life.

In Ayurveda an average person is expected to live to 120 and if, by chance, there is something like disease in a person’s life, then it looks at how to go about making that life better, either by curing that disease or at least managing it.

People come to ayurveda for a variety of reasons including: headaches, allergies, chronic fatigue, depression, back pain, digestive disorders, joint pain, menstrual disorders, sleeping problems, asthma, addictions and stress.

In the case of life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, AIDS and heart disease, ayurveda can help improve the quality of life and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and medication. In many cases, ayurveda in combination with other therapies like yoga and meditation can halt the progression of a disease.

What is the Ayurvedic approach to disease and in particular, stress?

There are three different manifestations of day-to-day stress from the perspective of Ayurveda – mental, emotional, and physical. Each requires different approaches and therapies.

Mental Stress

Mental stress, according to ayurveda, is caused by an overuse or misuse of the mind. For instance, if you perform intense mental work many hours a day, or if you work long hours on the computer, it can cause an imbalance in Prana Vata, the mind-body operator concerned with brain activity, energy and the mind.

The person’s mind becomes hyperactive, yet the person loses the ability to make clear decisions, to think positively, to feel enthusiastic, and even to fall asleep at night.

To address day-to-day mental stress, it is important to begin by managing mental activity. Secondly, you can take measures to pacify Prana Vata, for example, by:

• Favouring Vata-balancing foods, such as sweet, sour, and salty tastes.

• Favouring warm milk and other light dairy products

• Performing a full-body warm oil self-massage everyday

It is important to get plenty of rest, and if you are having trouble falling sleep, avoid stimulants like caffeine and sip on herbal tea instead. Relaxing aromatherapy and meditation can help calm the mind.

Emotional Stress

Emotional stress can be caused by a problem in a relationship, the loss of a relative, or any situation that might hurt the heart. Emotional stress shows up as irritability, depression, and emotional instability. It affects sleep in a different way than mental stress – it can cause you to wake up in the night and not be able to go back to sleep.

Emotional stress disturbs Sadhaka Pitta, the mind-body operator concerned with the emotions and functioning of the heart. To balance emotional stress, you need to favour Pitta-pacifying foods and routine, such as:

• Eating lots of sweet juicy fruits

• Favouring Pitta-pacifying foods such as the sweet, bitter and astringent tastes.

• Drinking a cup of warm milk with cooling rose petal preserve before bed

• Cooking with cooling spices such as cardamom, coriander, cilantro, and mint

• A daily self-massage with a cooling oil such as coconut oil

• Going to bed before 10:00 p.m.

Physical Stress

Physical stress is caused by misuse or overuse of the body, such as exercising too much or working for extended periods at a job that is physically taxing. This can cause a person to experience physical fatigue, along with mental fogginess, difficulty in concentrating, and dullness of the mind.

Another reason for physical stress can be too little exercise, which results in a sluggish digestion and the formation of ama, the digestive impurities that clog the channels. In either type of physical fatigue, the process of regenerating cells slows down, and thus the cells themselves become physically tired.

The solution is to balance Vata and to support Kapha to make the body more stable and nurturing, for example, by:

• Getting adequate rest and moderate exercise

• Following a Vata-Kapha pacifying diet

• Performing the full-body warm oil self massage everyday

Certain foods are natural stress busters according to ayurveda. These include walnuts, almonds, coconut, sweet juicy, seasonal fruit such as pears, apples (cooked if possible), milk, and fresh cheeses such as panir or ricotta.

On the other hand, if you build your resilience to stress through natural methods, you can begin to experience stressors more as a challenge or a positive opportunity for growth. If you learn to evoke the ‘stay and play’ rather than the ‘fight or flight’ response, you can truly live a stress-free life of self-actualization, and become a ‘spiritual being’ in human form.

Note: Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the three psycho-physiological ayurvedic principles that govern all the activities of the mind and body.

A person enjoys perfect health if these principles are in perfect balance.

How can people find an Ayurvedic practitioner in their local area?

You can get in touch with one of the associations. There are several. Shanti Gowans is President of Australasian Ayurvedic  Practitioner’s Association.   http://www.ayurvedapractitionersaustralia.com/