Treat Your PTSD with Traditional Kerala Ayurveda

Ayurveda doesn’t offer a singular “cure” for PTSD, but it does provide holistic practices that complement conventional medical and therapeutic care to support individuals with PTSD. Here are key strategies Ayurveda employs:

Understanding Doshas and PTSD:

Ayurveda views PTSD as a manifestation of imbalances in the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each imbalance presents with distinct symptoms, and treatment focuses on restoring balance and promoting emotional well-being:

• Excess Vata: This can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, and fear. Vata governs movement and circulation, and its excess creates mental chaos and instability, contributing to PTSD symptoms. Treatment focuses on calming Vata with warm, nourishing diet, calming practices like yoga and meditation, and herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi.
• Excess Pitta: This might present as anger, irritability, aggression, hyperarousal, difficulty sleeping, and nightmares. Pitta is associated with fire and intensity, leading to emotional volatility and potential aggression, which can worsen PTSD symptoms. Treatment aims to cool Pitta with cooling fruits and vegetables, soothing practices like pranayama, and herbs like Guduchi and Neem.
• Excess Kapha: This could manifest as numbness, apathy, withdrawal, lack of motivation, and difficulty expressing emotions. Kapha represents structure and heaviness, contributing to emotional blunting and potentially hindering the processing of trauma. Treatment focuses on stimulating Kapha with light, easily digestible foods, gentle exercise, and herbs like Triphala and Fenugreek.

Ayurvedic Treatment Strategies:

Important note: These approaches are meant to complement conventional medical and therapeutic care, not replace it. Consult a doctor and mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment management.

Dietary Adjustments:

• Dosha-balancing foods: Consume foods specific to your unique dosha imbalance.
• Avoid aggravating foods: Steer clear of foods that worsen your individual doshic imbalance.
• Balanced and nutritious diet: Ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients for overall health and nervous system function.
• Mindful eating: Practice mindful eating techniques to cultivate a healthy relationship with food and improve emotional regulation.

Herbal Remedies :

• Nerve Tonics: Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, and Gotu Kola can enhance cognitive function, improve memory, reduce anxiety, and support nervous system healing.
• Dosha-specific herbs: Specific herbs tailored to your dosha imbalance, like Ashwagandha for Vata, Guduchi for Pitta, and Triphala for Kapha, can further address specific symptoms.
• Adaptogenic Herbs: Ashwagandha and Jatamansi can help manage stress and promote emotional resilience, benefiting individuals with PTSD.