Chronic anxiety can exert a profound impact on both the mind and body, triggering a cascade of responses. From elevated cortisol levels affecting metabolism to increased susceptibility to mental health issues, the intricate interplay between stress and the mind-body connection is well known.
The businessman from the Middle East in his 40s came to Ananda to embark on a healing journey, bringing with him a complex tapestry of challenges.
Heavily overweight, he grappled with severe stress and anxiety, leading to migraines, hyperacidity, and digestive issues. Besides extreme stress and anxiety, he also had irregular meal patterns, heightened work-related stress, poor sleep quality, compromised digestive capacity, acute haemorrhoids, and migraine headaches attributable to digestive issues. As a Pitta-Vata individual with dominant Pitta, his emotional struggles were compounded by a history of surgeries alongside battles with depression and pneumonia.
How Ayurveda & Modern Medicine Approach Stress & Metabolism
Both Ayurveda and modern medical science see a relationship between mood and metabolic issues. Stress, identified by both, not only leads to overeating but also directly contributes to storing fat, especially in the belly. The gut microbiome, highlighted by medical science, is closely linked to stress, impacting how the body responds. Ayurveda, with its emphasis on restoring balance, also addresses the impact of stress on the gut. Both perspectives recognize the two-way relationship between stress and obesity, understanding that stress can both result from and contribute to unhealthy habits, creating a cycle of challenges.
It is widely believed that stress and anxiety alter a variety of metabolic processes. Our stress mechanisms assist our bodies to escape life-threatening situations, by releasing glucose into our bloodstream, aiding our muscles to fight or flee if necessary. This is cycle of self-preservation, which requires significant metabolic effort.
The majority of stressors the client was facing therefore were psychological rather than physical in nature. Nonetheless, the body continued to respond as if the stress is physical. His system was releasing large amount of surplus energy, which on finding no outlet physically was eventually getting stored as fat in the body.
On experiencing stress, the hormone Cortisol is released which has two potential mechanisms for promoting obesity. First, it promotes eating on its own, via other hormones and peptides, as well as through its effects on the brain and reward processing. Second, cortisol can directly stimulate fat deposition, especially in the abdominal area. Stress independently triggers dopamine, a neurotransmitter which enhances the desire for food. This creates a downstream effect on seeking food and irregular eating.
Upon arrival at Ananda, his focus was clear: a quest to alleviate the burdens of digestive concerns and the weight of emotional distress.
Tailoring The Wellness Journey
A customized Detox programme with a focus on Ayurveda and emotional healing was tailored by lead consultant Dr Naresh Perumbuduri. This programme aimed not only to address the digestive issues but also to alleviate the underlying emotional stress.
In the tranquil embrace of Ananda, the individual's story unfolded through an immersive healing journey. The structured programme integrated Ayurvedic shamana therapies, such as abhyanga, marma-abhyanga, and choorna swedana, complemented by sneha vastis to rebalance stress levels. De-stressing therapies, including emotional healing sessions, grounding aromatherapy, and shirodhara, were incorporated to provide holistic relief.
The Ayurvedic Doctors and culinary staff opted to meticulously constructing a diet therapy. Intestinal health was restored by changing food habits, which led to other rippling positive consequences. The client gradually noticed that his overall symptoms were subsiding due to dietary advice.
The outdoor activities seamlessly interwoven into the program became the brushstrokes of nature- yoga, pranayama, meditation, personal training sessions, treks, and forest walks were seamlessly included to enhance relaxation. This approach aimed not only to address the immediate concerns but also to foster a sustainable and balanced well-being for the individual, emphasizing both physical and emotional healing.
The Impact of the Programme
Emotional healing sessions helped lift the heavy weight of mental burdens. As he embraced the dietary recommendations and therapeutic interventions, the client noticed a gradual subsiding of symptoms. By the end of his stay, he reported feeling calmer, more energetic, and remarkably lighter both mentally and physically.
The post-programme follow-up echoed the tale of continued progress: a loss of 7 kilos, improving sleep quality, soaring energy levels, improvement of digestive issues, and a significant reduction in stress. He expressed gratitude for the support received during his stay and emphasized the stability he achieved both mentally and physically.
Notably, the individual continued to incorporate yoga-based activities and a balancing diet into his routine, focusing on physical and mental rest. He shared his intent to revisit Ananda the following year, underscoring the profound impact of the healing journey on his overall well-being.
This is more than just a healing journey; it's a testament to the deeply transformative power of a carefully tailored Ayurvedic approach. Our guest not only conquered his immediate health issues but also discovered a path towards sustained well-being, paving the way for a new lease on life.