Fatigue, the ayurvedic approach.
A stress-driven body and mind is the major cause of fatigue, for many people
this is a normal state of living in today's
hectic world. Most people have
lost touch with the normal experience of "calm energy," which is a
state of low tension and high energy that allows for optimism, confidence, and
the
stamina necessary to enjoy
success,
love and
happiness.
What causes fatigue ?
According to ayurveda, fatigue is caused by overuse, misuse or no use of the
mind, emotions or body,
Misuse is doing something that is against your nature. If you are an honest
person, and you find yourself in a situation where you feel pressured to lie or
cheat, that misuse of your mental faculties could cause you to feel fatigued.
An example of physical misuse is knowing that a physical task is beyond your
capability, but doing it anyway. Or perhaps your heart is very tender, and you
are surrounded by people who are habitually angry -- an example of emotional
misuse.
Even lack of use can cause fatigue.
Use it or lose it applies not only to the
body, but to the brain and emotions as well.
The first step in
correcting fatigue is to
determine the cause. You can ask
yourself if your fatigue is caused by
physical,
mental or
emotional factors.
And is it caused by overuse, misuse or lack of use?
Once you know which behavior is causing the fatigue, you must, of course, stop
that behavior. Become familiar with your stress-point and your own level of
comfort. The solution to the problem of fatigue is found in one simple sentence:
proper use of the mind, body and emotions.
The three doshas and fatigue.
There is a relationship between the three doshas and the three main types
of fatigue. Mental fatigue is associated with an imbalance in
vata dosha,
emotional fatigue is caused by an imbalance in
pitta dosha, and physical
fatigue is caused by an imbalance in
kapha dosha.
Ama (impurities caused by undigested food) is a major cause of all three types
of fatigue. To avoid all types of fatigue, avoid
leftovers,
fast
foods, foods grown with
chemical fertilizers or sprayed
with
pesticides, or packaged, canned, frozen or processed foods.
Try the following recommendations for each type of fatigue:
For mental fatigue:
* Vata-pacifying diet and daily routine.
* Go to
bed early, avoid mental work right before bed.
For emotional fatigue:
* Pitta-pacifying diet and daily routine.
* Never skip
meals.
For physical fatigue:
* Kapha-pacifying diet and daily routine.
* Reduce
ama and
drink enough throughout the day.
Depending on your
mind-body type and
imbalances, you may be more
susceptible to certain types of fatigue.
Two final points of advice for dealing with fatigue: cut back on coffee, cola,
caffeinated teas, etc. And do not take sleeping pills, this allows
your body to reestablish a natural rest and activity cycle.
Second, schedule enough rest each day. The human
nervous system and
body is
not designed for a constant diet of tension, pressure, speed and excitement.
It must have adequate rest to permit natural
regeneration and
recuperation,
and to experience "
calm energy" and
joy.