Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) patients suffer from excessive, unrealistic worry that lasts through six months or more; the issues could be health, money, career problems, or just about anything. The various biological, psychological, and social factors that may cause Anxiety Disorder include: Heredity, Brain chemistry, Personality and Life experiences.

Symptoms

• Nausea
• Palpitations
• Sleep disturbances
• Breathlessness
• Dry mouth
• Feeling of panic, fear & uneasiness
• Cold or sweaty extremities
• Irritability and poor concentration.

Ayurvedic Perspective
Ayurveda, which takes a comprehensive view of an individual's physical, emotional and spiritual conditions, attributes anxiety disorder symptoms to aggravated prana vata, a subsidiary of vata dosha which is associated with worry, anxiety and depression. Prana vata weakens the nervous system and triggers mental imbalance. It also weakens the neuro-hormonal system and nerve impulses. Ayurvedic treatment of anxiety disorder would involve curbing aggravated prana vata and increasing sattva guna, which envisages a stable and peaceful mind through self-realization and self-control, and appropriate changes in diet and lifestyle.

Main procedure

• Ayurveda is known for philosophical basis, and its approach to psychological ailments is quite different from conventional system of management. Satvavajaya Chikitsa (Ayurvedic psychotherapy) is a nonpharmacological approach aimed at control of mind and restraining it from unwholesome objects or stress causing factors. It is a treatment by Self Control.
• Vata pacifying therapy such as Snehapanam, Abhyangam, Sirodhara, Sirovasthy, Nasyam, Snehavasthy, Kashayavasthy,Thalam, Thalapothichil.
• Meditation can play a major role in improving mental health and will help to cultivate a positive mentality.

Duration of Stay
3 to 4 weeks as per the condition.

Expected Outcome
Anxiety Disorder can be managed effectively.

Diet & Lifestyle advise

• Fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouts, nuts, dry fruits, honey, milk, ghee, fresh butter, and buttermilk are the best to increase Sattva and enrich the mind.
• Avoid use of black tea, coffee, white flour products, chocolates, white sugar products, deep fried foods, hot spices, meat, fish, and eggs. Such restrictions benefit in anxiety disorders.
• A relaxing massage, Foot massage and warm bath can make a good change in your anxious state of mind.
• Engage your mind in hobbies and relaxation.
• Breathing exercises: Mind has a very close relation with breathing.  While you are under stress. Take a relaxed position and breathe deep using the abdomen muscles. Let the diaphragm expand while breathing in, and contract while breathing out. This will immediately relax you and reduce anxiety attacks.
• Meditation, relaxation techniques and Yoga postures are also recommended.

Simple Home Remedies

• Have 1 teaspoonful of licorice root powder with water empty stomach in the morning.