September 2003
Deepa Arora, Mukesh Kumar, S.D. Dubey, and S.K. Baapat

 

Abstract

The role of stress in the aetiology of several diseases is well recognized in Ayurvedic science and modern medicine. The stress is known as sahasa in Ayurveda. Sahasa by causing ojahksaya (loss of immunity) increases the susceptibility of the body to various diseases.

Avoidance of stress is the best strategy for treatment and where it is not possible, the body should be well protected by taking appropriate care of the diet and sleep, sleep here indicates adequate rest required by the body.

Further, regular intake of several rasayana herbs to increase the coping capacity of the body is advised. Several of these rasayanas have demonstrated significant stress attenuating effects in animal experimentation and scientific efforts are ongoing to logically utilize rasayana herbal formulation in stress management.