STRESS RELIEF - Value package for rest & Relaxation

Unfortunately, our daily lives are often stressful: we rush from one appointment to the next, feel like we can't relax, and sleep poorly on top of that. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stress is always the result of an imbalance between Yin (inactivity, rest, cooling) and Yang (activity, work, heat).

Chronic stress makes our heart "overheat," our mind becomes "hyperactive" and unable to switch off after work. This also disrupts our sleep ("great yin") and eventually leads to burnout. Furthermore, persistent stress causes energy blockages, which are also visible in our faces. We develop wrinkles, and our skin becomes dull and often dry. Ayurveda also describes stress as a physical and mental weakening resulting from the suppression or non-fulfillment of natural needs and from excessive mental activity.

Every shift worker battling fatigue on the night shift, and every child stuck in school instead of playing outside, already suffers from stressful circumstances that weaken immunity and performance, according to this definition. Added to this is the unmet emotional needs, which can disrupt the balance of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Ayurveda recommends meditation, relaxation and breathing exercises, and dietary therapy as treatments for stress-related illnesses. So-called "Medhya Rasayanas" (strengthening the mind) help in this regard; these include, for example, Amalaki (contained in DEFENCE), Ashwagandha, or Brahmi, which—when used preventively—improve mental resilience.

From 5 pm onwards, Ayurveda also recommends integrating balancing activities into the daily routine, such as yoga, walking, cooking, or meeting friends. The evening should begin with a delicious, freshly cooked meal and a warm anti-stress milk ("Moon Milk" – recipe: s.u. ) end.

How intensely we feel pain is often related to our physical and mental state.

When we are stressed, sleep too little or feel exhausted, we are often more sensitive and experience physical discomfort particularly intensely.

Conversely, if we are balanced, rested and happy, this can significantly reduce our perception of pain.

The well-known calming and relaxing effect of lavender essential oil is biochemically due to cortisol production:

When we are stressed, our body produces the hormone cortisol, which activates various metabolic processes designed to help our body be more alert and fitter in order to better cope with stressful and dangerous situations.

What was essential for our survival as Stone Age humans now leads to restlessness and sleep disorders.

Essential lavender oil has been proven to lower the cortisol concentration in the blood.

The oil can either be diffused throughout the room, or a few drops can be placed on the pillow or added to the bathwater. Mixing it into your daily body care routine is also recommended, allowing you to massage it into your forearms and temples (where the oil is easily absorbed).

A restful night's sleep is essential for coping well with everyday life and all its stressful moments. Ayurveda addresses this by emphasizing its importance. u.a. on the so-called "Moon Milk", which, with the adaptogenic Ashwagandha as a key ingredient, is supposed to improve sleep quality and shorten the time it takes to fall asleep:

• ½ 1 cup cow's or other milk
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ¼ tsp Ashwagandha powder (or alternatively another adaptogenic plant such as Shatavari)
• 2 pinches of cardamom
• 1 pinch of ginger powder
• 1 pinch of nutmeg
• some freshly ground pepper
• 1 tsp coconut oil or ghee
• 1 tsp honey

Mix all ingredients together and heat gently. Enjoy in peace and let all your stress melt away. Good night!