Pressure Points and Oil Massage for Anxiety Relief

Make a fist with your left hand, so that the fingers rest in the middle of CALMING PRESSURE POINT the palm. Locate the point where the middle finger ends, in the “heart” of the palm. Then, with the thumb of your right hand, press firmly on this point in the center of your left hand. Press for 1 minute.

This will calm down the agitation of prana, which causes anxiety. Ayurvedic Oil Massage Giving yourself a full-body oil massage will greatly help to reduce anxiety. Vatas should use sesame oil; pittas, sunflower or coconut oil; kaphas, corn oil. Use 6 or 7 ounces of warmed-up (not hot) oil, and rub it over your whole body from head to toes.

Ordinarily this massage is done before the morning bath, but if you have high anxiety or insomnia, you can also do it before going to bed. A minimassage is also effective: Using the appropriate oil for your constitution, rub some on your scalp and spend a few minutes rubbing the bottom of your feet. Lie down on your back in the yoga posture known as savasana, the “Corpse” or RELAXATION POSE Relaxation pose, arms by your sides. Sitting quietly, focus your attention on the top of your head while doing the MEDITATE TO RELAX So-Hum meditation (described in chapter 7).

Appetite, Low Poor appetite is a condition of low jatharagni (digestive fire). Low agni may be due to slow metabolism, or slow metabolism caused by low agni; each affects the other. Low agni creates not only poor appetite but also indigestion, bloating, ama (toxins) in the gastrointestinal tract, coating on the tongue, and bad breath. Lack of energy is also common.

The most effective treatment for this situation may surprise you: Don’t eat. A short fast will help to kindle the digestive fire. Skip breakfast, and don’t nibble anything. By noon your appetite will probably return, and you will be hungry and ready to eat.