Classification of stress relieving techniques

Whether stress relieving techniques will work or not, Implementing Stress Relieving Techniques

Panchakosa theory

Based on the Taittiriya Upanishad and Indian philosophy, it is believed that every individual possesses five kosas within their bodies. The five kosas are: annamaya kosa (the physical body), pranamaya kosa (the energy body), manomaya kosa (the mental body), vijnanamaya kosa (the intellectual body), and anandamaya kosa (the soul body) [1]. Any intervention that impacts any of these kosas will have a substantial effect on the individual’s overall health.

The five kosas are made up of five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and akasa [2]. Human body consists of five karmendriyas and five jnanendriyas, which represent these five elements. Karmendriyas are anus, genitals, feet, hands, and mouth. Respectively, Jnanendriyas are nose, tongue, eyes, skin, and ears [3].

Stress-relieving techniques can be categorized based on the kosa or elements or indriyas they target.

Classification of Stress management techniques

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Few Examples

The treatments for stress vary from person to person, depending on the root cause of the stress.

If an individual is experiencing physical stress, they may benefit from annamaya kosa procedures. The specific technique required within the annamaya kosa procedures will vary depending on their specific requirements.

Example 1: Suppose there’s one with good intellectual abilities just scored a software job. He started working in a seated position for several hours each day, which was not his usual routine before taking on his new role. He is currently facing physical strain due to his prolonged sitting and excessive screen usage. He requires stress-relieving techniques for his feet and eyes. Other procedures may not be suitable for the individual.

Example 2: Here’s another example. The senior bank employee was instructed by higher-ups to complete a task on a computer. However, he lacks familiarity with computer skills. As a result, he may experience psychological tension. The procedures of Annamaya Kosa may not yield favorable results for him. He requires the methods of manomaya and vijnanamaya kosa.

Example 3: Here’s another example. A doctor is struggling with familial relationships. He is experiencing significant psychosocial stress. He needs manomaya and vijnanamaya kosa procedures that can help him reduce his tension.

In the same way, individuals facing energy issues can benefit from pranamaya kosa techniques, while those dealing with emotional stress can find relief through manomaya kosa techniques. For those struggling with decision-making, vijnanamaya kosa techniques can be helpful, and those experiencing psycho-spiritual stress can turn to anandamaya kosa techniques.

We will delve into the specifics of each strategy in the upcoming chapters. There you will find a comprehensive scientific background for each technique, along with supporting research studies. We will also provide a description of how to apply the technique in our daily lives.

1. https://ijip.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/18.01.105.20180602.pdf
2. https://vikaspedia.in/health/ayush/yoga-1/pancha-kosha
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchendriyas

Key points

• Every individual possesses five kosas within their body. The five kosas include the annamaya kosa, which represents the physical body, the pranayama kosa, which represents the energy body, the manomaya kosa, which represents the mental body, the vijnanamaya kosa, which represents the intellectual body, and the anandamaya kosa, which represents the soul body.
• The Kosas are composed of five elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and akasa.
• The choice of stress-relieving treatments varies depending on the individual’s specific stress triggers.
• If an individual is experiencing physical stress, they may benefit from annamaya kosa procedures. In the same way, individuals facing energy issues can benefit from pranamaya kosa techniques, while those dealing with emotional stress can find relief through manomaya kosa techniques. For those struggling with decision-making, vijnanamaya kosa techniques can be helpful, and individuals experiencing psycho-spiritual stress can explore anandamaya kosa techniques.

Earth – Annamaya Kosa Stress Relieving Techniques – Dietary Approach, Implementing Stress Relieving Techniques