Ayurveda cure for stress & burnout

Staying in balance

Our body is a marvel of nature.

This holistic physical system keeps itself constantly in balance and is able to adjust to external influences and repair itself. According to the ancient texts of Ayurveda, humans can live 115 years or longer – all the while happy and healthy!

But increasingly, our ability to adapt is being overwhelmed by the pace and unhealthy influences of our lives. Above all, the wide-ranging consequences of stress are an ever-growing problem. Lack of concentration, restlessness and nervousness as well as the reduction of happiness in life have been increasing threateningly for years in our modern achievement-oriented society; more and more people are suffering from sleep disorders, tension, headaches, anxiety or panic attacks; depression and burn-out are becoming increasingly widespread. According to a report of the health insurance DAK 35 per cent of the employed persons over 18 years indicate that they had sleep disturbances at least three times per week in the past four weeks. In addition, around one in four complained of poor sleep quality. According to the health insurance report, just under ten percent of the German population suffers from severe problems falling asleep or sleeping through the night – an increase of 60% since 2010 alone.

Almost half are tired at work. This not only leads to exhaustion and reduced performance, an increase in depression and anxiety, but also reduces our immunity and statistically proven increases, among other things, the risk of cardiovascular disease and increased incidence of breast cancer.

The number of people with depression is rising rapidly worldwide. For Germany alone, according to a study conducted in parallel in several European countries, the World Health Organization estimates the number of people with depression at 4.1 million, or 5.2% of the population – 18% percent more than ten years earlier.

Anxiety is also a widespread disease. But one that is hardly ever talked about, even though it affects more than ten million people in Germany. The most recent figure on the prevalence of anxiety disorders among adults comes from 2010. In that year, 15 percent of Germans went to the doctor because of pathological anxiety. In other words, almost one in six adults. According to the experts, the trend is rising. No other mental disorder is diagnosed more frequently.

With a variety of balancing Ayurvedic strategies, we can effectively counteract all these stress effects and protect ourselves against the consequences of unavoidable stress:

• Ayurveda Panchakarma cure – individually adapted to the personal situation, it brings back calm and relaxation to the organism.
• Regular light meals – modern medicine has also been able to confirm their balancing effects through scientific studies.
• Regular daily routine – this is also scientifically recognized
• Pranayama – stress reduction through slow, balancing breathing exercises
• Abhyanga – self-massages help to avoid and reduce stress
• Yoga – relaxation and flexibility for body and mind
• Transcendental Meditation – A key technique for deep relaxation with over 600 scientifically confirmed effects, including on burn-out, anxiety, sleep disorders, and elevated blood pressure while increasing energy and zest for life.
  

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Manager Dieter F. Kindermann: “Like a ‘fountain of youth’

Dieter F. Kindermann, Consul, Businessman and Manager of the Year 1992, is a regular guest at the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre in Bad Ems. We spoke with him about the stress of a businessman’s life and effective relaxation for mind and body.

­Mr Kindermann, you are in charge of a successful group of companies with more than 1,000 employees. You are an author, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan, Honorary Doctorate from the Abai State University in Almaty, Guest Professor for Business at Breslau University. You accept mandates from various organisations such as “Johanniter und Welthungerhilfe” (German Agro Action – Freedom from Hunger) and in addition have a family…

Isn’t that a bit too much activity for one person?

I managed before, but now I can manage everything more easily. There were times when I did much more. Sixteen to eighteen hours a day six days a week, and then Sunday mornings as well. When you are successful and things are running well, you do such things. However, experience shows that the bill comes later. That was no different for me. As well as the high pressure of work, there was also the irregular daily routine. With so many journeys in different time zones – in my busiest years I travelled more than 450,000 miles – there was no question of a “normal” daily routine.

What were the consequences?

“Through the treatments in Bad Ems I believe I have gained a better feeling for my body. In daily life I am more sensitive to my needs. And what is good for me is also good for my business.”

That all left its mark. I do not want to relate my whole story, only so much – at one point I had done too much and realised that I had to do something different. I began to look for a way to deal with the daily stress in the shortest possible time. It was Dieter Thomas Heck, a good friend of mine, who said to me, “Go to Bad Ems. There is a large hotel with an Ayurvedic centre.” He had a good experience there, so I followed his advice.

And how was it?

Well, Maharishi Ayurveda sounded a bit unusual, but the recommendation was one I had to follow. When I arrived in Bad Ems my scepticism soon disappeared. Dr. Karin Pirc and her husband, Managing Director Lothar Pirc, were initially responsible for this. They were very competent, friendly and inspired confidence. Dr. Pirc first gave me a check-up and came to the same conclusion that I had – it was high time for a rest. That is what I did and it was a good thing I did.

Sounds like you had a good experience. Did you stay with Maharishi Ayurveda?

Oh yes, of course. I have become a great fan. Since then I have taken many Panchakarma treatments in Bad Ems. It is hard to believe, I know, but the rest, extra sleep, the wonderful treatments, good food and interesting lectures worked like a fountain of youth on my body. I am a completely changed person and totally convinced of the benefits of Ayurveda.

And what have the effects been on your work and family life?

Very positive. You know, over time the repercussions of daily stress create their own dynamic. I have always been full of energy and over time kept doing more and more. My expectations for myself and those around me were continually increasing. I was fussy and always critical of others. Over time I became unbearable. I wasn’t bad, but terribly nervous. Today, thank God, it has changed. Within my family, as well as my business, we all get on much better. I have become a “team player”.

You meet with many managers and businessmen. Do you recommend Panchakarma treatment to them?

Of course – and not just to them. In January I had a wonderful time with my whole family here. I have also been here with some of my colleagues. The managing director of an investment company enthused about a new feeling for life after his first treatment.

But very often you probably hear the argument: I don’t have the time!

That’s right. But my feeling is that if you don’t have time yourself, then give someone else Maharishi Ayurvedic treatment as a gift. I have done that a number of times.

It is precious for health. It is wonderful when one can help those whom one really likes, to improve their health in this way.

Can you integrate the Ayurvedic recommendations into your daily life?

I do a lot of things differently now. I try to take things easier and take more time. Naturally that is not possible all the time, but one can do a lot. For example, a business meal does not always have to be heavy food with x number of courses. Even my colleagues now appreciate it when a light and easily digestible menu is served. But I don’t live like a monk – definitely not.

Modern managers take time out for self-development and wellness courses.

Is Maharishi Ayurveda an alternative?

It is a question of knowledge and realisation. I have taken many of these management courses. They are mainly just a strain for the body and don’t necessarily produce any mental freshness. Ayurveda has given me the opposite experience. The treatment, lectures and advice bring you closer to yourself and open up new horizons. Through the courses here at Bad Ems I think I have a better feeling for my body and handle daily life in a better way. And what’s good for me, is good for my business.

So, a royal path?

For me, definitely. It could be for many other people, too. You have to be aware of the possibility and not close your eyes to it. There are already managers that are ill because of stress and it’s very important for them to be better informed and discover this method.

Thank you for talking to us.