Akathisia is a condition characterized by an inner sense of restlessness, causing constant movement, fidgeting, or an inability to stay still. In Hinduism, physical and mental restlessness is often viewed as an imbalance in the mind-body-soul connection. According to Hindu scriptures, restlessness, anxiety, and stress can be soothed through a combination of spiritual practice, prayer, mantras, and lifestyle adjustments.
Practical Day-to-Day Solutions
Pranayama and Breathing Techniques:
- Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This helps balance the body's energies and calms the mind. By focusing on the breath, you alleviate the constant inner restlessness that defines akathisia.
- Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath): This is useful for reducing anxiety and promoting mental tranquility.
Yoga:
- Shavasana (Corpse Pose): Lying in stillness after yoga practice calms both the body and mind.
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): Helps in grounding the mind and stabilizing physical restlessness.
- Balasana (Child’s Pose): A restorative posture that can calm mental agitation.
Grounding Practices:
- Walking Barefoot on Earth (Prithvi Tatva): According to Hinduism, connecting with the Earth element through activities like walking barefoot helps draw away negative energy and pacifies physical restlessness.
Dietary Adjustments:
- Sattvic Diet (Pure and Balanced Diet): Consuming light, pure, and fresh foods can calm the mind and reduce the intensity of akathisia. Foods like milk, fresh fruits, vegetables, ghee, and grains can help balance mental and emotional disturbances.
Herbal Remedies (Ayurvedic Approaches):
- Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Known for its stress-relieving properties, Ashwagandha helps reduce anxiety and restlessness.
- Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): Enhances cognitive function and reduces mental fatigue, which can alleviate akathisia symptoms.
Mantras for Calming Akathisia
Mantras act as powerful vibrational tools that can help restore mental balance. Chanting specific mantras associated with calming and protective deities helps balance mind and body.
1. Mantra of Lord Pashupati (Shiva):
Lord Pashupati, a form of Shiva, is considered the Lord of animals and nature, symbolizing control and calm over inner restlessness.
Mantra:
"Om Pashupataye Namah"
Translation: "Salutations to the Lord of Beasts, Lord Pashupati."
Chanting this mantra daily can invoke Shiva’s peaceful, grounding energy, helping to bring calm to physical restlessness.
2. Mantra of Lord Dhanvantari (The God of Healing):
Lord Dhanvantari is the divine physician who heals both physical and mental imbalances.
Mantra:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amritakalashahastaya Sarvamaya Vinashanaya Trailokyanathaya Shri Mahavishnave Namaha."
Translation: "I bow down to Lord Dhanvantari, the holder of the nectar of immortality, who destroys all afflictions and diseases."
Regular chanting helps restore mental balance and heal the root causes of akathisia.
3. Mantra of Goddess Kali (Destroyer of Negativity):
Goddess Kali represents the destruction of inner turbulence and restlessness, providing courage and strength.
Mantra:
"Om Kreem Kalikaye Namah"
Translation: "Salutations to the fierce Goddess Kali, who brings transformation and relief from inner chaos."
Kali’s energy helps to dispel fear, agitation, and anxiety, which are often connected with akathisia.
4. Mantra of Lord Narasimha (Protector from Anxiety and Fear):
Narasimha, the fierce form of Vishnu, is a protector against inner and outer enemies, including fear and mental restlessness.
Mantra:
"Om Ugram Veeram Mahavishnum Jvalantam Sarvatomukham, Nrisimham Bhishanam Bhadram Mrityur Mrityum Namamyaham."
Translation: "I bow to Lord Narasimha, the fierce protector and destroyer of all fear and negativity."
Chanting this mantra brings strength and relieves anxiety-related symptoms of akathisia.
5. Mantra of Kal Bhairav (Guardian of Time and Restlessness):
Kal Bhairav, a fierce form of Shiva, represents time and helps control restlessness related to impatience and unsettled energy.
Mantra:
"Om Kalabhairavaya Namah"
Translation: "Salutations to Lord Kal Bhairav, the destroyer of ignorance and restlessness."
Invoking Kal Bhairav’s energy helps ground and stabilize the mind, reducing the uncontrollable urge for movement.
Ideal God or Goddess to Worship
- Lord Shiva (Pashupati): Shiva is known as the ultimate yogi, representing stillness and peace. His forms like Pashupati, or Kalabhairav, specifically offer calm to turbulent minds.
- Goddess Kali: As the fierce destroyer of inner restlessness and negativity, worshiping Kali brings immediate relief from mental disturbances.
- Lord Dhanvantari: As the divine healer, Dhanvantari’s blessings can remove the root causes of mental and physical unrest.
Stories from Hinduism to Inspire Healing
Shiva’s Tapasya (Meditation): Lord Shiva’s ability to stay perfectly still in deep meditation is a powerful example of how mastery over the mind can calm even the most turbulent thoughts and impulses. His stillness is an ideal to strive for when combating restlessness.
Prahlada and Narasimha: The story of Prahlada’s unwavering devotion and calmness in the face of extreme adversity (due to his father's aggression) shows how faith in divine power can grant peace even in the most trying times. Narasimha appears to protect Prahlada, representing the removal of inner agitation.
Inspiration from Hindu Scriptures
Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 66): "Naasti Buddhir Ayuktasya Na Chaayuktasya Bhaavana; Na Cha Bhaavayatah Shaantir Ashaan’tasya Kutah Sukham." Translation: "There is no wisdom for one who is not connected with the Divine; neither is there meditation for the unconnected. Without meditation, there is no peace, and without peace, how can there be happiness?"
This verse emphasizes that without spiritual connection and control of the mind, peace and happiness cannot be achieved. Meditation, devotion, and inner stillness are vital to overcoming restlessness.
Importance of Spiritual Practice
- Daily Rituals and Offerings: Simple offerings of water, flowers, and incense to your deity of choice (especially Shiva, Kali, or Narasimha) creates a sacred connection and calms the atmosphere around you.
- Mindfulness and Silence (Mauna): Observing periods of silence helps control mental restlessness. It allows the mind to settle and creates a space for peace.
Lesser-Known Insights
Shiva’s Role as Ardhanarishvara: Shiva's form as half-man, half-woman (Ardhanarishvara) represents balance in life. Worshiping this form encourages both masculine (active) and feminine (passive) energies to harmonize, reducing internal conflict and promoting calm.
Invocation of the Five Elements (Pancha Tattva): Invoking the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—through prayers or meditation can help realign imbalances in the body. Akathisia may result from an imbalance in the air element (Vata dosha in Ayurveda), and grounding practices like connecting with the earth can alleviate symptoms.
Final Words of Wisdom
- Devotion, patience, and trust in the divine play a critical role in the healing process. Through consistent spiritual practices, faith, and holistic care, the restlessness of akathisia can be transformed into peace and calm. Stay connected to the divine, take care of your physical and mental health, and allow the power of mantras and meditation to heal from within.