At (approximately) nearly 5000 years old, Ayurveda is touted as being one of, if not the oldest healing modality on the planet. The word Ayurveda translates from Sanskrit to “The Science of Life” and is based on the theory that each of us are a unique blend of the 5 elements that make up the known Universe and our planet. Earth, air, fire, water and ether all combine together to create our physical form. When living in harmony with the rhythms of nature and in accordance to our unique constitution, health prevails. When we step outside of our nature by eating foods that are not appropriate, exposing ourselves to outside stressors, and by ignoring the power of our internal knowing, we then leave ourselves vulnerable to dis-ease . Doshic theory reveals to us that these 5 elements then combine with one another to create 3 Doshas. Air and Ether come together to create Vata, Fire and Water to create Pitta and Earth and Water to create Kapha. As we take our first breath upon birth, we settle into our Primary, Secondary and Tertiary doshas, also known as our Prakruti. This becomes our initial blueprint, our Health Touchstone if you will, which we will spend our lifetimes endeavoring to preserve. As time and experience march on, we may begin to experience a distancing from this initial blueprint, a disconnect from our true health, also known as our Vikruti. Outside stress, incorrect food choices, our personal karma and incorrect seasonal diet can all contribute to an imbalanced state within the doshas. By then looking to the qualities of the imbalance we can apply opposing qualities to draw the doshas back into harmony. When looking specifically to Anxiety and seeking to treat it medicinally with Cannabis, we must first understand the nature of Vata dosha, as well as it’s 5 vayus. Vata dosha is comprised of Air and Ether, is cold, light, dry, mobile, rough, subtle and clear. Vata is responsible for movement, motor function, circulation, respiration and sensory function. Each of these functions are assigned to a particular Vayu, or sub-dosha of Vata. To understand Anxiety more clearly from an Ayurvedic perspective, we examine both Vyana and Prana vayu for disturbances

Within the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text, it is said "The body and that which is called the mind are both considered to be abodes of disease, likewise of well-being. The cause of well-being is their harmonious or concordant interaction.” 1 From this perspective, we can regard anxiety as being an act of prajnaparada, or a crime against our intellect, expounded up on here from the Charaka Samhita "An unrighteous act done by one who is ignorant and of impaired memory is to be regarded as a volitional transgression (prajnaparadha).” 

Another Ayurvedic perspective of acute Anxiety is that it is the result of a derangement of Vata dosha, and in particular Vyana and Prana vayu. An excess of air and ether in these channels creates an excess of movement, increasing circulation (Vyana) and therefore resulting in heart palpitations, as well as an increase in the movement of the mind (prana) resulting in circular, cyclical thinking, worry, insomnia and fear. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America defines anxiety as follows: “Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things. People with the disorder, which is also referred to as GAD, experience exaggerated worry and tension, often expecting the worst, even when there is no apparent reason for concern. They anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. GAD is diagnosed when a person worries excessively about a variety of everyday problems for at least 6 months.”3 Affecting almost 7 million people in the United States today, women are seen to be most prone and this condition often exists in conjunction with other psychological conditions, referred to as co-orbidity. Though varied, the mainstream allopathic approach to treating anxiety often lies in psychotropic pharmaceutical applications such as Benzodiazepines, Beta Blockers, Tricyclic Antidepressants,Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) and (SNRIS) Serotonin-Norepinephrine Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SNRI’S) These medications in their many forms, take action on the brain and nervous system, and in the case of SSRI’s which are most often prescribed in cases of GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) and depression, they alter the chemical composition of the brain. “SSRIs ease depression by affecting naturally occurring chemical messengers (neurotransmitters), which are used to communicate between brain cells. SSRIs block the reabsorption (re-uptake) of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Changing the balance of serotonin seems to help brain cells send and receive chemical messages, which in turn boosts mood.” From an Ayurvedic standpoint, we would seek to treat this condition not from a symptomatic basis but rather from it’s roots, which we would view as a vitiated (disturbed) or even deranged Vata dosha. More specifically, we would look to Vyana and Prana vayu as the base of the suffering, creating too much movement in the mind and nervous system. By first assessing the diet, we would ensure that the foods taken in had the qualities necessary to pacify Vata dosha. These would be categorized as heavy, moist, warm and examples could include kitchadi, mung-dahl, root vegetable soups and spiced oatmeals. We would also assess lifestyle practices, often implementing self-care routines such a abhyanga, (application of warmed, doshic-appropriate oils prior to bathing) meditation, and rest to calm the winds of Vata (Prana and Vyana Vayu) and elevate Ojas (our essential life energy). Eliminating stress, increasing joy and actively pursuing ones Dharma can all have a profound and lasting affect on Anxiety. We would also seek herbs with the properties and qualities necessary and appropriate to treat the underlying cause as well as create symptomatic relief for the patient. Though many Ayurvedic herbs can be sited for their benefits in reducing Vata vitiation and quelling the nervous system such as ashwagandha, jatamamsi and shatavari, no Ayurvedic herb can contest with the depth of history and range of abilities associated with Cannabis. Referred to in 1894 by the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission as “the penicillin of Ayurveda” , it was cited in the Atharva Veda as “as one the five most sacred plants on Earth and says that a guardian angel resides in its leaves. It also refers to it as a "source of happiness," a "joy-giver" and a “liberator”.

In India, Cannabis was historically used by Brahmins and Sadhus to induce both relaxation and altered states of consciousness, which were beneficial for them in deep meditation. As alcohol was deemed taboo and Tamasic, therefore making it an inappropriate choice for the highest of Castes, these Holy men would utilize this herb in several different forms to suit their needs. From an Ayurvedic perspective, we would view CBD as having a direct effect on Prana and Vyana vayu. In displaying it’s nervine tonic and nervine sedative qualities, we would look to CBD-rich Cannabis as a viable treatment option in cases of Vata vitiation and/or derangement, sourcing it’s unique ability to induce relaxation and prompt a para-sympathetic response in the body. Ayurveda always seeks to determine the root cause of suffering, be it an external factor due to Vikruti or an in-born factor attributed to Prakruti and in so can treat not only the symptoms but alleviate the original source of imbalance. Sushruta recognized that acute-fear and anxiety, as well as panic and overwhelm all return back to the core concept of Unmada, or insanity. He depicts the condition of Unmada as "a derangement of bodily Doshas affecting the up-coursing nerves and thereby producing a distracted state of Manas (mind).” 20 21 We can see the sub-doshas Prana and Vyana at play here, specifically as they increase activity in the nervous system or Majjavaha srota, as well as stimulation of the mind, or the Manovaha srota. If, from an Ayurvedic perspective, we regard the body and mind as being a place where both health and disease dwell in equal parts,22 then we begin to see that the treatment of anxiety must be met on both levels, body and mind. If we seek to treat anxiety simply from a symptomatic basis, we can see the potential for misuse of this herb, particularly when considering the implications of addiction with this substance. Some studies suggest that, particularly in adolescents aged 18 and younger, use of Cannabis can have an adverse affect on brain growth and development. 23 Lower cognitive function, impaired memory and general IQ decline were all attributed to long-term adolescent use of Cannabis in this study. While these facts are troublesome at the least, based on the science-backed research citing CBD as a contributing factor in neurogenesis, one may be inclined to see this particular study conducted once more while factoring in levels of THC vs. CBD. Furthermore, in cases where Cannabis use has been accused of “causing” psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, one study posits “Cannabis use alone is not necessary or sufficient to cause the development of schizophrenia, which suggests that the association may be because of a genetic vulnerability to the effects of cannabis. In support of this, patients with schizophrenia or with an established vulnerability to psychosis are much more sensitive to the effects of cannabis than control subjects”. If we view this statement from an Ayurvedic perspective, we go back to the concept of Prakruti as being the Nidana or cause of the suffering.

The usage of Cannabis did not cause the condition, it merely highlighted a pre-existing condition within the brain and nervous system. The potentially high concentration of THC would serve as a catalyst in drawing that condition to the surface and creating suffering and unmada in the consumer. This statement also features a hallmark of Ayurveda, in that it refers to the “established vulnerability” of the subject, which can be directly compared to identifying of the dominant dosha within a patients constitution and recognizing any inherent weaknesses that may surface as a result. In the case of a Vata dominant individual, they are going to be most susceptible to conditions associated with imbalances in the nervous system and in particular anxiety and worry. In treating a Vata-vitiated patient, we would first examine the diet and lifestyle practices currently in use, to determine what, if any, may be causing suffering. By incorporating daily routines and self-care rituals, we begin to pacify Vata dosha and engage the parasympathetic nervous system. In eating foods that are cooked, warm, nourishing and well-spiced, we draw up the agni (digestive fire) and create a more grounded base from which to move from. Using Yoga asanas that are focused on the extension and flexion of the pelvis help to calm and soothe the site of Vata in the body and utilizing meditation techniques such a japa and Yoga Nidra serve to slow the movement of the mind, or parinama. Breathing techniques in conjunction with mantra repetition help to steady the inner gaze and slow nervous system response, therefore mitigating a panic response. While all 3 doshas can and do experience feelings of anxiety, worry or overwhelm, they each manifest in a different and specific way according to the element out of balance. Vatas, due to the moveable quality of their nature, are most likely to experience heart palpitations, tremors and numbness/tingling of extremities when in a nervous system response. Pittas will experience overwhelm and worry often associated with incompletion of tasks or feeling out of control. This will often manifest into ulcers, rashes and excessive sweating. Kaphas also experience feelings of worry and fear, though it is most often associated with melancholy and disappointment. They are most likely to be driven to inertia and mild depression if faced with anxiety-inducing stressors. If we view anxiety as being rooted in the over-stimulation (Vyana Vayu) of the nervous system, resulting in heart palpitations, arythmias, increased heart rate and tremors and in the overstimulation of the mind (Prana Vayu) resulting in circular thinking, worry, overwhelm and the propensity to project our worries into the future, then when choosing an herb to treat these symptoms, we must look for the qualities necessary to counteract suffering. Warm, heavy, moist, and stable would be necessary, as well as the ability to have a tonifying or sedative affect on the nervous system as a whole. Though a general view of Cannabis would be that it has the qualities of hot, dry and mobile, when we observe the difference in medicinal affect of THC vs CBD, we can see that Cannabis strains that are CBD dominant or enriched exhibit the qualities we would be seeking to treat Vata-type anxiety. In a study observing the effects of THC dominant Cannabis vs. CBD dominant Cannabis, the results were irrefutable. “Cannabis users reported the reduction of anxiety as one of the motivations for its use; on the other hand, episodes of intense anxiety orpanic are among the most common undesirable effects of the drug. These apparently conflicting statements may partly reflect the fact that low doses of the best-known constituent of the plant, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), engender anxiolytic-like effects, whereas higher doses produce anxiogenic reactions”.

 This illustrates the difficulty some patients face when choosing alternative methods to treat their anxiety. While Cannabis is widely know for it’s relaxing, sedative qualities, consumers are also aware that they run the risk of exacerbating their symptoms. The study goes on to state “Moreover, other components of the plant can influence its pharmacological activity; in particular, cannabidiol (CBD), one major non-psychotomimetic compound of the plant, has psychological effects substantially different from those of 9-THC (bib42Zuardi, 2008). Oral administration of CBD to healthy volunteers has been shown to attenuate the anxiogenic effect of Δ9-THC and does not seem to involve any pharmacokinetic interactions”. This statement seems to confirm that usage of CBD dominant Cannabis can alleviate symptoms of Social Anxiety without the added complications of paranoia and fear that often accompany a THC based strain. With these 2 very different and at times opposing qualities of CBD and THC it can be challenging for a potential consumer to know which to choose and how to be sure what they are consuming is indeed going to prove medicinal for them.