Our hectic lifestyle leaves us little time to unwind and relax. The result of this high-pressure daily routine is stress- almost a given these days.

To address the growing concern over stress and stress related health issues, the Indo-Japan Initiative (IJI), a non-profit organization set up by the Kirloskar Group, organized a workshop for the Japanese Women Association of Delhi on how to combat stress through time-tested healing systems like Ayurveda & Yoga.

IJI invited Himalaya to conduct a two-day workshop for the association members on how Ayurveda & yoga help in stress management. In particular, the focus was on understanding the 'science' behind these traditional systems of healing. IJI chose Himalaya mainly because of our pioneering research in herbal healthcare and success in providing safe and effective products to millions of customers worldwide.

Since Ayurveda has been gaining in popularity in Japan, the association members, mainly wives of Japanese diplomats, consulate officials & key industrialists, were interested in understanding this system and integrating it into their daily health routine. They were on the look out for some easy and useful tips to help them overcome stress.

Dr. Rangesh, one of Himalaya's experts in Ayurveda Science, conducted several sessions on stress busting for the women. Speaking to the audience about body massage, he explained how it benefits the individual by calming the nervous system, stimulating the immune system, improving the circulatory system and strengthening the body to help it cope with stress.

The women were treated to a stress relieving face & foot massage using Himalaya's Anti-Stress Massage Oil & Pain Massage Oil. The anti-stress massage oil, which contains herbs like Ashvagandha, Manjishta, Bala with a sesame oil base, is excellent for relieving stress and the women who volunteered for the massage treatment, felt extremely relaxed and refreshed, describing the feeling as 'royal'!

Besides the health massage, the women also took a crash course in medicinal & therapeutic properties of vital herbs, which help combat stress. Himalaya's pure herbs like Amalaki, Lasuna, Tulasi, Ashvagandha, Neem & Haridra generated a lot of interest amongst the women. These herbs help in stress relief, good metabolism and over all well being.

The session ended with a yoga demonstration for the participants to teach them different relaxation techniques to strengthen the body and mind. Simple asanas (yoga postures) like Suryanamskara (Sun Salute), and Pranayama (simple breathing techniques) were demonstrated to relax the body, increase stamina and concentration and reduce stress.