Navigating Grief & Loss With Ayurveda
Grief is one of the most profound experiences we go through as humans. It is a universal yet deeply individual journey. Through the lens of Ayurveda, grief is not just an emotional process but a holistic experience that involves the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda recognizes that grief affects us on many levels—physically, mentally, and energetically—and that each person’s experience of loss is unique. How we respond to grief depends largely on our constitution (dosha), life experiences, and cultural influences.
The Nature of Grief: A Non-Linear Journey
One of the most important things to remember about grief is that it is not a linear process. In Ayurveda, grief is viewed as a deep disturbance in the body and mind that often manifests unpredictably. Some days may feel lighter, while others may feel overwhelmingly heavy. There are no “steps” to follow or prescribed time frames, and that’s okay. This cyclical, fluctuating nature of grief reflects the natural cycles we see in the world around us. Like the changing seasons, grief is dynamic—it evolves and transforms over time.
Ayurveda teaches that life is an ongoing cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and each stage of life is marked by both joy and sorrow. Grief is simply part of the natural flow of life, one that mirrors the natural cycles we see in the world around us. Like the changing seasons, grief is dynamic—it evolves and transforms over time.
How Grief Affects Us Holistically: Doshas, Gunas, and Symptoms
In Ayurveda, we are each born with a unique constitution, or prakriti, composed of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas govern the elements within our body and mind, and they influence how we react to grief and loss. Grief, however, is not only influenced by the doshas but also by the three gunas, which represent the qualities that govern our mental and emotional states. The three gunas are:
Sattva (purity, clarity, and balance)
Rajas (activity, passion, and restlessness)
Tamas (darkness, inertia, and ignorance)
Below I’ve listed how the three doshas are related to various physical grief symptoms and how each of the gunas plays a role in how grief manifests and how we respond to it.
Vata- gas, bloating, constipation, cramping, flatulence, rabbit pellet stool, dry mouth, lack of mental focus, dizziness, jaw pain, weakness/fatigue, insomnia, irregular appetite, irregular appetite
Pitta- Heartburn, acid indigestion, loose stool, diarrhea, gastritis, ulcers, skin rashes/hives, any kind of itching, hot flushes, loss of vision, workaholism, difficulty sleeping, desire to eat large amounts of food
Kapha- Heaviness in the chest, difficulty breathing, excess mucus, constipation (lazy bowels), sinus issues, brain fog, low thyroid function, weight gain, high cholesterol, diabetes, lethargy, excessive sleep, low appetite, emotional eating
The Ayurvedic perspective on 'grief symptoms':
Put simply, if you experience increased movement, depletion, excessive air, or dryness, it's usually an indication that Vata dosha needs to be balanced. Similarly, if you notice excess heat or inflammation, it's a sign that Pitta dosha needs balancing. Whereas if you experience excess heaviness, sluggishness, or mucus production, it typically indicates a Kapha imbalance that needs to be addressed.
However, since excess Vata energy is the main driver behind any Pitta and/or Kapha imbalance when we are grieving, it will usually need to be tackled first.
Vata and the Gunas
Vata types are governed by the elements of air and ether, and they are naturally creative, dynamic, and prone to restlessness. When grieving, they may feel emotionally ungrounded or disconnected, and their grief might manifest as confusion or anxiety. The predominance of Rajas in their grieving process may cause rapid fluctuations in mood, with emotional highs and lows. On the other hand, Tamas may set in when Vata is overwhelmed, leading to feelings of numbness, disorientation, and withdrawal. Their grief may be experienced as erratic and unpredictable, moving from one extreme to the next.
Pitta and the Gunas
Pitta individuals, ruled by fire and water, are generally driven, focused, and determined. During grief, Pitta types may experience intense emotional reactions, such as anger, frustration, or irritability, often related to the perceived unfairness or intensity of the loss. The grief of a Pitta is often driven by Rajas, the desire to control or understand, and may lead to mental restlessness or the urge to push through the grief rather than process it. When the intensity becomes overwhelming, Tamas can set in, leading to burnout or emotional exhaustion. Pitta’s grief is often characterized by a need for action, but also a risk of suppressing emotions, making it difficult for them to truly process the loss.
Kapha and the Gunas
Kapha types are stable, grounded, and often very nurturing. In grief, they may experience deep sadness, melancholy, and attachment to the past. Their grieving process is often marked by Tamas, where they may feel emotionally stagnant, weighed down by their sorrow, and have difficulty moving through the stages of grief. Kapha’s grief might be slow and heavy, as they are naturally more prone to internalizing emotions. However, Rajas may emerge in moments of frustration or the desire to hold on to the loved one lost, leading to excessive attachment or clinging. Over time, Kapha’s grief can become debilitating unless gently addressed with the right practices.
Grief and the Three Gunas: Finding Balance
Understanding how the gunas play out in grief can help us navigate this process more mindfully. Sattva, the guna of balance and purity, can be cultivated during grief to help bring clarity, peace, and healing. Practices such as meditation, prayer, or journaling can help calm the mind and soothe the heart. Bringing more Sattva into the grieving process allows us to create space for acceptance, letting go, and moving forward.
When grieving, we may also experience excess Rajas, which causes restlessness, agitation, or overactivity. Engaging in activities that promote stillness, such as yoga, mindful walking, or breathing exercises, can help reduce the impact of Rajas and encourage a deeper connection to the present moment.
Tamas, the guna of inertia and heaviness, can manifest in the form of emotional numbness, stagnation, or denial. If we feel overwhelmed or stuck in our grief, it’s important to gently activate the energy of Rajas—through movement, creative expression, or reaching out to others for support—while also inviting the calming, restorative energy of Sattva.
Other Cultures and How They Navigate Loss
Cultural approaches to grief vary widely, but many cultures share a common thread: the understanding that grief is a communal process, not just an individual experience. In many Indigenous cultures, death is seen as a passage, a return to the earth and spirit, and grief is expressed in ritual and ceremony. For example, in Mexican culture, the Day of the Dead celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed, offering a space to remember, honor, and grieve collectively.
In many African cultures, grieving is seen as an important part of community bonding, where family and friends gather to support one another. The process is seen as ongoing, and it’s not uncommon for rituals to continue for a year or longer.
In contrast, Western societies often treat grief as something to be “overcome” quickly, which can create pressure for individuals to hide or suppress their grief. Ayurveda, along with other spiritual practices, reminds us that grief is an ongoing, non-linear process, and honoring that flow can help us heal in a more holistic, balanced way.
Ayurvedic Tools for Navigating Grief
Ayurveda offers several tools that can help support the grieving process, addressing not only the emotional aspects of grief but also the physical imbalances it can create. Here are some heartfelt remedies:
1. Somatic Practices: Yoga and Breathwork
Yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) are powerful tools for releasing grief stored in the body. Grief often manifests in physical tightness, especially in the chest and heart space. Poses that open the chest, such as Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Ustrasana (Camel Pose), can help release pent-up emotions and create space for healing.
Breathing practices like Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) help calm the nervous system and restore balance. Deep, slow breaths can be grounding for Vata, soothing for Pitta, and help alleviate emotional heaviness in Kapha.
2. Dietary Recommendations: Nourishing the Body
Eating warm, grounding foods is especially important for balancing Vata and Kapha during grief. Ayurvedic foods like kitchari (a simple dish of mung beans and rice) are easy to digest, provide nourishment, and support detoxification.
Incorporating root vegetables, soups, and stews can help calm Vata’s restlessness and ease digestive distress.
Have nourishing spices like ginger, cumin, or coriander. You may reach for comfort food and caffeine, but that could clog channels. Try golden milk and herbal teas instead.
For Pitta, soothing foods like cucumber, dairy, and coconut can help reduce the fiery, irritable nature of grief.
Herbal teas such as chamomile, holy basil (Tulsi), and licorice root can provide comfort, helping to calm the mind and soothe the body during times of emotional upheaval.
3. Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies
Certain Ayurvedic herbs are beneficial in times of grief. Ashwagandha helps to balance Vata, reduce anxiety, and support overall vitality. Brahmi is excellent for calming the mind, supporting mental clarity, and easing mental fatigue. Shatavari, a nurturing herb for women, can help calm emotions and balance the body during times of emotional distress. Rejuvenating herbs and formulations include Amruth, Amalaki, Tulsi, Manasamitra Vatakam, and Chayavanprash. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying herbs.
4. Daily Rituals: Creating Space for Grief
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of daily rituals to create harmony and balance. In times of grief, creating a space for quiet reflection or meditation can provide solace. Lighting incense or a candle and sitting in silence allows the grieving process to unfold without interruption, honouring both the pain and healing.
5. Pamper yourself with a daily self-massage.
Abhyanga is a self-massage that is calming, nurturing, and vata-balancing. Use sesame or herbal oils like Ksheerbala or Dhanwantaram. Massage your scalp with Brahmi or Amalaki oil.
Massage your feet before sleeping
6. Meditation and Buddhist Teachings on Impermanence
Incorporating meditation and Buddhist teachings on impermanence can be deeply healing. The practice of mindfulness helps us sit with our pain, rather than avoiding it. Buddhist teachings remind us that life, death, and rebirth are all part of the natural cycle, and acknowledging the impermanence of life can offer profound peace. This is echoed in the Ayurvedic view of life’s cyclical nature: death and decay are as natural as birth and renewal.
7. Take time and be gentle with yourself.
Mourning rituals (through your belief system) help process grief and are highly encouraged. The Ayurvedic view is that the journey of the soul continues; have faith in whatever resonates with you.
Do continue with Dinacharya practices to retain a soothing structure.
Journaling, writing poetry, gardening, and creative ventures can help with honoring and expressing grief.
Heal the senses with chanting, aromatherapy; gemstones are also used to alleviate chronic grief.
Stay connected with your community, and friends or join a support group.
8. Seek nourishment and grounding.
Have wholesome, warm food with sweet, sour and salty tastes and hydrate enough.
Eat at regular meal times, favour soups and stews and keep meals simple to avoid overwhelm,
Be regular with your sleep cycle.
Don’t suppress natural urges like tears which can vitiate vata and reduce Agni.
Follow a routine and try nature walks.
Conclusion
Grief is a deeply personal and transformative experience. It is not a straight line but a winding path that we walk in our own time. Ayurveda provides a holistic, compassionate approach to supporting ourselves through loss, acknowledging the complexity of grief and offering tools to restore balance. Whether through dietary choices, somatic practices like yoga, herbal remedies, or meditation, Ayurveda helps us navigate the journey of grief with grace, honour, and deep respect for the process of healing.
In honoring grief through Ayurveda, we are reminded that like the cycles of nature—birth, decay, and rebirth—grief too will transform, ultimately leading us toward renewal. May we give ourselves the time and space to honour that transformation.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Here’s a few other articles and resources I love to share with folks I serve! Happy Healing.
Resources:
Indigenous perspective on Grief and Loss
Tara Brach- Working with Grief, Loss and Death
Dr. John Douillard-Why Grieving is Important: Understanding Sadhaka Pitta
References:
Saraswati, S. (2005). Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing. Lotus Press.
Lad, V. (2002). The Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, and Longevity. The Ayurvedic Press.
Kumar, V. (2011). Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide to the Traditional Indian Medicine. Inner Traditions.
Brahmachari, G. (2003). Ayurvedic Healing and Mind-Body Wellness. Yoga Journal.
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre. (2006). The Yoga of Meditation: Meditation for Beginners. Sivananda Yoga.
Lama, T. (1999). The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. HarperCollins.
Gautama Buddha (1993). The Dhammapada: The Sayings of the Buddha. Oxford University Press.
