The stress response is hard wired into our biological body going back to caveman days - if a tiger was about to pounce upon you, the adrenals would produce cortisol to give you a spurt of energy to sprint out of the way of the tiger's jaws and claws.

Today, we don't see too many tigers about to attack...however, our lives have stressors in many shapes and sizes which activate "the flight or fight mechanism" of the adrenals  and resulting cortisol production.  When this happens the liver and belly fat cells release sugar (fuel) into the system, raises your heart rate and blood pressure, makes you hungry and interrupts deep sleep

Since stress is a daily experience for most of us, the stress response is "ON" over and over again.  Since cortisol makes us hungry, we tend to have comfort food cravings. And this process decreases the release of leptin, which is supposed to tell the body to stop eating....a double whammy effect.

Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic adaptogen [stress fighter], has been shown to decrease cortisol levels by 26%.  It helps with healthy sleep so you are refreshed and rejuvenated and calmer.  It helps support the immune system and the musculoskeletal systems.  

Ashwagandha translates as "sweat or strength of 10 horses" indicating it is deeply nourishing and stabilizing to the body.  

To support you, I have a formulation from Dr. Douillard* available for purchase.  This is excellent support for Vata and Kapha folks.  Vata is disturbed, aggravated in winter.....using this product along with your private sessions can support you on many levels.

Do check out his website for more information, Lifespa.  You can sign up for his weekly emails on Ayurveda..