#Wellnessresearch

A new study from a leading university shows dogs do more than calm nerves. They help humans regulate the stress system in a balanced way, supporting resilience and better health outcomes. This finding has particular relevance for Thailand’s growing pet-owning communities and urban health strategies aimed at managing chronic stress.

Experts describe two main stress systems: the HPA axis, which controls cortisol, and the sympathoadrenal system, which governs fight-or-flight responses. A balanced interaction between these systems is crucial for health, especially in busy city life. Researchers observed that dogs not only reduce cortisol spikes but also promote appropriate, nuanced responses indicated by alpha-amylase levels — a sign of healthy nervous system engagement during stress.

Revolutionary research from the University of Denver demonstrates that canine companions provide far more sophisticated physiological benefits than previously understood, actively helping humans maintain optimal stress response patterns rather than simply reducing anxiety—a discovery with profound implications for Thailand’s growing pet ownership culture and public health strategies for managing chronic stress throughout urban populations. The groundbreaking findings reveal that dogs help humans achieve balanced stress system activation that supports resilience and health while avoiding both under-response patterns associated with depression and over-activation linked to chronic anxiety disorders.

Ashwagandha, known scientifically as Withania somnifera and traditionally described as the “strength of the stallion,” has moved from rural farms to international wellness shelves. In an era of dietary supplements and holistic health, its reputation invites scrutiny: can ancient wisdom stand up to modern science? For Thai readers, the question also resonates with familiar themes—nature-based remedies, stress resilience, and everyday vitality.

Ayurveda, a holistic medical system developed more than 3,000 years ago, centers on balance among mind, body, and environment. In this tradition, ashwagandha is valued as a rejuvenator that supports nerves, mental clarity, and immune function. The plant’s name combines roots meaning horse and smell, reflecting its robust aroma and perceived vitality. Traditionally, root powder mixed with ghee or honey has been used to address a wide range of concerns, from growth and debility to sleep and memory. Beyond India, this herb found its way into other regions, attracting interest as a tonic of vigor and longevity. In Thailand, where herbal remedies are deeply rooted in culture and daily life, ashwagandha’s emergence adds a familiar but novel chapter to local wellness narratives.