Ayurvedic view of Mental Disorders
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.
Emotional and mental health is important because it's a vital part of your life and impacts your thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Being healthy emotionally can promote productivity and effectiveness in activities like work, school or caregiving.
Mental health disorders, sometimes referred to as illnesses, affect the thoughts, moods and behaviors of those impacted. Although there is no clear link between genetics and the likelihood of having a mental health disorder, lifestyle factors such as diet and an individual’s activity can influence the onset of depression, anxiety and other conditions.
According to Ayurveda, the three properties- sattva, Rajas and tamas form the three dimensions of the mind. Sattva Dosha represents the purity and quality of mind, rajas dosha represents dynamism and activity of the mind, and tamas dosha represents darkness and inertia. Vitiation of these mental humours is known to be the cause of almost all mental disorders. Mental disorders include psychiatric diseases, personality disorders, psychosomatic diseases, behavioural and neurological problems, and mental retardation.
Shoka (grief), mana (pride), bhaya (fear), krodha (anger), udvega (agitation), atattvabhinivesha (obsession), tandra (drowsiness), bhrama (Vertigo), Irshya (jealousy), Moha (Delusion) & Lobha (greed) are some of the symptoms observed in people diagnosed with common mental disorders like Vishada, Chittowdwega, Anidra, Mada (Mania), and Unmada.
Modern lifestyle with sedentary habits, eating unhealthy foods and increased stress has taken a toll on our mental health. Insomnia, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease have become some of the most commonly occurring mental disorders. Ayurvedic herbs and formulations enhance memory and cognition along with improving the symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions. The psychiatric measures used by Ayurveda help induce awareness and mental peace. Practising meditation and yoga while following Ayurveda treatment has a positive effect on both mental and physical health.
‘Achara Rasayana’ (following a code of ethics) which promotes meditation and Yoga, eating calming foods along with panchakarma therapies, herbs and herbal formulations help manage mental disorders. Ayurveda also promotes divine therapy and psychotherapy to treat mental disorders.
Along with above mentioned therapies Ganesh holistic wellness clinic is famous for Shirodhara therapy. The Shirodhara procedure is performed using medicated oils in people with anxiety, depression, insomnia and other mental disorders. Many of individuals regularly visit our clinic for refreshment and relaxation.
What are some types of mental disorders?
There are many different types of mental disorders. Some common ones include:
- Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias.
- Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders.
- Eating disorders.
- Personality disorders.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia.