Ayurvedic medicine provide for a holistic change in the patient while allopathy deals with specific symptoms of the disorder. Ayurveda recommends traditional dietary and lifestyle habits along with yogic exercises and herbal treatment. It has proved to be an alternative form of treatment, which not only includes treating the disorder – physical and psychological – but also bringing in a change in the lifestyle of the person to prevent future illnesses.
Ayurveda stands by its definition of health, in which a healthy mind plays an important role. Being a holistic science, ayurveda explores the symbiotic relationship among the mind, body, soul, the senses and their workings. It approaches mental health in the following way.
• The human being is a constitution of the mind, body, soul and senses, also called Manas, Sarira, Atma and Indriya respectively. This includes psychological senses (Gyanendriya) and physical organs (Karmendriya). The dynamics of these primary constituents govern the health of a person.
• Manas is a constitution of three qualities- Satva, Rajas and Tamas. Also called gunas.Satva guna is an amalgamation of all things good – self-control, knowledge, power to determine right and wrong in life. The qualities of Rajas guna are to be in motion, violent, envious, authoritative, desirous and confused. The characteristics of Tamas are being dull, inactive, lazy, sleepy or drowsy. Of these gunas, Rajas and Tamas are referred as Manodoshas. The imbalance of Satva, Rajas and Tamas are responsible for Manovikara (mental illness).
On the other hand, the body, which is believed to be formed from nature is comprised of three psycho-biological elements- tridoshas -Vata (air element), Pitta (fire element) and Kapha (earth element).
The treatment in ayurveda focuses on treating both the mental illness and physical because they are inter-related.
Studies being conducted by ayurvedic practitioners on the effects of the treatment or specific medicine on disorders such as depression, anxiety have shown visible results.
References-
Draft of reference document on “Ayush in mental health”, prepared by Dr D Sudhakar, Dr Srinibhash Sahoo, Dr BCS Rao, for Advanced Center for Ayurveda in Mental Health and Neurosciences, NIMHANS campus, Bangalore
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