Abstract

AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH: ADDRESSING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Dr. Kritika* and Dr. Krishan Kumar

ABSTRACT

Stress, which is the body's physiological reaction to psychological orphysical threats, frequently coexists with anxiety. We have allexperienced stress in our daily lives. There are many challenges, heavyduties, and annoyances in modern life. Anxiety and depression are twodistinct mental health conditions, but they often occur together.Anxiety involves excessive worrying and nervousness, whiledepression involves persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.Depression is a common and serious medical condition that negativelyaffects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Anxiety inAyurveda (A Vata Imbalance): According to Ayurveda, anxiety stemsfrom a disruption of the Vata dosha. Vata, characterized by qualitiessuch as movement, lightness, roughness, and coldness, governs variousphysiological and psychological functions. An excess of Vata leads toincreased activity, leading to a flurry of movements that manifests asconfusion, worries, and difficulty in focusing. Depression in Ayurveda(A Kapha Imbalance): According to Ayurveda, depression results from an unbalanced Kaphadosha. Kapha, associated with qualities like heaviness, lethargy, and coldness, governsstability and structure. An excess of Kapha results in feelings of sadness, a sense ofheaviness, reduced energy, and a persistently low mood. Ayurveda, India’s ancient system ofmedicine and health offers holistic approaches to managing anxiety and depression.Treatment may involve herbal remedies, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, yoga,meditation, and specific therapies like Panchakarma to balance the body's energies and promote mental well-being. Ayurveda prescribes several herbs, such as Brahmi, Jatamansi,Bhringraj, Vacha, Mandukparni, Ashwagandha, etc., that lessen or eliminate anxiety anddepression. An individual's lifestyle plays a critical role in controlling their anxiety andsadness.

Keywords: Avasada, Mansik vikara, Vata, Kapha, chittudvega.