AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH- ADDRESSING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

Ayurveda emphasises the interplay between body and mind through concepts like Tridosha, Trigunas, and vari-ous channels. The mental attributes, or Trigunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—impact one's mental state, where Sattva promotes harmony, Rajas induces activity, and Tamas causes inertia. Manovaha Srotas, the channels of the mind, play a role in the psychosomatic operations of the body. The three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—govern bodily and mental functions. Mental health requires a balance of Vata for Dhi(intellect), Pitta for Dhruti (processing information), and Kapha for Smruti(memory). Coordination among these factors ensures mental well-being, while imbalances lead to mental illness like anxiety-related disorders (Udvega), anger, irritability, insanity (Unmada) and depressive states (Vishada/Avasada), highlighting the mind-body connection. The essence of vitality, Ojas, is also crucial for mental health, with depletion leading to symptoms such as con-fusion and fear. Acharya Charaka noted that Vishada worsens disease conditions (vishado rogavardhananam). Vishada is an acute state of dejection with immediate physical consequences, whereas Avasada is a chronic de-pressive condition with long-term effects on mental and physical health. Ayurvedic therapies for mental illness include: 1. Daivavyapashraya (Spiritual Therapies) 2. Yuktivyapashraya (Medicinal Treatments) 3. Sattvavajaya Chikitsa (Psychotherapy) Management Inputs for Mental Health: 1. Aachara Rasayana: This philosophy emphasises a drug-free lifestyle, truthfulness, anger management, absti-nence from alcohol, regular sleep, and a wholesome diet for well-being. 2. Dinacharya: Aligns daily habits with natural rhythms and promotes proper diet and sensory control. It encour-ages eating when hungry, resting when fatigued, and maintaining creativity. Ayurvedic management of anxiety and depression involves a holistic approach, integrating spiritual, medicinal, and lifestyle practices to maintain and restore mental health, i.e. “आत्मादेशकुलकालबलशक्तिज्ञानेयथावच्चेति” (Ch. Su. 11/46).