Ayurveda Bio-psycho-socio-spiritual (BPSS) Model of Mental Health Care

Background: The global mental health crisis, affecting nearly one billion people, highlights the limitations of the reductionist bio-medical model, which often neglects psychological resilience, social context, and spiritual distress. While the Biopsychosocial model introduced holistic care, the inclusion of the spiritual dimension is necessary for a complete understanding of well-being. Objective: This review posits that Ayurveda’s classical therapeutic triad, the Trividha Chikitsa ( Yuktivyapasraya , Satvavajaya , and Daiva Vyapasraya), offers a conceptually integrated and time-tested framework that perfectly aligns with, and arguably predates, the modern Bio-Psycho-Socio-Spiritual (BPSS) model. Conceptual framework: Each aspect targets a specific BPSS domain. Yuktivyapasraya (Rational Therapy) constitutes the bio-medical dimension, focusing on somatic stability. It reverses neurochemical and inflammatory imbalances, often caused by poor digestion (Agni) and toxin accumulation (Ama). Through rational interventions like panchakarma (Shodhana) and Medhya Rasayanas, it provides the stable physiological foundation necessary for higher-level mental work. Satvavajaya (Mind Management) addresses the Psycho-Cognitive domain. Defined as the ‘victory over the mind’, it is a systematic psychotherapy aimed at enhancing Sattva Guna (clarity). It empowers the core mental faculties: Dhī (rational comprehension) and Dhṛti (willpower), enabling intentional behaviour change, cognitive restructuring, and emotional regulation through practices like Dhyāna (meditation), paralleling modern CBT and mindfulness techniques. Daiva Vyapasraya (socio-spiritual Intervention) completes the triad, addressing the socio-spiritual context. It therapeutically harnesses faith, hope, and ethical living, utilising tools such as Mantra (sound/repetition), Niyama (self-observances), and community rituals (Homa) to build existential meaning, resilience against relapse, and social cohesion. Conclusion: The triad functions synergistically: biological stability ( Yuktivyapasraya ) enables effective psychological training ( Satvavajaya ), which is sustained by a supportive socio-spiritual context (Daiva Vyapasraya). This integrated, phased approach moves beyond mere symptom control toward holistic health. Ayurveda thus provides a sophisticated indigenous prototype for advancing cross-cultural, person-centred care within contemporary integrative psychiatry.