Mental Health and Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
Introduction:
Mental health plays a
crucial role in our overall well-being, and there is a growing interest in
exploring alternative and complementary approaches to mental health care.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach
that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. By integrating Ayurvedic principles,
herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and mindfulness practices, Ayurveda
provides a comprehensive framework for promoting mental well-being.
The Ministry of Ayush,
India's governmental body responsible for the development and promotion of
traditional systems of medicine, has taken several initiatives to integrate
Ayurveda and yoga into mental health care. In this blog, we will explore the
principles of Ayurveda as they relate to mental health and discuss its various
interventions and benefits and the mental health initiatives of the Ministry of
Ayush, institutes specializing in mental health within Ayurveda, and the
research and development efforts in this field.
Understanding Ayurveda:
Ayurveda views mental health as an integral part of our overall health. It
emphasizes the balance between the mind, body, and spirit for optimal
well-being. According to Ayurveda, mental health issues arise from imbalances
in the doshas (vital energies) - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These imbalances can
be caused by various factors, including lifestyle choices, diet, environmental
influences, and emotional stress. Ayurveda aims to restore balance and harmony
to alleviate mental health concerns.
Ayurvedic Interventions
for Mental Health:
Diet and Nutrition:
Ayurveda recognizes the
connection between the gut and the brain. It emphasizes a balanced and
nourishing diet tailored to an individual's dosha constitution. Specific foods
and herbs are recommended to support mental well-being and improve digestion,
such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, herbs like Brahmi and
Ashwagandha, and spices like turmeric and ginger.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Ayurveda emphasizes the
importance of daily routines (dinacharya) and seasonal routines (ritucharya)
for maintaining mental equilibrium. This includes practices like waking up
early, practicing yoga and meditation, engaging in regular exercise, getting
adequate sleep, and minimizing stress.
Herbal Remedies:
Ayurvedic herbs and
formulations are used to address specific mental health conditions. Brahmi
(Bacopa monnieri) and Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) are commonly
prescribed for improving cognitive function and reducing anxiety. Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera) is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body
and mind cope with stress.
Panchakarma:
Panchakarma is a
cleansing and rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda. It involves detoxifying
procedures like oil massages (Abhyanga), steam therapy (Swedana), and nasal
cleansing (Nasya). Panchakarma helps eliminate toxins, improves circulation,
and promotes mental clarity and relaxation.
Benefits of Ayurveda
for Mental Health:
Holistic
Approach: Ayurveda addresses mental health by considering the individual as a
whole, focusing on underlying imbalances rather than just symptoms. It promotes
harmony between the mind, body, and spirit.
Personalized
Treatment: Ayurveda recognizes that each person is unique, and treatment plans
are tailored to individual needs. This personalized approach ensures that
interventions are targeted and effective.
Natural
and Safe: Ayurvedic interventions for mental health mainly utilize natural
remedies, herbs, and lifestyle modifications. This makes them generally safe
with minimal side effects compared to pharmaceutical interventions.
Long-term
Well-being: Ayurveda aims to not only alleviate symptoms but also promote
long-term well-being by addressing the root causes of mental health concerns
and providing tools for self-care and self-awareness.
Initiatives
by Ministry of Ayush
National AYUSH Mission
(NAM) Initiatives for Mental Health: The National AYUSH Mission, implemented by
the Ministry of Ayush, focuses on the development and promotion of Ayurveda,
yoga, and other traditional systems of medicine. As part of the mission,
structured public health programs have been incorporated to address mental
health issues-
SUPRAJA (Ayush Maternal
& Neo-natal Intervention): This program aims to provide holistic healthcare
to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and infants, focusing on their physical
and mental well-being.
VAYO MITRA (Ayush
Geriatric Healthcare Services): Under this program, health education programs
are conducted using mass media and other communication channels to promote
healthy aging, physical exercise, healthy habits, and the reduction of mental
stress through yoga and Rasayanas (rejuvenative therapies).
Y-BREAK APP: The Ministry
of Ayush has launched the "Y-break" app, which offers working professionals
a 5-minute session to refresh, re-focus, and de-stress using the Common Yoga
Protocol. The app includes asanas (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing
exercises), and dhyana (meditation) techniques to enhance productivity and
reduce work-related stress.
PROTOCOL FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL
REHABILITATION OF COVID-19 PATIENTS: The Ministry of Ayush collaborated with
the Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN), the
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), and the Swami
Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) to develop a protocol for the
psychosocial rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients. This protocol focuses on the
integration of yoga and other holistic approaches to support the mental
well-being of individuals affected by the pandemic.
AYUSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELL-BEING DURING COVID-19: The Ministry of Ayush published
recommendations for the public on preventive measures and care during COVID-19,
with a specific emphasis on mental health. These guidelines provide insights
into the role of Ayurveda, yoga, and other traditional practices in maintaining
mental well-being during challenging times.
YOGA INTERVENTIONS AND
GUIDELINES FOR MENTAL HEALTH: The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga
(MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, provides yoga interventions guidelines
and training for mental health. MDNIY has released a Yoga Protocol for Mental
Health, which is available online. Additionally, specific yoga protocols for
various mental health issues, such as anxiety disorder, have been developed.
MDNIY has also conducted webinars on yoga for mental health to raise awareness
and promote these practices.
Institutes for Mental Health in Ayush:
Ayurveda and other
traditional systems of medicine have dedicated institutes and research centers
focused on mental health. Some notable institutions include:
GOVT AYURVEDA RESEARCH
INSTITUTE FOR MENTAL DISEASE, KOTTAKKAL: This institute specializes in mental
health within the Ayurveda stream, providing specialized care, research
MD MANAS ROGA: Ayurveda
offers a specialized post-graduation stream in mental health known as MD Manas
Roga. This program focuses on comprehensive approaches to manage mental
disorders.
NATIONAL HOMOEOPATHY
RESEARCH INSTITUTE IN MENTAL HEALTH (NHRIMH): The NHRIMH, under the Central
Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), provides quality services and
conducts clinical research in the field of psychiatry. It offers homoeopathic
treatments for psychiatric disorders and runs postgraduate courses in
Psychiatry and Practice of Medicine.
The details of various research studies are as under:
Psychiatric Disorders
- Bhargav, H., George, S. Varambally, S. &
Gangadhar, N. (2021) Yoga and psychiatric disorders: a review of biomarker
evidence. International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England),
33(1-2), 162-169.
- Bhargav, H,. Jasti, N., More, P., Kumar, V.,
Chikkanna, U., Kishore Kumar, R., & Varambally, S., (2021).
Correlation of prakriti diagnosis using Ayusoft prakriti diagnostic
tool with clinician rating in patients with psychiatric disorders.
Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 12(2), 365-368
Cognitive Deficit:
a.
Clinical
evaluation of Brahmi Ghrita and jyotishmati Taila in the management of
Cognitive Deficit-The research outcomes have been published. Ref. -https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327795563_Clinical_Evaluation_of_Brahmi_Ghrita_and_Jyotishmati_Taila_in_the_Management_of_Cognitive_Deficit_in_Children
b.
Clinical
evaluation of Sarasvata Ghrita in the management of Cognitive Deficit-The research outcomes have
been published. Ref.-https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327795476_Clinical_Efficacy_and_Safety_of_Sarasvata_Ghrita_in_the_Management_of_Cognitive_Deficit_-_A_Prospective_Open_Label_Study
c.
Randomized Placebo Controlled Double Blind Clinical
Trial on the Efficacy of AYUSH MANAS in the management of Smriti Daurbalya
(Cognitive Deficit)-A Randomised double blind placebo
controlled trial clinical study is ongoing at RARIMD, Bengaluru to assess the clinical efficacy &safety of AYUSH
MANAS in the management of SmritiDaurbalya (CD).The study site is NIMHANS Bengaluru. The study is in progress.
Mental Retardation
a.
Double blind placebo controlled clinical evaluation of
Ayurvedic coded drug (AYUSH MANAS) in the management of ManasaMandata (Mental
Retardation)-
b.
Clinical
Evaluation of Brahma Rasayana in the management of ManasMandata (Mental
Retardation)- an Open Clinical Trial- The study has been
published. Ref.- http://ayushportal.nic.in/ShowDefault.aspx?IDD=108739
c.
Efficacy
of Brahmyadi Yoga in the Management of Manasamandata (mental
retardation) - An interventional, clinical study was conducted at ACAMHNS, NIMHANS Bengaluru to assess the clinical
efficacy of Brahmyadi Yoga in the
Management of Manasa mandata (mental retardation)
Generalized Anxiety Disorders
- More, P., Kumar, V., Usha Rani, M. R, Philip, M.,
Manjunatha, N., Varambally, S, & Gangadhar, B. N. (2021). Development,
validation, and feasibility of a generic yoga-based intervention for
Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Complementary therapies in medicine, 63, 102776.
- Clinical Evaluation of a comprehensive Ayurvedic
intervention in the management of Manodwega (Generalized Anxiety
Disorder)-The research outcomes have been published. Ref.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327793997_Clinical_Evaluation_of_Ashwagandha_and_Mandookaparni_in_the_Management_of_Manodwega_Generalized_Anxiety_Disorder
Schizophrenia
a.
Efficacy
of Brahmyadi Yoga in the Management of Unmada (Schizophrenia) - The
research outcomes have been published. Ref.-. - http://ayushportal.nic.in/ShowDefault.aspx?IDD=12831
b.
A clinical comparative study of Brahmyadi yoga
&Tagara in Unmada-An interventional, clinical comparative study was
conducted at ACAMHNS, NIMHANS
Bengaluru to assess and compare the clinical
efficacy ofBrahmyadi
yoga &Tagara in Unmada. (Reference: Ayurvedic management of Unmada
(Schizophrenia, CCRAS1999)
Alcohol Dependence
a.
Effectiveness
of the Role of Astangalavana and Srikhandasavaas Add On Treatment On Madatyaya
(Alcohol Dependance) - An Open Level Clinical Trial- This
research study is being initiated involving administration of Astangalavana and
Srikhandasava as add on to conventional treatment with a view to scientifically
document the efficacy and safety of the said Ayurvedic formulations that have
been in use since thousands of years for the Management of Madatyaya (Alcohol
Dependence). The study site is NIMHANS Bengaluru.
Occupational Stress
a.
Evaluation of Ayush-SR Tablet in Occupational Stress
among IT professionals –A Randomized double blind placebo controlled clinical
study- A Randomised double blind placebo control trial is
ongoing at CARI, Bengaluru to assess the clinical efficacy &
safety of AYUSH –SR in patients suffering with occupational stress. The study
site is NIMHANS Bengaluru. The study is in progress.
b.
Collaborative
clinical research project entitled “Evaluation of Ayush-SR tablet in
occupational stress among nurses –A randomized double-blind placebo controlled
clinical study”-at
RML Hospital, New Delhi ..
Subjective Wellbeing
a.
Evaluation of effect of yoga on subjective feelings of
well-being and quality of lifeon Forty-eight healthy volunteers over a period of 4 months. A
significant improvement in 9 of the 11 factors of the SWBI was observed at the
end of 4 months in these participants
Epilepsy:
a.
Efficacy of yoga in the treatment of patients with
epilepsy: The results of
this study were as follows: (1) Four patients treated with yoga were seizure
free for six months compared to none in the control groups. (2) Nine patients
in the yoga group had more than a 50% reduction in seizure frequency compared
to only one among the controls. (3) There was a decline in the average number
of attacks per month compared to the baseline frequency among the patients
treated with yoga. (4) More than a 50% reduction in seizure duration was found
in seven of the 10 patients treated with yoga, compared to none among the 22
controls.
Well explained in detailed. References you have provided is really helpful.