Mental Health in Ayurveda

Mental health in Ayurveda

Three pillars of life

The three pillars of life are Manas(mind),Atma(soul) and Sareera(body). Psychiatry in Ayurveda integrates mind,body and soul.The mind-body connection is very important in Ayurveda.Physical imbalances can disturb mental state while mental illness leads to disruption of body functions.Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hrudaya  are the two important texts in Ayurveda which describes treatment for mental imbalance.

Mind Concept in Ayurveda

Manas/Physical mind(objective mind)

Manas or the physical mind is connected to three faculties called Dhi(intellect),Dhruti(processing information) and Smruti(memory).Dhi is the intelligence which helps to learn,focus and understand.Vata dosha should be balanced for the optimual functioning of Dhi.Dhruti involves the chemical and electrical processing of information  and is therefore related to Pitta dosha.Smruti is the ability remember .Kapha dosha should be balanced for proper functioning of Smruti.When there is proper coordination between these three factors ,mental health is perfect.When there is lack of coordination it leads to a  condition called Prajnaparadha when the person becomes totally ignorant of what he does.

  Spiritual mind(Chitta)       

Chitta is the subjective mind which carries subconscious memories.This is also known as the karmic mind.This is the subconscious mind which is believed to have memories from past lives.

Universal mind(Vibhu)  

Everyone in the universe is connected to each other according to this concept.  Vibhu is the universal mind which links every living being in this world.A person who can reach higher dimensions through meditation ,can cross the border of physical mind and merge with universal mind.

Tridosha Concept and Body Mind constitution

The three life energies called Vata,Pitta and Kapha govern an individual’s mind and body activities.Vata is the life energy which controls movement and nervous system.Pitta is the life energy which regulates metabolism and brings about transformation in the body.Kapha provides stability and is involved with building up of tissues.

An individual has all these three life energies in him ,but in varying proportions.This unique body –mind constitution  is very much like the genetic make up of a person.When vata dosha is high it results in anxiety,restlessness and insomnia.Excess of pitta factor causes  irritability and the person’s behavior will be judgemental.Vitiation of Kapha dosha results in depression,possessiveness and greed.

Trigunas(three qualities of mind)

The three qualities of mind are Satva,Rajas and Tamas. Satvic mind is very good and pure and is filled with love ,kindness and spirituality.Rajasic mind is aggressive and is subject to temptations of the world.But in right proportions it will give a person leadership qualities.Tamasic mind is filled with darkness and is always confused and doubtful.

How your diet can affect  Trigunas?

Food based on nature like fresh fruits,vegetables,nuts and milk helps to develop Satvic mind.Spicy and fried food,fermented food and salty food increases the rajasic factor and induces hyperactivity.Old and frozen food,meat,alcohol,drugs,and mushrooms are classified as tamasic food. Intake of virudha ahara(diet in which wrong ingredients are mixed together) also can lead to aggrevation of doshas thus causing mental illness

Classification of mental strength:

Mental strength can be classified into Avaram,Madhyam and Pravaram.Individuals who belong toAvaram category cannot tolerate traumatic situations.Madhyam is the in between condition.Pravaram is the best of all three, as a person of this nature will have the will power to withstand any difficulty.This stage can be attained through meditation and experience.

Causes of Mental Illness:

Several factors influence the psychological upset in a person.

1) Social circumstances

2) Hereditary factors

3) Traumatic incidents

4) Personality of the person

5) Biological reasons ( abnormal changes in the chemicals which play major role in communication between neurons in brain.)

                               According to Ayurveda there is an imbalance in Tridoshas when there is a causative factor.The gunas of mind  rajas and tamas are also affected simultaneously.Excess of shoka(sorrow),krodha(anger),chinta(unnecessarythinking),kama(lust),krodha(anger),lobh(greed),
moha(delusion),irshya(jealousy),abhimana(pride),mada(euphoria),shoka(sorrow)and bhaya(fear) are 
some of the negative emotions which can contribute to mental imbalance. Holding on to negative 
emotions and past experiences are considered as toxins affecting mind.

Ashtanga Hrudaya explains that an individual should control his senses and negative thoughts in mind like greed,irritability,anger,competition and attachment.

“Dharayaet tu sada vegan hitaishi pretya cheha cha

Lobha irshya dvesha matsarya ragaadeenam jitendriya(A.H.Su-4:24)

.

Psychiatric conditions in mental illness

1)Unmada(psychosis)

2)Apasmara(convulsive disorder)

3)Apatantrakam(hysteria)

4)Atatvabhinivesham(obsession)

5)Prajnaparadha(lack of coordination between dhi,dhruti and smruti)

6)Bhrama(illusion)

7)Tandra(drowsiness)

8)Klama(neurasthenia)

9)Mada(loss of perception)

10)Personality disorders

Treatment  for mental illness in Ayurveda

·         Nidana parivarjana –avoiding causative factors

·         Shodhana therapies-cleansing methods

·         Supporting therapies-Sirodhara,shirovasti,thalam ,Shiro abhyangam

·         Shamana medicine (oral medicine)

·         Mantra(sound therapy)

·         Healing through 5 senses-shabda,sparsha ,roopa,rasa,gandha

   A)     NIDANAPARIVARJANA

T The  patient should avoid the causative factors like negative emotions .A change in the place and environment can bring about positive changes in cases of mental trauma.The patient should be in the company of supportive people who have positive energy.All the negative energy which might disturb the person should be avoided completely.

   B)      SODHANA THERAPIES

    The five fold cleansing techniques in Ayurveda help to cleanse toxins from body and mind.The chemical imbalance in the body is corrected using Panchakarma therapy.This will create an equilibrium between Tridoshas or three humors, thus providing the normal chemical and electrical environment in brain

·         Vamanam

    Vamana is emesis therapy. Body is prepared by giving medicines the previous day. On the day of therapy medicine is given in milk or decoction and vomiting is induced.Vamana cleanses all the kapha toxins in the digestive tract and small intestine.

·         Virechanam

     Virechana is the cleansing therapy which eliminates excess pitta from the body.Before Virechana  the body of patient is prepared  for cleansing by giving medicines.After this, medicine  is administered to induce purgation.

·         Nasyam

    Nasyam is the method of administering medicines through the nose. Nasyam is used to cleanse the sinuses.It also helps to cure diseases of central nervous system as the transnasal pathway is the best method  to deliver medicines  in such cases.Therefore Nasyam has a significant role in treatment of mental illness.

     Nasal passage is connected to paranasal sinuses which are lined by mucosal epithelium.Olfactory nerves are also present in nasal passage.Medicine administerd through Nasyam  is absorbed through mucosal epithelium. Anutailam,Ksheerabala(101),Dhanwantaram(101)etc are some of the oils used in Nasyam.

     Brahmi ghrutham and Vachadi ghrutham are used in some cases.Vacha churnam is used in coma as nasyam.

·         Niruha vasti(kashaya vasti)

Kashayavasthi is enema using a combination of honey, oil, herbal paste and herbal decoction.

This therapy helps to balance doshas and eliminate toxins.Different types of Niruha vasti are used in treatment of mental disease.This is used to eliminate aggrevated doshas from body.

·         Snehavasti(Anuvasana Vasti)

The main seat of Vata is Pakvasaya (large intestine). So Snehavasthi or medicated oil enema is used to pacify Vata and prevent degeneration.It nourishes 7 dhatus or tissues in human body.

      C) SUPPORTING THERAPIES

SHIRODHARA

The term Shirodhara is derived from two Sanskrit words: shiro and dhara. Shiro means head and dhara means to flow. It involves the rhythmic and consistent flow of lukewarm ayurvedic oils on the forehead. This stimulates the chakra point just above and between the eyebrows and creates a blissful sensation. The scalp is massaged gently along with this. Sirodhara improves blood circulation to the brain and stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands thus improving their functions. Sirodhara also has a positive effect on neurotransmitters which helps to cure mental tension.Sirodhara cures insomnia, stress, depression, and memory loss. The procedure is also said to synchronize alpha brain waves and increase concentration.Oils used for this treatment are Ksheerabala and Chandanadi oil.

TAKRADHARA
Medicated buttermilk is poured on forehead in a rhythmic manner in takradhara.Buttermilk is processed with herbs like Amla(Emblica officinalis),Chandana (Santalum album),Musta(cyperus rotundus)and Usheera(Vetiveria zizaniodes). Takradhara is effective in depression, migraine, anxiety and sleeplessness It is effective in controlling hormone imbalances related to pituitary gland.

SHIROVASTHY

In Sirovasthi treatment a cap is fitted on head and lukewarm herbal oil is held in it for about 15 to 60 minutes according to the condition of the patient. This is effective in depression,insomnia,anxiety,stress,loss of memory and concentration,facial paralysis, migraine.The oils used are Ksheerabala,Dhanwantharam,Karpasastyadi etc.This treatment pacifies vata and nourishes the cranial nerves.

THALAM

A special paste is made from buttermilk,amla (dried Indian gooseberry)and other herbs and applied on scalp. Before applying the paste a head massage is given with medicated oil for 10 minutes. After the paste is applied a hole(radius2cm) is made in the centre of paste and medicated oil is poured in.It is kept there for 45 minutes.Now the paste is removed. This procedure is effective in insomnia, epilepsy,depression,anxiety,hysteria,psychosis and similar mental illnesses.

SHIRO ABHYANGAM

Head massage using herbal oils cools the head,improves blood circulationand oxygen supply to the brain and nourishes the cranial nerves.The oils used are Chandanadi tailam,Ksheerabala tailam,Himasagara tailam and Dhanwantharam tailam.

D)   MEDHYA GROUP OF MEDICINES

Medhya group of medicines act as molecular nutrients for brain.They improve mental health by correcting the chemical environment and thus improving brain function.They have a positive effect on neurotransmitters.

Ayurvedic Herbs used for mental health

·         Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi:Supports learning,memory and concentration.This herb improves brain function and helps to overcome restlessness and anxiety. Clinical studies performed in India confirm that the bacosides  in Brahmi can revitalize intellectual functions in children. .Bacopa also prepares the brain to respond to stress in the most efficient way.It helps in efficient transmission of nerve impulses.

Dosage:1 tablespoon of juice early morning in empty stomach or 2 capsules

·         Sankhupushpi(Clitoria terneata)

Sankhupushpi has tranquilising effects and helps to calm the person,It gives good sleep and is also a memory booster.Dosage:2 capsules

·         Jatamansi(Nordostachys jatamansi)

Jatamansi root is used to cure insomnia and stress.The essential oils in roots cure depression and hysteria.Jatamansi oil helps to soothe the nerves.Dosage:6gm of powder

·         Vacha(Acorus calamus)

This is neuroprotective and  is useful to treat hyperactivity.In India,this is given to children to enhance memory and concentration.Since it is a nervine tonic it is very important in mental health.

·         Vacha is considered to be an important remedy in unmada, or psychosis.

Dosage:60 -120mg powder(may be mixed with pure ghee or honey)

·         Manduka parni(centella asiatica)

This enhances blood circulation in brain and is very effective in anxiety,stress ,epilepsy and all mental disorders.Dosage:The leaf paste can be used  or juice may be extracted. 1 tablespoon of paste or juice is consumed early in the morning.

·         Akara karabha(Anacyclus pyrethrum)

Akara karabha helps to cure stress and weakness.

Dosage:1g

·         Aswagandha(Withania somnifera)

 Ashwagandha is used to treat  disorders that affect  central nervous system , particularly  epilepsy, stress and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.It soothes the nerves and promotes mental health.Dosage:1 teaspoon of aswagandha powder with milk in the morning or at bedtime.Powder of root is used.

·         Maduka(Glycerrhiza glabra)

The phytochemical Glabridin  present in the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra has positive effects on cognitive functions.It is used in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease also.

·         Chandana(Santalum album)

Charaka samhita, Chakradatta and Sharngadhara samhita mention  about oil  called Chandanadi tailam for head massage and shirodhara in the treatment of epilepsy and mental disorders.It is very cooling and relaxing herb. Chandana powder is mixed with milk or water and is applied as a paste over forehead to relieve stress and headache.The aromatic oil in chandana has soothing properties.

·         Usheera(Vetiveria zizaniodes)

  Ushira is one of the herbs which pacifies pitta.Ushira cools and calms down body and mind.

Dosage:60 gm of Ushira root is used to make a decoction.

Ayurveda medicines commonly used in mental health

.

·         Mahakalyanaka ghrutham

·         Manasamitravatakam

·         Saraswatharishtam

·         Medha gulika

·         Drakshadi kashayam

·         Thiktakam kashayam

·         Swarna bhasmam

·         Saraswata ghrutham

·         Ksheerabala(101)

·         Chandanadi tailam

·         Brahmi ghrutham

·         Vachadi ghrutham

·         Ksheerabala thailam

E)MANTRA(SOUND THERAPY)

Mantras have their origin in Vedas which are the ancient encyclopedias  from India.

           Mantra is a word which can make a change or transformation.Mantras  produce healing  sound      vibrations when repeated.AUM is an example for a mantra.In Ayurveda ,mantras are used in Psychiatric treatment in certain cases.

F)HEALING THROUGH 5 SENSES

                   

                        Shabda(sound)

·         Sparsha(touch)

·         Roopa(vision)

·         Rasa(taste)

·         Gandha(smell)

Often  5 senses are very much connected to subconscious memories.Therefore the sound,touch ,vision,taste and smell can bring positive changes in people if used in the right way.Mind is connected to sense organs and stimuli they receive from environment.Therefore 5 senses are important in healing mental imbalance.

 

Phytoestrogens in Ayurveda- Natural estrogen from plants for Women

                                      Phytoestrogens are hormone like chemicals found in plants which help to rejuvenate the female reproductive system.They mimic the action of estrogen,a hormone most important for women.Towards menopause,women suffer from weight gain,osteoporosis,hot flushes,emotional disturbances and lack of sexual vigour.Phytoestrogens give a natural alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy.They prevent heart disease,osteoporosis and post menopausal problems.These natural estrogens help to prevent metabolic syndrome by increasing insulin sensitivity.Phytoestrogens have antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.

Ayurvedic herbs which contain phytoestrogen
Shatavari(Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari is one of the best herbs for women.It nourishes seven body tissues and vitalises reproductive system.Shatavari root is cooked in milk and consumed.Ayurveda lehya named Shathavari gulam contains Shatavari.   Dosage is 1 tablespoon daily.
Vidarikand(Pueraria tuberosa)
Vidarikand is a large tuber which has rejuvenatory effects on both men and women.It helps to increase the good cholesterol or HDL.It nourishes all tissues and increases fertility.It pacifies vata and pitha factors.Tuber of Vidari is cooked in milk,dried and powdered.Vidaryadi lehyam in Ayurveda contains Vidari.
Dosage is 1 tablespoon daily.
Methika(Trigonella foenum graceum)
Fenugreek seeds or  Methika is used in Indian cooking.In women it is used as uterine tonic.Fenugreek has antidiabetic properties as it slows down absorption of glucose from food.It balances vata and kapha factors and enhances pitta or metabolism.Methika is good remedy to cure hot flushes.
Soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds for 3 hours and cook in a cup of coconut milk.Jaggery or palmsugar may be added .Another option is to take 1 tsp freshly powdered fenugreek seeds with warm water in empty stomach.
Yashtimadhu(Glycerrhiza Glabra)
Yashtimadhu gives emotional stability and reduces hot flushes.It relieves constipation and painful urination.
Dosage:1 tsp of Yashtimadhu powder may be consumed with warm water or milk before breakfast.
Tila(Sesamum indicum)
Sesame seeds may be roasted and made into balls in palm sugar or jaggery syrup.
To make herbal tea 1 tsp of sesame seeds is boiled in 1 glass of water and taken in empty stomach.
Food containing Phytoestrogens
Miso paste,Flax seed,soy products,Mungbean sprouts,garlic,dried apricots,pistachios,dates,yam and green beans contain phytoestrogen.

Diet and treatment in Arthritis

                                 
                                                   Painful joints limit the mobility of an individual to a great extent.The key factors contibuting to this are uric acid and calcium oxalate crystals deposited in the joints and tissues due to wrong diet.Sometimes these deposits also form kidney stones.Arthritis may also result from lack of exercise and wrong lifestyle.
Management of Uric Acid crystal deposits
Gout is a type of arthritis where uric acid crystals are formed in Joint tissues.This condition is precipitated by a diet high in purines and animal protein .Other factors are alcohol intake,certain medications,obesity and abnormal kidney function.
Diet to reduce Uric acid level in body
Uric acid is produced when body digests food containing purines.Seafood like lobster,shrimp,tuna,herring,mussel etc increase uric acid levels in body.The quantity of seafood should be only 170gm/day.Limiting red meat like beef,pork and lamb is also necessary.Drinking 16 glasses of water daily will help to cleanse the body.Fruit juices used should be fresh and natural.
Include low fat dairy products and complex carbohydrates in your diet.
Ayurveda Medication in Gout
Rasnerandadi Kashayam (kwath) is an excellent formula for Arthritis.Along with this the tablet Yogarajaguggulu is also used to get quick results.
Method of usage:Mix 15 ml of Rasnerandadi kashayam with 60 ml hot water,add 1 Yogarajaguggulu tab to it and have in morning and evening one hour before food.
This medicine is also available in tablet form.One tablet in morning and evening will give same results.Meat should be avoided while having the medicine.
Management of Calcium oxalate deposits 
Arthritis due to Calcium oxalate deposits is not very common.Peanut products,chocolates,tofu,strawberries,blueberries,cola,grapes,spinach,cauliflower etc are some of the high oxalate foods.Staying away from processed and canned foods will help as these contain high sodium levels.Alcohol intake increases Calcium oxalate levels.Drinking plenty of water always helps.
Calcium intake should not be restricted too much as you need Calcium to bind oxalate in intestines.
Oxalate absorption into body is prevented by presence of calcium upto a certain extent.
Ayurveda Medication to reduce Calcium Oxalate in body
Ayurveda medicine namely Veeratharadi Kashayam  and Chandraprabha gulika are very effective in both joint pain due to Calcium oxalate deposits and also kidney stones of Calcium oxalate origin.
Other Ayurveda therapies in Arthritis
Ayurveda therapies like Abhyangam,podikkizhi,elakkizhi,njavarakkizhi,pizhichil are the external therapies used to improve mobility and flexibility in arthritis.The pattern of treatment is chosen based on the person's medical history and body constitution(Prakruthi)

Vedic Maths-Magic form India

ORIGIN OF VEDIC MATHS
Vedas are ancient encyclopedias written in Sanskrit language around 1500-900BCE.The four Vedas are Rig Veda,Yajur Veda,Atharva Veda and Sama Veda.These texts cover all the topics connected to human race like medicine,astronomy,architecture,religion and Mathematics.Vedic Maths was reconstructed from Parishista of Atharva Veda by Swami Bharati Krishna Tirthaji during the period 1911-1918.
IMPORTANCE OF VEDIC MATHS
Any complex problem can be solved mentally using Vedic Maths.This system is based on 16 Sutras or principles.Each sutra is like a programmed chip of computer age.These formulae are the foundation of algebra,square root,concept of zero,algorithm and various calculations.

EXAMPLES OF  VEDIC SUTRAS AND ITS APPLICATIONS

SUTRA
Ekadhikena purvena sutra
(by one more than the one before)
Q:Find square of 45
How to solve: The first digit is 4 and second digit is 5
according to the rule,add (4+1),then multiply with 4.
That is 4x(4+1) which is= 20
Next multiply 5x5 which is = 25
Answer is  2025
You can employ this method to multiply all numbers ending with 5.
SUTRA
Nikhilam Navatascharamam Dashatah
(All from nine and last from ten)
Q:Substract :1000-564
Each figure in 564 is substracted from 9 and last figure is substracted from 10
Answer is 436.
Interesting ,isn't it?These are simple problems,but these formulae can be used to solve very complex problems.

Brass vessels for medicinal water

                    Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc.Ancient civilizations used Brass and Copper vessels to store water.People of India and Egypt believed in the medicinal properties of these metals.Scientific data from recent researches reveal that  ancient wisdom is always true.
                 Water Miracle
In Britain,a group of researchers filled brass vessels with a diluted culture of E.Coli bacteria.The  surviving bacteria was counted after 6hr,24hr and 48 hr intervals.They were astonished to to discover that the amount of live E.Coli in brass vessels dropped dramatically over time,finally coming to a nill after 48 hours.

                    Water stored in Brass or Copper vessels are purified by Copper ions.The antimicrobial action of Copper is on the cell membranes of microbes.Copper has antimicrobial action on a wide range of microbes like Staphylococcus,Clostridium difficile,MRSA etc.The medicinal properties of Copper is explained in the ancient Ayurveda text Rasaratna Samuchaya.
            Advantages of Copper

• synthesis of proteins
• helps formation of R.B.C
• useful to reduce cardiac ailments
• gives lustre to skin
• antimicrobial action
• Increases fertility in men 

           Advantages of Zinc

• Improves immunity
• Increases fertility in men
• cures skin diseases
• provides healthy hair 

The desired intake of Copper is 1.3mg/day as advised by WHO.Water stored in brass or Copper vessels will never harm a person as the copper content is always less than daily recommended dosage.However,never store curd,sour fruits or anything which contains acid in Copper and Brass vessels as the metals react with acid.
 

Natural Beauty Secrets

 Emerge as a natural beauty by following these head to toe beauty tips.
Nature's beauty secrets are always there to help you out.

Mask to remove Pigmentation
Make a fine paste of lotus petals,almond oil and milk and use as a face pack.
Mask to remove Blemishes
Make a paste of corn starch,orange juice,egg white and 2 pinches of turmeric powder.
Apply on face.Remove with warm water before it becomes very dry.

Herbal Steam Cleanser
Add 10 basil(tulsi) leaves to a cup of milk and 1 cup of water and let the mixture boil.Use the steam emerging to steam and cleanse your face.Do for 5 minutes and wipe face with clean towel.After that wipe face with a cotton piece soaked in rosewater.You may do this without leaves also.

 Nourish Your Hair
Apply natural yoghurt to scalp and hair like a hair mask.This is extremely nourishing and
helps you to get rid of dandruff.
Exfoliating scrub with Sugar
Take some natural brown sugar and add warm water to make a paste.Apply on face,
hands and legs and wait for 5 mts.Now wipe off with towel dipped in hot water.
Simple remedy for acne or Pimples
 Grate onion and squeeze out juice.Apply this with cotton on pimples.Wash off after
10 minutes.Wipe face with cotton soaked in rosewater.
Massage oil mix for beautiful hands and legs
Mix lemon juice,honey and olive oil to make a massage oil mix.
Rub it in leave for 15 minutes and wipe off with towel dipped in warm water.

Nutmeg from nature

The kernel and mace of nutmeg is usually used in cooking and also as a medicine.But this contains phenylpropanoids like myristicin and elemicin which can cause nausea and severe liver damage if used in large quantities.Nutmeg should be used carefully during pregnancy since it inhibits prostaglandin production and contains hallucinogens.Nutmeg is digestive and provides good sleep .

How to use Nutmeg 

1.Mix 1/4 tsp of nutmeg powder with honey and have after dinner.This helps to improve digestion and absorption and expels intestinal parasites.You can try this if you have  stomach ache and gas after a heavy meal.

2.Add 1/4 tsp of nutmeg powder to 1 cup milk and have at bedtime to get good sleep.This also helps to lower blood pressure.

3.In diarrhoea have 1/4 tsp of nutmeg with honey or apple juice thrice daily.Also to prevent dehydration drink tender coconut water.In small kids the dosage of nutmeg powder should be 1 pinch.Also it is better to roast nutmeg mildly in a frying pan before using for kids.

4.Nutmeg paste may be applied locally to get pain relief in arthritis.To prepare a massage oil for pain relief add 1tsp powdered nutmeg to 100 ml coconut oil or sesame oil and heat till it starts to boil.

5.Pulp of nutmeg is used to make jam,pickles and wine.