Ayurvedic management of Mental Health Disorders w.s.r. to Anxiety
Abstract
Anxiety disorders represent one of the most common and debilitating mental health challenges globally, often requiring long-term treatment and posing risks of dependency with conventional pharmacological interventions. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, provides a holistic and individualized approach to mental health that integrates physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. This review explores the Ayurvedic understanding and management of anxiety disorders, drawing from classical texts and contemporary evidence. The concepts of Manas doshas (Rajas and Tamas), Chittodvega (excited state of mind), and their correlations with modern psychiatric diagnoses are examined. Various therapeutic strategies - including herbal medications such as Brahmi and Ashwagandha, Panchakarma therapies like Nasya and Shirodhara, and psychotherapeutic methods like Satvavajaya Chikitsa - are evaluated through case studies and literature-based evidence. Additionally, the review discusses public health implications and the potential for integrating Ayurveda with mainstream mental healthcare. Findings suggest that Ayurvedic interventions offer promising, safe, and cost-effective alternatives for managing anxiety, though further clinical validation is necessary.
Downloads
References
Balkrishna, A., & Misra, L. N. (2017). Ayurvedic plants in brain disorders: The herbal hope. Journal of Traditional Medicine & Clinical Naturopathy, 6(2).
Gunathilaka, H. J. Vitharana, P., Udayanga, L., & Gunathilaka, N. (2019). Assessment of anxiety, depression, stress, and associated psychological morbidities among patients receiving Ayurvedic treatment for different health issues. BioMed Research International.
Kessler, C. S. (2019). Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation – Traditionelle Indische Medizin und ihr Bezug zu den fünf Säulen der Naturheilkunde
Khatri, A. N. Jumle, R., Thakre, T., & Yewale, P. (2024). Ayurveda and yoga approaches for managing generalized anxiety disorder with short temperament in a school-going child: A case report. Alternative Therapies, 30(12), 60.
Lopatyuk, O. (2014). Re-creation of traditional spiritual concept of oriental treatments in the modern world, based on Ayurveda treatment example in case of Milfey Spa Center (Master’s thesis, University of Tartu).
Pallathadka, L. K., & Pallathadka, H. (2020). A literature review on Ayurvedic management of psychiatric disorders. International Journal of Aquatic Science, 11(1), 102–110.
Pillai, C. C., Chacko, J., Soman, D., & Kundagol, M. C. (2018). Ayurvedic management of generalized anxiety disorder – A case report. Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine, 4(3), 111–113.
Thakre, P. P., Ade, V., & Parwe, S. (2021). Psychiatric disorder and its management through Ayurveda: A review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International, 33(64B), 114–122.
Thejaswini, C., Ramana, G. V., Sahoo, S., & Gupta, H. K. (2019). Evaluation of efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic interventions in anxiety disorder: Protocol for systematic review. Journal of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.
Charaka, & Dridhabala. (2004). Charaka Samhita (Y. T. Acharya, Ed., Ayurveda-Dipika Commentary by Chakrapanidutta). Choukambha Sanskrit Sansthan. [Various slokas and chapters referenced]
Vaghbata. (2010). Astanga Hridaya (A. M. Kunte & K. R. Shastrinarve, Eds., Commentaries Sarvangasundari & Ayurveda Rasayana). Krishnadas Academy. [Referenced in multiple chapters]
Majeed, M., & Jithesh, M. (2023). Ayurvedic management of generalised anxiety disorder – A case report. Ayushdhara, 10(Suppl3), 102–106.
