To Someone Who Might Want to Read This Today…
“No worry is worth harming your health, and if it starts to affect you, there is always a way out.”
As we approach World Mental Health Day 2023, it is an ideal time to reflect on the importance of mental health as a universal human right. It serves as a reminder that mental health is not a privilege reserved for a select few but a fundamental right for every individual.
Let’s use this opportunity to come together and advocate for the mental health of ourselves and others with the help of Ayurveda.
As we navigate the challenges of life, it’s crucial to remember that our mental health should always be a top priority. No worry is worth sacrificing our well-being, and there are always ways to find relief and support. By seeking healthy coping mechanisms, embracing the healing power of nature, and supporting initiatives like World Mental Health Day, we can create a world where mental health is recognized as a universal human right. Let’s take the first step towards a healthier and happier future.
The Ayurvedic approach to mental health recognizes the connection between the mind and body. According to Ayurveda, being centred on oneself and maintaining equilibrium in various aspects such as energy principles (doshas), digestive and metabolic fire, tissues, excretions, and the state of spirit, sense organs, and mind are essential for overall health.
Also Read: Mental Health: Let’s Talk About How Ayurveda Can Save Your Mental Health
In terms of mental health management, Ayurveda focuses on prevention, and gentle intervention, and avoids stigmatizing mental health. The mind goes through cycles of different qualities such as lethargy, productivity, restlessness, alertness, and bliss. Ayurveda categorizes these qualities into three attributes: Tamas (heaviness), Rajas (activity and restlessness), and Sattva (pure, clear, happy quality of the mind). While a balance of Tamas and Rajas is necessary for rest and action, an imbalance can lead to psychological issues like depression, loss of focus, and extreme aggression. On the other hand, the state of Sattva promotes good mental health, happiness, wisdom, and the ability to perform at one’s best. Ayurveda suggests practices to enhance Sattva for better mental health.
Also, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of attending to the Doshas, which are the fundamental energy principles (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) that make up an individual’s unique Ayurvedic constitution. When the Doshas are balanced, the mind is pleasant and tranquil. Imbalances in the Doshas can affect the mind, with Vata imbalance leading to restlessness and anxiety, Pitta imbalance manifesting as anger and irritability, and Kapha imbalance causing lethargy and depression. Conversely, imbalances in the mind can also disrupt the balance of the Doshas.
When consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner, mental well-being is assessed alongside physical, physiological, psychological, and genetic history. Overall, Dosha imbalances are addressed through measures such as herbal remedies, lifestyle and dietary modifications, and therapeutic detoxification methods like Abhyanga (self-massage), Shirodhara (pouring warm medicated oil on the forehead), or Panchakarma. Spiritual therapies, psycho-behavioural therapy, and mental hygiene practices are also recommended, including prayer, mantras, chanting, and practices based on one’s belief system. Yoga, meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and Marma (pressure points) are heavily relied upon in Ayurveda to enhance mental health, and scientific studies have shown their effectiveness in changing brain structure and reducing anxiety.
Furthermore, Ayurveda recognizes the connection between mental health and immunity. Strengthening immunity is crucial for mental health.
Ayushakti’s detoxification Panchakarma treatments are highly focused on relieving the root cause of any chronic problem by cleansing, repairing and rejuvenating the deeper tissues and cells in your body. Click here to check out our Panchakarma Detoxification Plan
Also Read: Ayurvedic Detox Therapy (Panchakarma) for Mental Health
1. Enhance Sattva and Prioritize Self-Care
To improve mental health, focus on increasing Sattva through practices like yoga, pranayama, and meditation. Establish a routine, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy diet. Engage in self-care activities such as reading, journaling, and learning new skills.
Also Read: Understanding Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic Foods
2. Maintain Balance in Agni and Doshas
Achieve balance in mind and body by following personal and seasonal balancing of Doshas. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and stick to a routine. Plan meals ahead to prevent unhealthy food cravings and take breaks when needed.
Also Read: Discover Your Unique Dosha and Achieve Balance with Ayurveda
3. Consider a Detox
Detox helps eliminate toxins (Ama) from the body, restoring health and well-being. Seek guidance from an Ayurvedic practitioner for a personalized cleanse program.
Also Read: Ayurvedic Detox Therapy for Improving Sleep
4. Adopt a Nourishing Diet
Follow a diet of warm, easily digestible fresh food. Use seasonally appropriate spices and herbs. Incorporate the six tastes (Shadrasa) in your meals and avoid processed, cold, and raw foods. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Also Read: Detox Diet Plan: 30 days to a better you
5. Prioritize Adequate Sleep
Ensure you get enough sleep as insufficient sleep can negatively impact mental health. Follow Ayurvedic practices for sleep hygiene, such as sleeping before 10 p.m., taking a media break before bed, and having a soothing nighttime ritual. Avoid daytime napping to prevent lethargy.
Also Read: Ayurvedic Detox Therapy for Improving Sleep
6. Maintain a Balanced Lifestyle
To achieve harmony in mind and body, establish regular mealtimes, stick to routines, and prioritize personal hygiene practices. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine and spend time in nature for grounding and relaxation.
Also Read: 6 Yoga Asanas and Exercises to Improve Blood Supply to the Brain
7. Stay Distanced but Socially Connected
Nurture relationships with family and community, as studies show that strong connections improve mental health and longevity. If you need more social connection, consider volunteering online or engaging in spiritual practices for support and stimulation.
8. Avoid Overstimulation of Senses
Schedule breaks during your day to rest your eyes, breathe, or go for a nature walk. Minimize digital overload by taking media breaks and practising soothing the senses through techniques like eye exercises, shirodhara, netra-basti and gentle touch therapies.
Also Read: Alternative way of Enhancing your Eyesight
9. Attend to Immunity and Ojas
Focus on overall health and immunity through rejuvenating therapies and a nourishing diet. Consider systemic prophylaxis measures like nasal application of oil, steam inhalation, and herbal gargling. Incorporate immunity-boosting herbs and formulations into your routine.
Also Read: Indian Drinks For A Healthier You
10. Try Self-Massage and Therapies
Experiment with self-massage techniques or consider therapeutic treatments like Nasya, Abhyanga, and Shirodhara. These therapies have calming effects on the mind, improve clarity, and enhance memory. Consult with Ayushakti practitioner for personalized recommendations and additional therapies.
Ayushakti’s detoxification Panchkarma treatments are highly focused on relieving the root cause of any chronic problem by cleansing, repairing and rejuvenating the deeper tissues and cells in your body. Click here to check out our Panchkarma Detoxification Plan
Witness The Magic of Ayushakti Ayurved’s Depritox Program to Get Your Mental Health Back on Track
Ayushakti Ayurved’s Depritox Program focuses on calming excess Vata (air) in the brain and also nourishing the brain and nervous system. For this, the most crucial step is to strengthen the digestive fire (agni) in your body to transform the digested food into various tissues and build the immune system. Adequately nourished bodily channels increase positive feelings like zeal, contentment, enthusiasm, faith, courage, and the necessary strength to handle shock, terror, and grief.
Ayushakti’s Depritox program is a combination of a specific diet, proven home remedies, effective herbal remedies, authentic detox (Panchkarma) therapies, and Marma (Ayurvedic pressure points).
What Benefits You Get Through Ayushakti’s Depritox Treatment?
- Restores self-confidence, happiness and clarity of mind
- Helps relieve fear, phobia, and restlessness remarkably
- Reduces headache, mood swings, irritation, anger
- Improves the ability to handle life situations without anxiety & stress
- Promotes positive thinking
- Improves good quality sleep
Takeaway:
Our inner strength is often tested by external challenges, reminding us to rely on our own resilience. It is important to acknowledge that our true power comes from within, as our consciousness extends beyond the boundaries of our current human experience.
We are an integral part of nature, and our problems exist within its realm. Therefore, it only makes sense that the solutions to our troubles can also be found in nature. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world, whether it’s going for a hike, spending time in a park, or simply appreciating the serenity of a garden. Nature can provide the solace and clarity we seek.
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Blog Author: Dr Hemang Parekh
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.