Good mental health is a testimony of a good combination of body, mind, and soul. It explores all emotional, psychological, and social aspects of life and balances it. If a human balance all these factors is said to be in a good mental state or mentally fit.
Ayurvedic healing methods, although not completely curable are truly effective and support other medicines & treatment options. Similarly, ayurveda helps in improving mental health.
This is the new generation of medical advancement and the invention of new treatment methods. In this scenario, Ayurveda proves to be the oldest and a holistic healing system. Ayurveda was originally found in ancient India and trace back thousands of years ago. This holistic medical system has a deep understanding of the balance between body, mind, and spirit. And that is why Ayurveda provides useful insight to address various health concerns.
What is Ayurveda’s Perspective on Mental Health?
Ayurveda views mental health as an integral part of our overall health. Ancient medicine bases its whole concept of mental health on three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are embedded in biological forces that govern our physical and mental health. With a unique combination in each individual, these doshas guide the true balance of a person’s life.
The ancient science of Ayurveda provides a long-term solution to resolve the unhealthy mental conditions caused by the disturbances in the doshas. Ayurveda also provides a natural and healthy approach to regulating emotions and behavior through herbal treatments and lifestyle modifications.
What Does Ayurveda Suggest for Mental Wellness?
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to improving lifestyle and maintaining a blanched diet for not just physical but also mental and emotional well-being. This medical system offers a few ways to improve your lifestyle and maintain your mental health and wellness:
1. Balanced Diet
Ayurveda emphasizes a lot on maintaining a good diet to rejuvenate the rational functions of the human body. It claims that diet is proportionally related to mental wellness. A good diet will ignite good emotions, and feeling in a human being, and perpetually taking care of mental health. For example, people with vata imbalance should eat warm, nourishing, and grounding food, while people with Pitta imbalances should consume cool, and hydrating food.
2. Herbal Remedies
Ayurveda is a complete herbal and holistic medical treatment, likely providing herbal solutions for mental wellness. Some of the most commonly used herbs for mental wellness are:
- Ashwagandha: Known for its adaptogenic properties, it helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- Brahmi: Enhances cognitive function and calms the mind.
- Shankhpushpi: Improves memory and reduces mental fatigue.
- Jatamansi: Acts as a natural tranquilizer and helps with insomnia and anxiety.
3. Dietary and Lifestyle Modification
One needs to pay attention to what they eat, and in what quantity. The balance in the diet ensures a balance of doshas and improves mental strength. Ensure that you maintain a healthy diet and govern your lifestyle accordingly. Here are some healthy lifestyle tips:
- Stay hyderated to remove toxins from the body.
- Chew well for improved digestion
- Exercise regularly
- Always eat freshly prepared food
- Avoid processed food like chips, rich sugar snacks, and soft drinks
- Intake of healthy fats for better brain functioning
- Take sound sleep for at least 8 hrs daily
- Include food in your diet that contains Omega-3 fats.
- Take free time out of your busy schedule and relax
- Eat seasonal foods and veggies
4. Ayurvedic Therapies for Improving Mental Health
The Ayurvedic approach to mental health and wellness involves a combination of a balanced diet, a balanced lifestyle, and therapies. These modifications calm and relax the mind, body, and soul. One can go for the following therapies to ensure good mental health:
- Virechana – It is a type of panchakarma therapy that induces vomiting by using bitter purgative herbs to clean the body to release stress and tension.
- Shirodhara – In this Ayurvedic technique, one pours medicated oil on the center of the forehead. This therapy is highly effective for people suffering from insomnia, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders.
- Satvavajaya chikilsa – This method or Ayurvedic technique is used to incept positive thoughts on self-awareness, family, and social responsibilities. This therapy is highly effective in treating mental problems caused due to trauma or any other emotional disturbances
Ayurvedic management of mental health and wellness provides numerous biological and natural ways to heal and cure. These methods induce a sense of contentment and well-being. Following a healthy lifestyle is highly essential to relieving stress, and living a happy life. Moreover, Ayurvedic methods can calm and ease your body by following natural methods and detoxifying your body from negative thoughts and energy.
Takeaway
Ayurveda is a comprehensive and holistic healing approach to mental health and wellness. The medical technique not only works on mitigating the symptoms but it tries to abolish the root cause of the mental problem. With the help of dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications, one can easily leave a healthy and happy life.