E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Mental Health

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2023 Volume 8 Number 5 MAY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Exploring the Role of Ayurveda in Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review

Sen AK1*, Sen S2, Malviya RK3, Jain SK4, Kirar PK5
DOI:10.21760/jaims.8.5.12.

1* Anil Kumar Sen, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhant, Pt Khushilal Sharma Government (Autonomous) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

2 Sakshi Sen, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Roga Nidan Evam Vikriti Vigyan, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India.

3 Rajesh Kumar Malviya, Associate Professor, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhant, Pt Khushilal Sharma Government (Autonomous) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

4 Salil Kumar Jain, Assistant Professor, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhant, Pt Khushilal Sharma Government (Autonomous) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

5 Pawan Kumar Kirar, Assistant Professor, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhant, Pt Khushilal Sharma Government (Autonomous) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine originating in India, offers a holistic approach to health and well-being by emphasizing the balance between body, mind, and spirit. This comprehensive review explores the role of Ayurveda in promoting mental health, examining classical texts, therapeutic practices, and recent scientific research. Central to Ayurvedic mental health care is the concept of Sattva (mental clarity), and the balance of the Tridoshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - which are believed to influence psychological states. The review highlights key Ayurvedic interventions including Medhya Rasayanas (nootropic herbs), Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle modifications, and dietary practices tailored to individual constitution (Prakriti). It also discusses the integration of yoga and meditation as complementary tools for emotional regulation and stress management. Emerging evidence supports the efficacy of Ayurvedic approaches in managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, although further rigorous clinical trials are necessary. This review underscores the potential of Ayurveda as a valuable adjunct in contemporary mental health care, advocating for an integrative model that bridges traditional wisdom with modern psychiatric practices.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Mental Health, Rasayana, Sadvrutta

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Anil Kumar Sen, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Ayurveda Samhita and Siddhant, Pt Khushilal Sharma Government (Autonomous) Ayurveda College and Institute, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Sen AK, Sen S, Malviya RK, Jain SK, Kirar PK, Exploring the Role of Ayurveda in Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(5):72-75.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1897/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-03-11 2025-03-21 2025-03-31 2025-04-01 2025-04-21
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 11.36

© 2023by Sen AK, Sen S, Malviya RK, Jain SK, Kirar PK and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2023;8(5)72
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAim and ObjectiveMaterials and MethodsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Anil KS et al. Exploring the Role of Ayurveda in Mental Health

Introduction

Ayurveda, ancient Indian medical system, provides a holistic approach to mental health by integrating mind, body, & spirit. Mental health is discussed in Atharva Veda & further elaborated in works of Charak, Sushrut, & Vagbhatt, detailing causes, symptoms, diagnosis, & treatment of various human & animal ailments. Ayurveda addresses mental health from mild emotions to severe disorders through interplay of Gunas, Tridosha, & Panchabhuta. A person's Prakriti, shaped by these elements at birth, influences mental well-being, requiring balance for optimal health. Treatments inc. Daivavyaprashraya, Yuktivyapashraya, Satvavajaya Chikitsa, Aachara Rasayana, Dinacharya, & Yoga therapy for comprehensive care.

Aim and Objective

To critically evaluate role of Ayurveda in prevention & management of mental health disorders.

Materials and Methods

Relevant articles on Ayurveda & mental health were searched in PubMed, Scopus, & Google Scholar using keywords like Ayurveda, Mental health, etc. Only English studies focusing on Ayurvedic treatments for mental health were included. Data were extracted & reviewed qualitatively.

Definition of Mental Health

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.[1]

According to Ayurveda - Swastha is achieved when the body's three Doshas are balanced, digestion is efficient, tissues function normally, waste elimination is regular, and the senses, mind, and spirit are in harmony.[2]

समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः । प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनाः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते ।।(सु.सू.15/41)

Aetiopathogenesis of Mental Disorders

1. According to Ayurveda, the primary causes of imbalance are:

  • Disturbance of rational thinking (~Dhi), intellect or self-control (~Dhṛti), and memory (~Smṛti).

  • Seasonal irregularities and improper conduct (~Ayoga of Kāla, Karma).
  • Inappropriate contact of the senses with their objects (~Asatmendriyartha Samyoga).[3]

धीधृतिस्मृतिविभ्रंशः सम्प्राप्तिः कालकर्मणाम् ।असात्म्यार्थागमश्चेति ज्ञातव्या दुःखहेतवः॥(च.शा.1/98)

Engaging in harmful or negative actions (Asubhakarma), after loss of Dhi, Dhṛti, & Smṛti, leads to aggravation of all Doshas. This is referred to as volitional transgression (Pragyaaparadha).[4]

धीधृतिस्मृतिविभ्रष्टः कर्म यत् कुरुतेऽशुभम् । प्रज्ञापराधं तं विद्यात् सर्वदोषप्रकोपणम् ॥ (च.शा.1/102)

2. Vishada: Acharya Charaka states that Vishado Rogavardhananam - is primary factor aggravating disease conditions. This is considered fundamental principle concerning mental health in Ayurveda.[5]

3. Role of Suppressible urges: To attain happiness in this life and the next, one must practice self-control over the mind and the five senses. It is also important to curb desires such as greed, envy, hatred, jealousy, and attachment, as these emotions can lead to mental distress.[6]

धारयेत्तु सदा वेगान् हितैषी प्रेत्य चेह च। लोभेर्ष्याद्वेषमात्सर्यरागादीनां जितेन्द्रियः॥ (अ.हृ.सू.4/24)

4. Manasika Dosas: When the three states of mind - Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas - are in balance, they help preserve both the mind and body, promoting overall health. However, an imbalance in these mental states, known as "Manasik Doshas," can lead to the development of various mental disorders.

Samprapti of Manas Roga
jaims_1897_01.jpg


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2023;8(5)73
Anil KS et al. Exploring the Role of Ayurveda in Mental Health

Examination of Manas[7]

आकारैः इङ्गितैः गत्या चेष्टया भाषणेन च । नेत्रवक्त्र विकारैः च लक्ष्यते अन्तर्गतं मनः ।। (पञ्चतंत्र, वैद्यकीय सुभाषित 2/45)

Manas can be analysed or examined on the basis of following parameters:

आकारBody structure
इंगितAmbitions and desires
गतिBody movements
चेष्टाActivities
भाषणTalking style
नेत्रवक्त्र विकारMovements of eyes and face

Management of Mental Illness through Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, there are 3 types of Chikitsa- Daivavyapashraya, Yuktivyapashraya, and Sattvavajaya Chikitsa

Daivavyapashraya: These strategies instill assurance and negativity inclinations. It involves the recitation of Mantras, use of sacred herbs, offering of auspicious items, ritualistic sacrifices, rules and regulations, acts of atonement, fasting, pilgrimage, chanting of hymns, spiritual and healing practices, and religious ceremonies.

Yuktivyapashraya: These methods investigate how Medicines are utilized based on two principles, namely Shodhana and Shamana. Ghritas like Panchgavya, Brahmee, and Maha Kalyanaka. Herbomineral preparations include Brahmee Vati, Vata Kulantaka Rasa, Smriti Sagar Rasa, Yogendra Rasa, and Manasamitra Vatakam. Single herbs (Medhya Drugs) are medicinal preparations.
jaims_1897_02.jpg

Satvavajaya: Psychotherapy focuses on maintaining mental control by staying grounded in oneself, understanding the true nature of the soul, and reaching spiritual enlightenment.

The methods include Gyan - Divine Knowledge, Vignana - Teaching the Patient, Dhairya - Encouraging Morality, Smruti - Restoring the Memory, and Samadhi - Avoiding Excessive Materialism.

Rasayana: By taking the Rasayana one wall get longevity, intelligence, freshness effectiveness and efficiency, youth devoid of disease, best voice, complexion etc.
jaims_1897_03.jpg

Aachara Rasayana: It is a drug-free treatment that supports the overall life process. A person who tells the truth, remains calm, and avoids drinking alcohol, and excessive consumption. He upholds cleanliness, gets adequate rest, and follows a nutritious diet. It regulates sensory organs for overall physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Sadvritta: Adhering to ethical principles fosters mental well-being. Respecting all beings and regulating actions, thoughts, and words align with Achara Rasayana, promoting happiness. Avoiding transgressions like theft, negative speech, and harm supports mental balance.

Discussion

Ayurveda, a time-honored holistic system, views mental health through body-mind-spirit integration. Unlike psychiatry’s pharmacological focus, it takes a personalized approach, addressing lifestyle, diet, emotions, and spirituality. This review explores key insights into Ayurveda’s role in mental health management.

1. Conceptual Framework and Diagnostic Paradigm:

Ayurveda links mental disorders to imbalances in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, affecting physiological and psychological functions. Disruptions in Prana and Manas cause illness, guiding holistic treatments that target root causes rather than symptoms.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2023;8(5)74
Anil KS et al. Exploring the Role of Ayurveda in Mental Health

2. Herbal Therapeutics and Neuroprotective Effects:

Multiple Ayurvedic herbs such as Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Centella asiatica, and Convolvulus pluricaulis have demonstrated anxiolytic, antidepressant, and cognitive-enhancing properties in preclinical and clinical studies. These herbs are rich in bioactive phytochemicals like withanolides, bacosides, and asiaticosides that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, modulating neurotransmitter systems (e.g., GABAergic, serotonergic) and neuroendocrine axes implicated in mood regulation.

3. Mind-Body Interventions:

Ayurveda strongly emphasizes mind-body practices such as meditation, Pranayama (breathing exercises), Yoga, and detoxification techniques (Panchakarma). These interventions have shown beneficial effects on stress reduction, autonomic nervous system regulation, and neuroplasticity, contributing to improved mental resilience. Studies correlating these therapies with changes in biomarkers of stress (e.g., cortisol levels) and functional brain imaging suggest a scientific basis for their efficacy in anxiety, depression, and cognitive disorders.

4. Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications:

Ayurveda prescribes tailored lifestyle adjustments based on individual constitution (Prakriti) and current Doshic imbalance. These include dietary recommendations, daily routines (Dinacharya), and seasonal regimens (Ritucharya) that support mental equilibrium. Nutritional psychiatry is gaining recognition in modern science, and Ayurveda’s integrative dietary approaches contribute significantly to maintaining neurotransmitter precursors and gut-brain axis health, influencing mood and cognitive functions.

5. Limitations and Integration with Modern Psychiatry:

Despite promising evidence, Ayurveda's acceptance in mental health care faces challenges like inconsistent protocols, variable herbal quality, & limited large-scale trials. Rigorous clinical validation, phyto. standardization, & mechanistic studies are crucial. Integrating Ayurveda with psychiatric treatments may provide complementary benefits,

especially for chronic and resistant cases, fostering a holistic mental health model.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to mental health, integrating mind, body, and spirit. Understanding Doshas and Gunas helps maintain balance for well-being. Treatments like Daivavyapashraya, Yuktivyapashraya, and Satvavajaya Chikitsa support mental health, while Rasayana and Aachara Rasayana enhance rejuvenation. Embracing Ayurvedic principles fosters resilience, clarity, and fulfilment.

References

1. World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2022 [cited 2024 Oct 27]. Available from: https://www. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

2. Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. In: Yadavji Trikamaji V, editor. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2008. Sutra Sthan, chapter 15, verse 41 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

3. Trikamaji Y, editor. Charaka Samhita of Charaka: Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapani [Commentary]. Varanasi: Chowkhambha Sanskrit Series; 2006. Shareersthana, chapter 1, verse 98. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

4. Trikamaji Y, editor. Charaka Samhita of Charaka: Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapani [Commentary]. Varanasi: Chowkhambha Sanskrit Series; 2006. Shareersthana, chapter 1, verse 102. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

5. Trikamaji Y, editor. Charaka Samhita of Charaka: Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapani [Commentary]. Varanasi: Chowkhambha Sanskrit Series; 2006. Sutrasthana, chapter 25, verse 40. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

6. Vagbhata. Astanga Hridayam. In: Murthy Srikantha, editor. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy; 1995. Vol. I. Sutrasthana, chapter 4, verse 24, p. 221 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

7. Ghadekar BG. Vaidyakiya Subhashita Sahityam. 2nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Prakashan; 2018. Chapter 2, verse 45 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2023;8(5)75