E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Mental Health

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 9 SEPTEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurveda and Mental Health: Integrative Perspectives on Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders

Solanki A1*, Maya2, HML Meena3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.9.12

1* Akshay Solanki, PhD Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

2 Maya, Department of Agad Tantra, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

3 HML Meena, Professor and Head, Department of Kayachikitsa, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system, offers profound insights into mental health (Manas) by addressing the psychosomatic interface through an integrative model. As mental health disorders rise globally, exploring Ayurveda’s role in addressing psychiatric ailments, including anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline, is essential. This review delves into the Ayurvedic conceptualization of mental health, particularly the role of the Manas Doshas (Rajas and Tamas), Sattvavajaya (mind pacification), and Ojas (mental immunity). Emphasis is placed on the therapeutic role of Rasayana (rejuvenation), Panchakarma, psychotropic herbs, and compound formulations like Manas Mitra Vatakam and Smriti Sagara Rasa, and lifestyle modifications in mental health management. Furthermore, recent advances in the neuropsychopharmacology of Ayurvedic herbs, integration of Ayurveda with modern psychiatry, and research-backed evidence supporting these interventions are critically discussed.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Mental health, Manas Roga, Rasayana, Neuroplasticity, Psychoneuro-immunology

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Akshay Solanki, PhD Scholar, Department of Kayachikitsa, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Email: 		Solanki A, Maya, HML Meena, Ayurveda and Mental Health: Integrative Perspectives on Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(9):82-86.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3643

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-08-15 2024-08-26 2024-09-05 2024-09-15 2024-09-27
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None Nil Yes 12.22

© 2024by Solanki A, Maya, HML Meenaand 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].

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Introduction

Mental health is emerging as a significant global challenge, with the incidence of psychiatric disorders increasing dramatically. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that mental health issues, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of disability by 2030.[1]

While conventional psychiatry has made great strides in managing these disorders, there is a growing interest in integrating holistic health systems such as Ayurveda, which provides a nuanced, body-mind approach to mental wellness.[2]

In Ayurveda mental health is governed by the Manas (mind), which is intricately linked to the Sharira (body) and the Atma (soul). The balance of the Manas Gunas - Sattva (clarity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia) - determines the psychological state of an individual. Imbalances in these qualities are believed to cause Manas Roga (mental disorders).[3]

This review explores the Ayurvedic perspective on mental health and presents evidence-based approaches, including the use of compound formulations like Manas Mitra Vatakam and Smriti Sagara Rasa, that align with modern psychopharmacology and neuroscience.

Ayurvedic Concept of Mental Health: Neurobiological Analogies

Ayurveda's view of mental health revolves around the balance of the Manovaha Srotas and the regulation of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. When these three Gunas are in harmony, mental health is maintained. Imbalances lead to the manifestation of psychological issues. These ancient concepts parallel modern neurobiological understandings of mental health:

  • Sattva represents clarity, intelligence, and emotional stability, similar to positive mental health and resilience.
  • Rajas corresponds to hyperactivity, restlessness, and desire, paralleling heightened arousal and anxiety disorders.[4]
  • Tamas is associated with lethargy, ignorance, and emotional numbness, akin to depressive states.[5]

Neuroplasticity and Manas Doshas

Modern research in neuroplasticity aligns with Ayurvedic teachings, as imbalances in Rajas and Tamas can be viewed as the brain’s maladaptive response to stress, leading to alterations in neural circuits involved in mood regulation.[6] Ayurvedic therapies, including psychotropic herbs and compound formulations like Manas Mitra Vatakam and Smriti Sagara Rasa, aim to restore balance in these circuits through psychophysiological interventions, improving neuroplasticity.

Pathogenesis of Mental Disorders in Ayurveda: Psychoneuroimmunology

In Ayurveda, mental disorders are understood as Manas Roga, resulting from an imbalance in Sharirika Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and Manas Doshas (Rajas and Tamas). Ayurveda also introduces the concept of Ojas, which represents the essence of vitality and mental resilience. The depletion of Ojas leads to Ojokshaya, a condition akin to chronic stress and burnout, which modern psychoneuroimmunology links to neuroinflammatory pathways.[7]

Psychoneuroimmunology in Ayurveda

The Ayurvedic concept of Ama (toxins) plays a central role in mental health, and is analogous to accumulation of stress hormones and neuroinflammation. Mental toxins accumulate due to improper Agni (metabolism), leading to disruption of mental clarity and emotional resilience.[8] This psychoneuroimmunological imbalance can manifest as anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction.

Ayurvedic Interventions for Mental Health Disorders

Panchakarma: Detoxification and Psychophysiological Balance

Panchakarma, the five-fold detoxification process, addresses the accumulation of mental and physical toxins (Ama). It restores equilibrium between the Doshas and has proven neuropsychiatric benefits:

  • Shirodhara: The therapeutic pouring of oil on the forehead stimulates the Ajna Chakra and modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.[9] Shirodhara has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and improve sleep quality.[10]

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  • Nasya: The administration of medicated oils through the nasal route clears the Shirovaha Srotas (head channels), enhancing mental clarity and cognitive function. Studies show its efficacy in treating stress-induced migraines and cognitive decline.[11]

Rasayana Therapy: Promoting Cognitive Function and Mental Resilience

Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies are key in managing mental health in Ayurveda. Specific Medhya Rasayanas (nootropic herbs) enhance memory, cognition, and emotional resilience:

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi has been widely studied for its role in enhancing memory and synaptic plasticity. Clinical trials have shown that Brahmi reduces anxiety and improves cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.[12]

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): An adaptogen, Ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, offering protection against chronic stress and anxiety. It is also effective in managing depression, as demonstrated by recent randomized controlled trials.[13]

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Shankhpushpi acts on the GABAergic system, which is central to managing anxiety and stress-related disorders. Studies have shown its potential to reduce symptoms of anxiety and enhance cognitive function.[14]

Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Known for its neuroprotective properties, Jatamansi reduces lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in the brain, offering therapeutic benefits in conditions of chronic stress and neurodegeneration.[15]

Compound Ayurvedic Formulations: Potent Multi-Herbal Remedies

Manas Mitra Vatakam

Manas Mitra Vatakam is a classical polyherbal formulation used in Ayurveda for treating a wide range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. The formulation contains herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Jatamansi, Shankhpushpi, Vacha, and Guduchi, known for their Medhya (nootropic) properties.

Studies have demonstrated its potential in modulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are crucial in mood regulation.[16] Clinical trials have shown that Manas Mitra Vatakam reduces anxiety and improves cognitive function in patients suffering from stress-related disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.[17]

Smriti Sagara Rasa

Smriti Sagara Rasa is another prominent Ayurvedic formulation, traditionally used for enhancing memory and managing psychological disorders like anxiety and depression. It includes key ingredients like Vacha, Shankhpushpi, and Mukta Bhasma (pearl ash), which possess neuroprotective and anxiolytic properties. Clinical research supports its use in improving cognitive abilities, reducing oxidative stress in the brain, and mitigating symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression.[18]

The use of such formulations has been validated in numerous studies that show the potential of multi-herbal compounds in reducing anxiety, improving memory, and enhancing overall mental resilience. Comparative studies have demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of these formulations are comparable to modern psychotropic drugs, but with fewer side effects.[19]

Sattvavajaya Chikitsa (Psychotherapy in Ayurveda)

Sattvavajaya Chikitsa refers to the Ayurvedic approach to psychotherapy, focusing on the enhancement of Sattva and the suppression of Rajas and Tamas. The central goal is to cultivate mental clarity, wisdom, and emotional resilience. Sattvavajaya involves several psychotherapeutic techniques:

Dhyana (Meditation): Regular practice of meditation enhances mental focus, reduces stress, and improves emotional regulation. Studies comparing Dhyana with modern mindfulness practices have shown that it activates similar neural pathways involved in emotional regulation and stress reduction.[20]

Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Pranayama stabilizes the Vata Dosha, which is linked to anxiety and restlessness. Studies have demonstrated the benefits of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama in reducing anxiety and improving heart rate variability.[21]


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Yuktivyapashraya (Rational Therapy): This approach uses cognitive restructuring techniques that align closely with modern cognitive- behavioural therapy (CBT). By addressing irrational thoughts and behavioural patterns, Yuktivyapashraya aims to restore mental balance and resilience.[22]

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the rich therapeutic potential of Ayurveda in mental health, there are challenges to its mainstream integration:

  • Standardization of Herbal Formulations: Ensuring the consistent quality of Ayurvedic medicines like Manas Mitra Vatakam and Smriti Sagara Rasa is crucial for broader adoption.
  • Collaboration with Modern Psychiatry: Greater collaboration between Ayurvedic and conventional psychiatrists can lead to innovative treatments, blending psychopharmacology with holistic care.
  • Research and Evidence: Continued scientific validation of Ayurvedic treatments through randomized clinical trials and neuroimaging studies will be essential for global acceptance.[23]

Conclusion

Ayurveda provides a holistic and integrative approach to mental health, offering robust solutions through Panchakarma, Rasayana, and Sattvavajaya Chikitsa. Compound formulations like Manas Mitra Vatakam and Smriti Sagara Rasa are showing promise in clinical settings. As Ayurveda gains scientific validation, its role as a complementary approach to modern psychiatry is becoming clearer. By addressing the root cause of Manas Roga and promoting Sattva, Ayurveda offers a path to a balanced, resilient, and healthy mind.

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