A scientific evaluation of Mental Health through Ayurveda

Abstract

Mental health is an important aspect of overall wellbeing, as it allows individuals to recognize their own capabilities, manage everyday stress, be productive, and contribute to their community. According to Ayurveda, life consists of four interconnected elements: the body (Sarira), the sensory and motor faculties (Indriya), and the mind (Sattva), and the soul (Atma). Achieving a healthy life requires a harmonious balance of these components, encompassing physical, mental, sensory and spiritual aspects. Ayurveda also emphasizes the significance of mental health, including qualities such as a balanced and pleasant state of mind, cheerfulness, satisfactory sleep, stable mental faculties, active senses, and control over negative emotions, resilience in the face of adversity, and the ability to adapt. Ayurveda has various methods to evaluate mental health, including the assessment through Manasika Prakriti (Sattvika, Rajasika and Tamasika), Nadi Pariksha, Prajnaparadha, Ashta Vibhrama as mentioned in Unmada Nidana of Charaka Samhitha, and Sattva Pariksha as described in Dasavidha Pariksha. The main purpose of this evaluation is for establishing a proper diagnosis as well as prognosis of a disease. This review articles elaborates the scientific tools mentioned in Ayurveda to evaluate mental health.