Understanding the pathophysiology of Depression by Ayurveda Basic Principles

Abstract

Depression is a serious mental health concern that will touch most people's life directly or indirectly affecting 350 million people worldwide. Most people do not want to acknowledge it due to societal pressures and awkwardness. But slowly, people are accepting the challenges related to mental health and learning to be okay with it. In Ayurvedic classics Vishada and Avasada are the two mentioned conditions which have close resemblance with depression. Acharaya Charak quote Vishado Rogavardhanam i.e., it is the most foremost factor to worsen the condition of any disease. Psychopathology of depression may even extend up to somatic level. As there are multiple correlations, understanding the pathology of depression by means of Ayurveda basic principles such as Sharirika Dosha (bodily humor), Manasika Dosha (attributes of psyche), Satwa Bala (strength of mind), Agni (biological fire), Dhathu (tissues sustaining the body), Srotas (channels or pathways of the body) and Ojas (vital essence of life) is essential. A better understanding of depression can help in effective prevention and treatment and will help reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and lead to more people seeking help.