Depression
Depression from the point of view of Ayurveda
Depression is a common mental disorder, characterized by sadness, loss of interest, pleasure, feeling of guilt or low self-worth, disturb sleep, poor appetite, low energy and poor concentration. It is a common mood disorder in the elderly and contributes to significant psychological and physical distress, physical disability and higher mortality.
Depression can affect anyone — even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal
circumstances.
Being sad is not the same as having depression. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances:
Persistent depressive disorder — is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years
Postpartum depression — many women experience it after giving birth
Psychotic depression — occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or see hallucinations
Seasonal affective disorder — is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight
Bipolar disorder has episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression
According to Ayurveda, main causes for emotional imbalance are when the three Doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are not at their optimal levels.
Mostly, depression is caused due to a Kapha imbalance where the brain’s electrochemistry has an erratic overreaction. Kapha imbalance can result in heaviness, darkness, anxiety, stress, and stagnation of mind and body which can cause hopelessness and depression.
In Pitta imbalance, allergies and breakdown of metabolic processes can disturb brain chemistry. This can cause mood swings and depression.
Vata imbalance triggers a loss of enzymatic activity in the metabolism following with Pitta imbalance.
How Ayurvedic doctors treat depression
Ayurvedic treatment for depression relies on a holistic approach through lifestyle, diet, and herbal supplements which are natural and offer a long-term solution.
The Ayurveda treatment for depression includes internal herbal medicines and supplements along with specific therapies and Panchakarma treatments like Abhyangam (massage with specific medicinal oils), Shirodhara, Thalam, Nasyam.
Ayurvedic treatment reduces the level of stress hormones in the brain, changes brain function and puts it into relaxed state. The efficacy of the treatments is enhanced by Yoga, Pranayama, and meditations. Ayurvedic medicines focus on rectifying the imbalance in the doshas, and they reduce anxiety and help in managing depression.
Some common medicines are:
Ashwagandha reduces stress and helps control mood swings
Brahmi helps treat stress and calms down the mind
Guduchi is helpful in treating depression
Bhringaraj is a rejuvenating herb that helps control anxiety and stress
Our Ayurvedic doctor will give precise recommendations, therapies, and medications during the online consultation.
Tips for effective Ayurvedic treatment of Depression
- The following yogic asanas are beneficial in depression: Padmasana, Savasana, Surya Namaskar, Bhujangasana, Paschimottanasana, Sarvangasana
- Practice Pranayama, meditation and deep relaxation techniques
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants
- Eat more green vegetables and yellow fruits
- Be active and happy always, even if it is hard! It will become a habit late
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