As per Ayurveda the three gunas (constituents) of mind are sattva (clarity/balance), rajas (activity) and tamas (darkness). These gunas play an important role in psychological health… The mind is always being affected by these three gunas which, after being further influenced by memory, are synthesized into experience and the self. Mental illness is mostly considered to arise as a result of an interplay between dosha (biological humors) and the guna (psychological qualities). Depression (Vishada) is a common mood disorder that contributes to significant psychological and physical distress, physical disability and higher mortality. It is characterized by sadness, loss of interest, feeling of guilt or low self worth, disturbed sleep, poor appetite, low energy and poor concentration.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

• Family history of depression
• Trauma and stress caused by different life situations
• Pessimistic personality with low self-esteem and negative outlook
• Medical illness such as stroke, cancer, heart attacks, and hormonal disorders
• Psychological disorders like anxiety and schizophrenia
• Long-term use of many medicines can trigger depression

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

• Lack of concentration and difficulty in making decisions
• Change in sleeping, eating habits, or appetite
• Weight gain or loss
• Feeling of guilt and hopelessness
• Slowed thoughts, speech, and movement
• Complaints that have no physical cause (somatic complaints) such as unexplained aches and pains
• Sleeping too little (insomnia) or too much (hypersomnia)
• Low self-esteem and short temper

DEPRESSION MANAGEMENT

Ayurveda says that staying away from the cause is half of the treatment, so analyzing the cause for depression is the main line of treatment. It includes counseling, correcting the dosha imbalance, and strengthening the Ojus.

DEPRESSION PREVENTION MEASURES

• Keep active physically and mentally
• Exercise regularly
• Practice yoga and meditation for 20 minutes
• Engage in social activities
• Avoid excessive thinking
• Get proper sleep
• Use fiber-rich foods, fruits, fresh vegetables, and Amla (Indian gooseberry), and eat your meals at the same time each day

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION

The treatment modalities include Ayurvedic detox therapies known as panchakarma, relaxing and balancing Ayurvedic massage therapies, herbal combinations, and food and lifestyle changes.

MASSAGE THERAPIES:

• Shiro abhyanga (head massage) and Abhyanga (whole body massage) are very effective in depression. These include a wide range of benefits like increasing circulation, calming the mind, and soothing emotions. Abhyanga is followed by swedana (herbal steam session) to clear toxins from tissues.
• Shirodhara is one of the most popular Ayurvedic treatments, which includes slowly and steadily dripping lukewarm medicated oil over the forehead. This results in a dynamic psychosomatic balance and is the most powerful treatment for stress-related disorders.
• Shiro Basti is a therapy in which medicated lukewarm oil is held on the head for a specific period of time with the use of a headcap. It is recommended in all psychological disorders.
• Shiro Pichu is a procedure that involves keeping a sterile cotton pad dipped in lukewarm medicated oil on the crown of the head and wrapping it up with a bandage cloth. It helps to soothe the nervous system.

HERBAL COMBINATIONS:

Ayurveda recommends a group of herbal combinations known as Medhya Rasayanas (rejuvenating mind) that are prepared according to ancient recipes and have the ability to balance emotions and help in preventing depression. Common Medhya Rasayanas are:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
• Vacha (Acorus calamus)
• Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica)
• Shankapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

YOGA:

Regular practice of yoga is beneficial for all psychological disorders. Surya Namaskar, Padmasana, Sarvangasana, Bhujangasana, Paschimottasana, and Pranayama are highly effective. Counseling and deep relaxation techniques such as meditation are also helpful in curing depression.

Visit Liv Ayurveda for expert Ayurveda care for depression.