Mental depression, itself, is not a very defined term. It incorporates various conditions, from temporary mood swings to constant feelings of despondency over a period of time to severe melancholy with serious repercussions. For the most part, people tend to take depression for granted, dismissing it as an integral part of a person’s natural disposition, but in reality, it is a clinical condition that needs to be diagnosed for possible causes and then treated accordingly. It is often best to treat mental depression symptomatically through neural procedures, mood elevators, tranquilizers, and stress relievers or sedatives, as the case may be. Regular physical activity and exercise have also been effective in combating chronic cases of the disease. Studies have found that Ayurveda is a gentle, natural and effective means of treating depression without the side effects that most strong medications are likely to produce.
Practiced for over 5,000 years, Ayurveda is India’s system of traditional and natural medicine that believes that there can be no mental health without physical health, since the mind (consciousness) and the body (physical mass) are inseparably integrated. Ayurveda is a holistic health care system that aims to balance the energies to achieve optimal health and well-being for an individual. Ayurvedic treatment is compatible with other forms of medication, but it is always prudent to consult with your doctor if the herbs and other ingredients prescribed in Ayurveda will interact in any way with standard medication. Ayurveda seeks to reach a full understanding of the nature and causes of the condition before beginning treatment.
Ayurveda has identified two main causes of depression: an imbalance in the three ‘Dosha-s’ of Vata, Pitta and Kapha and a lack of awareness of one’s own inner Self. The ‘Dosha-s’ are actually bioenergetic forces that govern and determine our health and physical condition. According to Ayurveda, depression is a classic sign of imbalance in the body that leads to many other complications if left unsuccessful.
Vata-induced depression – Generally associated with fear, anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. It is supposed to be aggravated by loneliness.
Pitta-induced depression – Generally associated with fear of failure or making mistakes; often leads to anger followed by suicidal tendencies. Pitta depression can occur mildly in people addicted to success, and it can take a very severe form. Sometimes it is seasonal and is more frequent in winter.
Kapha-induced depression: Kapha depression creates a feeling of being overwhelmed and is associated with excessive sleepiness, drowsiness, obesity, and a general feeling of being lost.
Medicines used in Ayurveda
Ayurveda uses many herbs that have a calming influence on the nervous system and brain. The most commonly used ingredients include Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Vachaa (Acorus calamus), Mandook parni (Centella asiatica) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). Apart from these, many Ayurvedic medicines have also been patented in the Indian market.
Some depression treatments prefer to use the Ghrita preparation (the ghee – butter oil preparation with Ayurvedic herbs). These include Saarasvat Ghrita, Brahmi Ghrita and Kalyanaka Ghrita.
External treatments in Ayurveda have also been perfected over the years. ‘Shirodhara’ or the ‘third eye treatment’ includes a special way of pouring medication in liquid form (mainly oil) on the forehead between the two eyebrows. ‘Shirobasti’ or cap treatment uses oil retention therapy for around forty five minutes and ‘Abhyanga’ is an Ayurvedic style body massage and body anointing. The most commonly used oils are Brahmi oil, sesame seed oil, and coconut oil.
Ayurveda emphasizes the regular practice of Yoga for general health and well-being, as well as for the cure and prevention of specific ailments.