When we say overall well-being, it signifies a healthy body, a blissful mind, and a happy soul. Mental health significantly affects an individual's personal, professional, family, and social life. Mental health disorders are on the rise due to various reasons such as stress, lifestyle, and urbanization. A little stress in one's life is common, but if it goes beyond a limit, it may turn into a serious mental health illness. Is the prevention of mental problems possible? If yes, what are the available treatments including ayurvedic remedies for improving mental health? Let's learn.
Ayurveda, a medical system that is over 5000 years old, believes that mental and physical wellness are interconnected. The mind, termed “Manas” in ayurveda, is an important part of overall health.
There are three “gunas” or qualities that dwell in an individual mind; sattva, rajas, and tamas. The balance of these gunas characterizes individual behavior, mood, and thoughts. As per Ayurveda, the instability of rajas and tamas gunas is thought to be responsible for mind distress, leading to an imbalance of life forces or doshas. Disequilibrium in doshas greatly impacts gunas, triggering the symptoms of mental illnesses. Managing mental health requires a balance of mind and body through herbal remedies, diet, lifestyle modification, and mental health-promoting spiritual practices.
Here are some ayurvedic remedies for improving mental health.
Ayurveda considers that dosha imbalance is responsible for health disorders including mental health disorders. A balanced diet stabilizes the disparities of doshas. For Vata dosha, warm, saturated, and nourishing foods such as root vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds that improve the sense of calmness are recommended.
For pitta constitution, it's best to consume foods such as melons, cucumber, and leafy vegetables for their cooling properties.
Low-fat, digestible, and refreshing foods such as spices and acidic foods work well for Kapha dosha.
Some foods are specifically advantageous for mental health. Nuts, seeds, and ghee are considered particularly beneficial for mental wellness. Omega-3 fatty acids found in kernels support brain health. Ghee or clarified butter provides nourishment to the brain and nervous system.
Ayurvedic treatment for mental illness includes herbal remedies. For managing mental health, ayurvedic herbs play a significant role. Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jatamansi, Shankhapushpi, and Gokshura are herbs that improve mood, increase cognitive functions, and reduce anxiety and stress. These herbs are known for their brain-enhancing properties and are found in the best stress-relief supplements. They improve memory, focus, and mental clarity. Jatamansi has calming properties that reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, promoting sleep and relaxation.
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Ayurveda underlines the importance of a well-adjusted lifestyle in managing mental health. A few of these lifestyle practices are:
Practicing yoga and meditation calms the mind, reduces stress, and improves mood and behavior. Breathing exercises or Pranayama reduce anxiety and enhance mental clarity. Asanas like balasana, nadi shodhana, and shavasana are particularly beneficial in the management and treatment of mental health issues.
In India, self-massage with warm oil is an age-old practice. Massaging improves blood circulation and soothes the nervous system, reducing stress, promoting calmness, and complementing mental health medications.
Peaceful sleep is a key element in mental health and overall well-being. Staying away from caffeine and other stimulants helps you create a relaxed bedtime ritual that is important for quality sleep.
For improving mental health, a few spiritual regimens are recommended by Ayurveda and they are:
Reciting mantras can be a powerful instrument for improving mental clarity and mind relaxation. The vibrations created by repeating mantras like “Om” have a positive effect on the mind and body.
A barefoot walk on grass or relaxing in natural surroundings has a calming effect, relieving stress and anxiety. Spend some time in nature.
Having gratitude towards one and all has a healing effect. It reflects the positive side of life and significantly benefits mental health and well-being.
Ayurvedic remedies for improving mental health include a balanced diet, herbal remedies, lifestyle, and spiritual practices. These are some of the natural and long-standing ways to improve mental well-being. Herbal supplement for mental wellnesshelps balance the mental and emotional states of mind. Before beginning any new wellness product, it's better to have a word with your physician and act as per his instructions.
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