There is a profound connection of mind and body, Ayurveda has always been talking about the health that comes from inside out. Therefore, when it comes to mental health, the entire holistic healing system is based on stabilizing it that impacts the physiology of the individual as well. Knowing well that it is in the ancient text this has been talked about, the trend is now catching up with attention of mental well being gaining attention all due to its physiological impact. How to improve your mental wellbeing using Ayurveda, there are certain practices and herbal remedies that can positively impact it all.
How Ayurveda Impacts Mental Wellbeing?
Ayurveda recognises the connection between mind and body wherein the state of one impact another on a profound level. Mind is not just a physical organ as per Ayurveda but is extended to entire body comprising thoughts and emotions on an intricate level with our physical being. Thus, the holistic practices of mindfulness, yoga, meditation and pranayama or breath control is aimed to strike harmony between mind and body. With the process of doshas each solution with unique constitution is designed to be suitable to the individual:
Vata Dosha
Associated with bodily movements and functions that is related to functions like communication, breathing and circulation, when imbalances occur it leads to lack of focus, anxiety issues and restlessness.
Pitta Dosha
It controls digestions, metabolism and mind sharpness, if there is any imbalance then it leads to anger issues, irritability and over-competitiveness in the nature of the individual.
Kapha Dosha
Associated with structure, stability that influence immunity, strength and emotional wellbeing of the person. When there is an imbalance then it leads to heaviness in mind, depression and lethargy.
Ayurvedic Approach to Mental Health
Holistic approach
Holistic treatments that are customised as per the individual condition is where Ayurveda provides help, through unique constitution that incorporates mental state of the person and their lifestyle a holistic treatment is designed. It is all about working on the root cause of mental imbalances, Ayurveda promotes long term wellbeing. You should be able to easily incorporate the following, however, it is always a good practice to consult an Ayurveda practitioner:
- Sattva is to be cultivated, one should prioritise self-care that incorporates purity, balance and harmony. Self-care is about indulging in activities that bring tranquillity, joy and positivity. This can be as simple as reading a book you like, gardening, running or taking a walk outside in nature.
- Harmony within agni and dosha is crucial for mental wellbeing, one should focus on stabilizing their metabolic health. With this it is essential to eliminate toxins from the body that are also harmful to the mind. Practices like gentle detoxification, mindful eating and proper food combinations as per your doshas will prove to be therapeutic to your healing process.
- Balanced diet is crucial for mental and physical health, as it is supportive of overall wellbeing. When you consume seasonal fruits and vegetables it greatly impacts the health and balance individual dosha. Processed foods should be avoided, reduce the consumption of fast foods and stale foods.
- Quality sleep is essential too- remember to take 7-8 hours of sleep and have a routine sleep schedule. Create a calming atmosphere in the room, incorporate relaxation exercises or a bit of stretching for relaxing your muscular stress.
- Using herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi are known for their calming and balancing effects on the mind. Seek Ayurveda medicines with these ingredients.
- In Ayurveda, Ojas is the subtle essence of immunity, vitality, and deep nourishment. It is increased by eating fresh, organic food (dates, ghee, almonds), practicing daily routine (dinacharya) and meditation, and taking rejuvenating herbs like ashwagandha. Soak 10 almonds overnight, peel, and blend with one cup warm milk, cardamom, saffron, and honey.
- Avoid sensory overload by limiting your screen time, cutting off intense visual stimuli and daily focus your mind on calming activities, meditation and use essential oils in diffuser for inducing serenity. Rose, lavender and lemon are good to be used few drops daily in your diffuser. Next drinking chamomile green tea or jasmine green tea helps in relaxing the mind.
- Use herbs known for building vitality, including Ashwagandha for stress reduction, Guduchi for supporting immune system, Shatavari for nourishment, and Amalaki for reducing anxiety, sharpening focus, and improving memory.
- Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang relaxes the muscles of the body and calms down the mind. When used in aromatherapy and Abhyanga or self-massage, these oils induce the feelings of relaxation and peace.
With these holistic remedies based on Ayurveda principles, mental health can be improved dramatically. Additionally, the herbal healing system works on root cause of the ailment, the dosha is balanced through the use of herbs and essential oils, this is highly beneficial in enhancing mental wellbeing and enhances mental health.
