Ayurvedic Treatment of Depression

Depression is a psychiatric disorder which can be responsible for low mood and physical illness with so many symptoms. This is also known as major depression, clinical depression and depressive disorder. In ayurveda, it is termed as Chittavsada in Ayurveda. If a person observes a declining interest in things he loved to do and this continues awhile, he might be suffering from depressive disorder. Depressed mood is not always psychiatric disorder. It may also be a normal reaction to certain life events. Such a condition occurs when someone fails in examination, gets separated, left by a lover, lost a job etc. It becomes very difficult for a depressed person to focus on other important works. Depression often becomes worse than other physical afflictions in a way that it affects working of the mind and that, in turn, affects everything else.

Ayurveda ascribes reasons for depression to three doshas (dosa) - Pitta dosha (controls digestion, metabolism and energy production), Vata dosha (governs the movement in the body, activities of the nervous) and Kapha dosha (controls the structure of the body and holds the cell together to form muscle, bone, fat and sinew). The main functions of Pitta, Vata and Kapha are transformation, elimination and protection respectively. Increment in any of these doshs leads to the chances of depression. Irregular routine, lack of sleep, awakening in night and consumption of dried, frozen or micro-waved food can be the reason of imbalance in Vata dosha. Anxiety, guilty, fear, phobia, insomnia and restless night can be the symptoms of depression caused by Vata dosha. Mental disturbance, verbal abuse, excess consumption of alcohol or other addiction, excessive study and overwork are the cause of imbalance in Pitta dosha. Violence can be seen in the person influenced by Pitta dosha. Kapha dosha disturbance in the brain can be provoked by sleeping in day time, over consumption of oily & heavy foods or lack of physical exercises.

The increased incidence of appetite loss is reported by a patient suffering from depressive disorder. The timely intervention in the cases of acute depression is needed as the fall out of such disorders may be seen on persons close to the patient. Herbs like Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), aswagandha (Wthania Somnifera), shankhpushpi and sandalwood are very useful in Vata dosh. Some other herbs that are useful in depression caused by pitta or kapha dosha are triphala (Commiphora wightii), jatamanasi (spikenard), guduchi (tinospora cordifolia), brahmi etc. Turmeric (curcuma longa) and cardamom have also proved to be of utility in treatment of depression or seasonal disorder. Therapy such as Shirodhara is very helpful in eliminating toxic element and relieving stress.

For the treatment of depression in health centers, a psychological counseling is provided to patients to assess the true cause of depression. After such complete assessment only can physician formulate the necessary steps to cure the problem.

Following home meditation is also suggestible to get rid of depression:

A good head massage with cooling oil like brahmi

Eating an apple with milk and honey on the daily basis

Consumption of extracted lemon juice with water and sugar

Improvement in daily routine is mandatory for the person suffering from depression. It will be good if influenced person perform yoga daily and often visit to a religious place.