Depression treatment in Ayurveda might be a foreign term for you but believe it or not, this ancient science found a natural and holistic cure for this problem centuries ago. As the normal definition goes, Ayurveda looks not just into the well being of our bodies but also at our minds and spirit. Hence, it holds a phenomenal potential to address psychological problems like depression. Unlike the modern conception, Indian medical science gives huge importance to the mental state of its subjects and uses appropriate measures to keep it intact and in a fit state.
It is a well-known fact that stress, depression, and anxiety are the by-products of a poor work-life balance. This imbalance reaches down to all parts of our lives including our body and mind. It manifests in several forms depending on the kind of imbalance it causes in our body and mind. According to Ayurveda, there are three types of depression based on the three governing doshas of our body:
- Pita-Type Depression:
Disturbance in pitta dosha in our body leads to pitta type depression. It is usually caused by disappointing situations in our lives like losing a friend, a job, failing in exams, interviews, problems in marriage, death, divorce and other such difficulties. Symptoms of this kind of depression include:
- Guilt
- Suicidal mindset
- Outrage, aggression, and anger
- A constant sense of failure
- Irritability in nature
- Excessive criticism of one as well as others
- The constant habit of accusing oneself and others
- Hiding one’s true feelings from everyone else
Depression treatment in Ayurveda is one of the most viable ways to reduce this condition and get relief. Doctors at Ayurvedic facilities use various techniques like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises to improve the patient’s mindset and relieve them from their symptoms. They also need to adopt lifestyle and diet adjustments which include staying away from spicy, excessively hot, and zesty food items. People undergoing Ayurvedic treatment for pitta type depression need to consume cooling, dry, and gentle food items like vegetables, oats, potatoes, and beans.
- Vata Type Depression:
Vata type depression comes into the picture when a person overconsumes vata based food in their daily routine. Usually, this is caused by some accident or trauma like shock, sudden loss, or breakup. The usual symptoms of this condition include:
- Insomnia
- Frequent emotional breakdowns
- Auditory hallucinations
- Lesser libido
- Mood swings
- Constant restlessness
- Headaches and pain in joints
- Less appetite and sudden weight loss
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Becoming excessively talkative
The patient needs to skip vata provoking lifestyle and diet for getting relief. They also need to stop consuming crude edibles like those with strong flavours, astringent and harsh properties. They also need to adopt a regular and disciplined eating routine instead of going for one that involves an irregular eating schedule and unhealthy food.
- Kapha Type Depression:
The imbalance of Kapha dosha in one’s diet and lifestyle leads to Kapha type depression. Its major symptoms include:
- A sluggish and dull feeling
- Overeating without any second thoughts about one’s health
- Normal apathy for others
- Sleeping too much
- Talking very less
- A very negative thought pattern
- A disturbed or poor outlook on life
- Staying in bed for days
- Unhealthy weight gain
The patient needs to work towards the pacification of vitiated Kapha dosha to get this condition under control. The doctors suggest that people undergoing treatment for Kapha based depression need to circumvent sour, salty and sweet flavours and start including astringent, pungent, and bitter flavours in their daily diet. They also need to avoid heavy food items and plan smaller meals for the day without snacking or munching on anything in between those meals. Exercise and yoga is a must for all kind of depression patients.
This is a short preview of how Ayurveda works on depression and tries to resolve it in a scientific way without any artificial medication. Meditation and exercise are essential for all kind of patient for it helps ease down mental pressures and helps the patient regain the lost sense of achievement. However, it is a must to consult a certified Ayurvedic doctor for diagnosis as well as treatment. You must avoid taking any medication or therapy without a proper diagnosis and face to face meeting with the expert.Â