Traditional Ayurvedic Practices for Mental Wellness in Modern Times

 

We live in a world dominated by constant pressure, time bound work schedules, hectic work culture, and endless ambitions. In the humdrum of our busy schedules, we often overlook our mental wellness and happiness. It often happens that the goals we chase thinking that define our happiness end up leaving us empty and unsatisfied. Mental wellness today has not just become a core area of attention but a prerequisite to ensure physical wellness and a good health. One of the most sought for remedies to deal with such issues is Ayurveda. The Natural Stress Relief Ayurveda, not only offers remedies to diseases but lifestyle changes uniquely prepared by the person’s physical and internal constitution. Ayurveda being a time tested system of Health and wellness offers solutions that emphasise on stress relief curing illness and building a strong mind body and soul.

 

How does Ayurveda look at mental health?

In Ayurveda, mental health is closely tied to the dosha types - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and these are related to the Guna types, which are Tamsik, Rajsik, and Satvik. The Tamsik guna indicates laziness and dullness, the Rajsik guna denotes restlessness, vigour and activities and the Satvik guna denotes internal harmony, balance of the three Dosha types Vata, Pitta and Kapha, immunity and mental clarity. Ayurveda aims to promote satvik guna in the individuals so that they can not only be externally and physically healthy but also internally and mentally peaceful.

 

Dinacharya to soothe mental health?

Waking early – Ayurveda prescribes a Dinacharya (daily routine) to soothe mental health which starts by waking up early. Ayurveda vouchers for the concept of following the sun in our day to day lives. Meaning that one should try waking up with the sun, followed by light yoga physical movements, breathing exercises, warm oil massage and a healthy nutritious meal.

 

Gandush kriya – Gandush kriya or Oil Pulling is another effective remedy in Ayurveda in which a tablespoon of oil of your choice preferably coconut or sesame is supposed to be squished inside the mouth for ideally 10 minutes. The idea of Gandhush kriya is to pull out the toxins from our body which are accumulated over the tongue overnight and expel them from the body. Our mouth is the gateway to digestion and healing. Since the digestion of food begins from our mouth it is important that it remains clean and free of Ama (toxins).

 

Pranayama – Pranayama or the yogic breath work is a breathing technique that not only fosters clean and fresh air into the body but also promotes calmness, focus, and concentration. Pranayama has become an effective therapy for calming the mind and reducing stress and anxiety. When our body and mind focus on our breathing, we cancel the negative thoughts out of our mind and try to remain in the present. This exercise not only helps in relaxation but also builds mental endurance and strength.

 

Spending time with the sun – The ancient wisdom of India in both yoga and Ayurveda stress upon the importance of sun as the source of life and all vital energy. Sun is not only the healing element in the environment, but it also enhances the body’s receptivity to other treatments and rejuvenation. Ayurveda recommends to spend time in the sun. Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutations is an effective method in which various yoga postures are performed with the right breathing techniques under the sun. Surya Namaskar pays respect to the sun as well as helps one benefit from the therapeutic healing of the morning sun’s energy.

 

Meditation – Meditation is an effective method of addressing mental health issues and wellness in modern times like today. Meditation is an age old therapy which has been vouched for by the traditional Indian sages as well as today’s modern day yoga and wellness instructors. Meditation with sound healing, mantra chanting, etc calms the mind and aids in stress.

 

Ayurvedic diet for mental health – The Ayurvedic diet for mental health includes effective herbs - Shankhpushpi, Jatamansi, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Tulsi. The ayurvedic diet prescribed by Ayurveda includes consuming freshly prepared satvik meals, herbal concoctions and warm fluids to boost immunity.

 

Abhyanga – Abhyanga or massage by warm oils is an effective treatment in Ayurveda which not only relaxes the body but also opens up the skin spores and nourishes the joints. Abhyanga is performed by gently massaging the body in rhythmic circles with the right amount of pressure to aid relaxation. It soothes the nervous system and relaxes the body and mind.

 

Panchkarma – Is the star therapy in Ayurveda. It is a five step detoxification programme which aids cleansing of the body internally and relaxes the mind. It includes Vaman (Medical emesis therapy), Virechna (Purgation therapy), Basti (Enema therapy), Nasya (Medicated nasal administration) and Raktamakshana (Bloodletting therapy).

 

Shirodhara - Shirodhara is a therapy in Ayurveda which is most vouched for mental health and wellness. It involves pouring warm oils on the forehead to aid in relaxation and calmness.

Conclusion

Ayurveda addresses mental health not as a quick fix but a long-term term permanent resolution which swears to not only deal with mental health as a lifestyle issue but also aid in overall relaxation and techniques to handle things mentally in the long run. Ayurvedictreatment centre in Kerala like Lokah Ayurveda offers excellent mental health therapies that go beyond rejuvenation and relaxation.