Depression Management
Chittavasada is the term used in ayurveda for
depression. Chitta means mind or physche and avasada means sad or lazy state.
Causes
Increase in the tamas and rajas quality of mind with vitation of kapha and sometimes Vata are the main causes. Consuming unwholesome food and improper social conduct may also lead to depression. When the tranquility of mind is disturbed, emotions, intellect, memory, desires, habits, psychomotor activity, and conduct are also disturbed.
Depression can be divided into two major types: endogenous, where no apparent cause is found; and reactive, due to various external causes.
Symptoms
Sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, weakness, loss of appetite,insomnia, helplessness, loss of concentration, palpitation, body aches, suicidal thoughts or attempts, loss of libido, changes in menstrual cycle, feeling of crying and persistent feelings of guilt.
Treatment
Find out the cause and eliminate the same. For increasing the sattva quality of mind, interaction of the physician with the patient is very important. The following model has been proved useful: assurance, replacement of emotion, regulation of thought process, reframing the ideas, channeling of presumptions, correction of objectives and ideas, proper guidance, and advice for taking right decision.
Deepika's Wellness procedure like shirodhara and shirobasti are highly recommended. Aroma therapy
Abhyangam or full body massage with aroma oils is highly beneficial to elevate the mood.
Prof. R.H.Singh and his colleagues in B.H.U. have proved that herbs like, Ashwagandha 250 mgm, 3 times a day or tab. Mucuna pruriens 125 mgm. 3 times a day or Jyotishmati tail capsules 1 per day to twice a day are useful in this condition and should be taken for at least a month. Sleeping and eating patterns to establish natural rhyms are to be regulated.
Yogic cure of depression
Ayurverdic professionals also advocate the use of yoga to keep the mind restful. Praanayama and yoga must become an important part of a person’s daily routine. This helps to concentrate the mind on positive thoughts and depression will never occur. Yogic asanas that are beneficial to people with depression are bhujangasana, halasana, paschimottasana, sarvangasana, shalabhasana, shavasana and vakrasana. In addition, pranayamas like bhastrika and kapalbhati are strongly recommended.
