According to Ayurveda, the definition of "life" or "ayu" encompasses the continuous interplay of the body (sharira), sense organs (indriya), mind (mana), and soul (Atma).
Psychological well-being, characterized by a blissful state of mind, soul, and sense organs, is an integral component of overall health. This notion is emphasized in Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/41. Ayurvedic sages view the mind not as a separate entity but rather as an interconnected aspect of the holistic system comprising the body and soul. Therefore, the mind has the ability to influence the both physical functions and experiences, as well as spiritual well-being.
Psychological well-being plays a crucial role in overall health and has an impact on interpersonal relationships, social behavior and various aspects of life.
Etymology and Definition:
The mind is considered an integral part of the holistic system comprising the body, mind, and soul. The term 'manas' originates from the Sanskrit root 'mana', which signifies knowing or understanding (Jnane Bodhane va). 'Jnane' represents knowledge, consciousness, awareness or familiarity with something. 'Bodhane' refers to awakening, understanding, enlightening. These two words indicate the functions of the mind (mana) and its role in maintaining cognitive equilibrium in daily life.
Nourishment and Development of the Mind:
The mind derives nourishment from food, with the subtle components of food nourishing the mind. The Chandogya Upanishad explains that the gross part of food is transformed into feces, while the middle portion contributes to the development of muscular and other bodily tissues & the subtle components of food nourish the mind.
The mind acts as the mediator between the senses (objects of Indriya) and the soul (knower atma). Thus, the sensory and motor inputs handled by the mind play a crucial role in the development and nourishment of the mind. The sensations a person sees, hears, touches, tastes, and smells serve as food for the mind.
Sensory inputs from the environment are processed by the mind and intellect, forming memories. The quality of these sensory experiences directly impacts the development of the mind.
Location of the Mind in the Body:
According to Vedas, the primary location of the mind is believed to be the heart, [as mentioned in Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/34-35, Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/26, and A. Hr. Sharira Sthana 4/13]. Another description places it between the head (shiras) and the palate (talu) (Bhe. Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/2-4). However, contemporary texts associate the mind with the brain and the nervous system.
Attributes of the Mind:
The mind is described as subtle (anu) and unitary (eka) in nature (Cha. Sa.Sharira Sthana 1/19).
Subtleness: The mind is the most subtle organ and cannot be observed through ordinary visual senses. Its presence is perceived through its functions in conjunction with the senses.
Oneness: Each individual possesses only one mind. However, the mind may appear to have multiple facets due to its various roles within an individual. This variation arises from changes in perception based on personal suitability (svartha), the capacity for motivation, and the perception of sensory objects (indriyartha). Additionally, the mind takes on different forms based on its interactions with qualities such as purity (sattva), activity (rajas), and ignorance (tamas).
Fickleness: The mind is characterized by its inherent fickleness (chanchalatva), which can hinder concentration and meditation.
The mind possesses the ability to think and analyze, distinguishing between right and wrong, correct or incorrect, and discerning usefulness or harmfulness. It can justify reasons, explore possibilities, and seek evidence or proof.
Qualities (guna) and Impurities (dosha) of the Mind:
The mind possesses the quality of sattva (purity), while rajas (initiator or activity) and tamas (regulator or ignorance) can affect its functioning (Cha. Sa.Sharira Sthana 1/20). Sattva enlightens the mind with true knowledge, rajas initiates various activities, and tamas regulates or inhibits mental functions (Ka. Sa.Sutra Sthana 28). These three factors play a fundamental role in determining the normal or abnormal states of the mind.
In a balanced and normal state, sattva predominates while rajas and tamas remain in a subdued state. Hyperactivity arises when rajas becomes dominant, while hypo-activity occurs when tamas becomes dominant. Hence, maintaining a harmonious balance among these three components is vital for the proper functioning of the mind.
Inter-dependence of Body and Mind:
The body and mind are intricately interconnected and influence each other. Any physical disorder can affect the mind, and vice versa (Cha. Sa.Sharira Sthana 4/36). Both the body and mind serve as sites for experiencing happiness and misery (Cha. Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/55). The mind can also be afflicted by external diseases (Cha. Sa.Sutra Sthana 20/3). Therefore, the body and mind cannot be separated from each other. Adopting a holistic approach to maintaining health and managing diseases is essential. The physical doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) play an important role in mental state and carry out various functions related to the psyche and directly influence the mind.
Vata is considered the primary dosha that influences mental activities. It serves as the controller, motivator, and regulator of all mental functions (Cha. Sa.Sutra Sthana 12/6).
Psychological Urges (Manasika Vega):
To maintain mental health, it is advisable for an intelligent individual to control the following psychological urges:
1. Greed (lobha)
2. Grief (shoka)
3. Fear (bhaya)
4. Anger (krodha)
5. Excessive pride or egoism (maana)
6. Shamelessness or impudence (nairlajjya)
7. Jealousy (irshya)
8. Excessive affliction (atiraaga)
9. Desire to acquire someone else's wealth (abhidhya) (Cha. Sa.Sutra Sthana 7/27)
If these urges are not effectively controlled, they tend to increase in frequency and intensity, leading to the development of psychological disorders.
Psycho-somatic and Psychiatric Disorders:
There are certain disorders that solely involve the mind. These disorders are mentioned as follows: (Cha. Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/5), (Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/33).
1. Desires or lust (kama)
2. Anger (krodha)
3. Greed (lobha)
4. Confusion (moha)
5. Envy (irshya)
6. Pride or egoism (maana)
7. Intoxication or substance dependence (made)
8. Grief (shoka)
9. Anxiety (chittodvega)
10. Fear (bhaya)
11. Exhilaration (harsha)
12. Depression (vishada)
13. Envy or indignation (abhyasuya)
14. Affliction (dainya)
15. Jealousy
Causes of Psychosomatic Disorders:
All the mentioned psychiatric disorders stem from various types of desires (iccha) and hatred (dvesha). The qualities of rajas and tamas contribute to the development of these mental disorders. Furthermore, Prajnaparadha (intellectual error) serves as the root cause for all these disorders (Cha. Sa.Nidana Sthana 7/21).
Dosha-Specific Mental Disorders:
According to the Vedas, a total of 140 disorders resulting from the involvement of a single dosha (nanatmaja vikara) are described (Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 20).
Here are some mental disorders associated with specific dosha imbalances:
Vata Dosha Imbalance:
1. Auditory hallucination (Ashabda shravana)
2. Fainting (tama darshan)
3. Depression (vishada)
4. Delirium (atipralapa)
5. Insomnia (aswapna)
6. Unstable psyche (anavasthita chittatva)
Kapha Dosha Imbalance:
1. Stupor (tandra)
2. Excessive sleepiness (nidradhikya)
Major Psychiatric Diseases involving both mental and physical dosha:
These psychiatric diseases arise from the involvement of both mental and physical doshas in their pathogenesis, as mentioned by Chakrapani and in Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/55.
1. Psychosis (unmada)
2. Epilepsy (apasmara)
3. Atattvabhinivesha
4. Intoxication (mada)
5. Syncope (murccha)
6. Coma (sanyasa)
7. Alcoholism and substance abuse disorders
8. Seizure disorder
9. Opisthotonos (apatantraka)
10. Jwara (fever)
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be additional disorders described in the texts.
Diagnosis of Psychosomatic Disorders:
Ayurvedic diagnosis of mental disorders involves psychiatric interviews, mental status examinations, and psychological investigations such as objective tests and rating scales. Gathering personal history and understanding the patient's pre-existing personality are important aspects of the diagnosis process.
Psychiatric Interview for Mental Status Examination:
- This interview involves observing and questioning the patient to assess their mental state.
- It focuses on identifying disturbances in thinking and behavior that may hinder effective communication.
- Information from significant others (informers) may be sought.
- Gathering personal history and understanding the patient's pre-existing personality are essential.
- Careful observation of the patient's demeanor is crucial.
- Establishing rapport may be challenging at times.
- Patients may lack insight into their illness and exhibit poor judgment.
- Stressors and factors contributing to the disorder should be explored.
Mental Status Examination:
- A comprehensive mental status examination plays a vital role in making an accurate diagnosis.
- Key areas to consider during the examination include:
· General appearance and behavior, including attitude, comprehension, gait, posture, motor activity, social manner, and rapport.
· Speech, assessing rate, quantity, volume, tone, flow, and rhythm.
· Mood and affect, distinguishing between internal feelings (mood) and outward emotional display (affect).
· Thought, examining the stream, form, and content.
· Perception, evaluating the perception of sensory information.
· Cognition (Higher Mental Functions), covering consciousness, orientation, attention, concentration, memory, intelligence, abstract thinking, insight, and judgment.
Psychological Investigations:
- Objective tests, such as objective personality and intelligence tests, can provide valuable insights.
- Neuro psychological tests, including memory scales, assess specific cognitive functions.
- Rating scales, such as the Brief Psychiatry Rating Scale and Hamilton's Anxiety and Depression Rating Scales, help quantify symptoms.
- Diagnostic standardized interviews like the PSE (Present State Examination) and SCAN (Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuro-Psychiatry) aid in diagnosing specific disorders.
Management of preserving and protecting mental health:
The management of Psychosomatic Disorders:
The management of mental health involves the growth and development of the mind through proper nutrition and nourishment. Preservation of harmony in life's journey, prevention of mental disorders, and the use of rational and spiritual therapies are essential for treatment.
1. Growth and development of the mind:
- Proper nutrition for both the body and mind is crucial for the overall growth and development of the mind.
- Nourishing the mind through factors like spiritual knowledge (Jnana), scriptural or scientific knowledge (Vijnana), patience (Dhairya), memory (Smriti), and meditation (Samaadhi) is essential.
- These measures help control and regulate mental mechanisms.
2. Preservation of harmony in life's journey:
- To maintain mental well-being, it is important to preserve the harmony among various factors involved in life's journey.
- Following the principles of prevention and management of mental disorders is key.
- These principles include spiritual and scientific knowledge, patience, memory, and meditation.
Treatment of Psychosomatic disorders:
Ayurvedic treatments for psychosomatic disorders can be classified into three types:
I. Daivavyapashraya (spiritual therapy):
- This therapy involves non-pharmacological measures for managing certain conditions.
- It includes the recitation of mantras, talismans, wearing of gems, auspicious offerings, gifts, oblations, observance of scriptural rules, atonement, fasting, chanting of auspicious hymns, pilgrimage, and other spiritual practices.
II. Yuktivyapashraya (rational therapy):
- This therapy focuses on the rational use of medicines, therapies, and diet protocols.
- It utilizes the principles of Ayurveda to provide effective treatment.
III. Sattvavajaya therapy:
- This therapy aims to control the mind from harmful objects.
- It includes various techniques and therapies to promote mental well-being.
Preventive measures for promoting mental health:
Ayurveda emphasizes preventive measures for promoting mental health, including proper nutrition, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and the cultivation of positive thoughts and emotions.
To prevent diseases and promote mental health, both materialistic (dravyabhuta) and immaterialist (adravyabhuta) wellbeing measures are followed. These measures encompass a holistic approach to maintaining mental well-being and include including proper nutrition, lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and the cultivation of positive thoughts and emotions.
Materialistic measures (dravyabhuta chikitsa):
1. Proper nutrition for the growth and development of the mind:
- Diet plays a significant role in both physical and mental health. Recent research has highlighted the impact of diet on mental well-being, emphasizing the role of antioxidants and nutraceuticals in brain function.
- According to Vedas, food nourishes the different sheaths or coverings of the body. It first nourishes the physical covering (annamaya kosha), then the energetic covering (pranamaya kosha), followed by the mental covering (manomaya kosha), the intellectual covering (vijnanamaya kosha), and finally the blissful covering (anandamaya kosha), leading to a state of spiritual well-being.
- The subtle elements of food nourish the subtle aspects of the mind, which then influence thoughts, emotions, and behavior. The purest part of food nurtures the soul. Failure in this process can contribute to psychiatric illnesses.
Immaterialistic measures (adravyabhuta chikitsa):
The immaterialistic measures focus on enhancing positive mental health without the use of substances. They include practices that promote overall well-being. Some of these measures include:
1. Ideal code of conduct (sadvritta):
- Following an ideal code of conduct, which includes ethical and moral principles, promotes mental well-being. Practicing virtues such as honesty, compassion, and gratitude contributes to a positive mindset.
2. Achara Rasayana:
- Achara Rasayana refers to lifestyle practices that support longevity and well-being. It involves cultivating positive habits, daily routines, and rituals that promote balance and harmony in life.
These immaterialistic measures have been the subject of research studies that have explored their positive impact on mental health. These practices offer holistic approaches to nurturing and maintaining mental well-being.
1. Meditation:
- Meditation is a powerful therapy for mental health, allowing the expansion of consciousness beyond everyday experiences.
- It reduces stress, enhances creativity, and improves the efficiency of inner faculties.
- Research has demonstrated various health benefits associated with meditation, including stress reduction, decreased anxiety and depression, pain reduction, improved memory, and increased cognitive efficiency.
- Meditation also has positive effects on brain activity, such as increased regional cerebral blood flow and enhanced attentional networks.
- Long-term meditation practice has been linked to increased gray matter in the brain, counteracting age-related cortical thinning.
2. Mantra therapy / music therapy / faith therapy:
- Chanting holy hymns (mantras) and engaging in music therapy have therapeutic effects through sound vibrations.
- Research has shown the efficacy of primordial sounds and mantra chanting in reducing the growth of cancer cells.
- Mantra therapy and relaxation response practices, including breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga, induce changes in gene expression that positively impact the immune system, energy metabolism, and insulin secretion.
3. Prayer:
- Prayer is a practice that can promote mental well-being and provide a sense of comfort and connection.
4. Exercise:
- Regular physical exercise is beneficial for both physical and mental health.
- It helps reduce stress, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and promote overall well-being.
5. Sleep:
- Sufficient and quality sleep is essential for mental health and overall functioning.
- It supports cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and restoration of the body and mind.
6. Control over impulses:
- Developing self-control and managing impulses contribute to maintaining mental health.
- It involves self-awareness, emotional regulation, and making conscious choices.
7. Rejuvenation behavior therapy (aachara rasayana):
- Ayurveda emphasizes good code of conduct and behavior for rejuvenation of both physical and mental health.
- This includes being truthful, nonviolent, calm, and compassionate, practicing meditation, maintaining cleanliness, and observing proper sleep and dietary habits.
- Positive social interactions, following spiritual practices, and seeking wisdom from elders are also beneficial for mental well-being.
These approaches, incorporating meditation, mantra therapy, exercise, sleep, self-control, prayer, and rejuvenation behavior therapy, contribute to the preservation and protection of mental health.
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