Treating Depression and Anxiety with Ayurveda

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Depression and Anxiety- are two uncommon health issues that are not so uncommon anymore. Mental health disorders, once used to be a taboo now affect millions of people, even children. 

The reasons for increasing the number of mental health disorders can be many- from environmental factors, lifestyle, stress, traumatic behavior, life situations, and many more. 

While conventional medicine has many options to treat Depression and Anxiety, they pose many negative effects on physical health in the long run. With increasing cases of depression at an early age, many people are exploring alternative medicine and natural approaches to treat and maintain mental health. 

Rooted in ancient Indian traditions, Ayurveda provides holistic methods to treat mental health conditions by balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Let’s dive into the ayurvedic approach towards depression and anxiety, and how Ayurveda can help treat Depression and Anxiety naturally.

What are Anxiety and Depression?

Depression and Anxiety are mental health disorders characterized as mood disorders that can impact daily life and overall well-being. A depressed person can have persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It often accompanies fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating. 

Anxiety, on the other hand, is a feeling of excessive worry fear, or nervousness about situations. It can have physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating, and dizziness. These symptoms can occur individually or simultaneously, creating a complex interplay of emotional distress.

The causes of depression and anxiety are multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. While genetics can be responsible for such conditions in individuals, chemical imbalances in the brain also play a significant role in aggravating depression and anxiety. Major life events such as trauma, loss, and chronic stress, can also trigger symptoms.

Understanding the root cause contributing to depression and anxiety is crucial for effective treatment and management with the help of Ayurveda and Ayurvedic supplements.

Ayurveda and Mental Health

In Ayurveda, mental health is as crucial as physical health. When your mind and body are in harmony, an individual can function and stay healthy. Our mind controls every neurological activity in the body. It is the bridge between the senses and the soul. 

The mind depends on three qualities- sattva, rajas, and tamas which modulate one’s character. An imbalance of doshas and uncertain proportions of these qualities can cause mental imbalance. Imbalances in the doshas can result in:

  • Vata Imbalance: causes fear, anxiety, and insomnia.
  • Pitta Imbalance: leads to anger, frustration, and irritability.
  • Kapha Imbalance: results in lethargy, sadness, and depression.

Ayurveda believes that treating the root cause of these imbalances can revive the mental imbalance and help manage and treat Depression and Anxiety naturally.

Ayurvedic Approaches to Treating Depression and Anxiety

While Ayurveda has been practiced for more than 5000 years, scientific research is still ongoing to prove its efficacy in treating mental health issues. Some studies have shown promising results. 

The root of the Ashwagandha plant is proven to have adaptogenic properties which can be effective in significantly reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies suggest that the ayurvedic herb Brahmi can enhance cognitive function and reduce anxiety.

Other than herbs and medicinal plants, Yoga and Meditation have been proven to calm the mind and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Top Ayurvedic Supplements to Treat Anxiety and Depression on Ayurveda Megastore

  1. Dr. Bhargav’s Medha-D Capsule- Made of ayurvedic herbs, these capsules may help manage depression and anxiety naturally. These capsules also manage symptoms associated with anxiety disorder, such as fear, phobia, and heart palpitations.
  2. Cannarma Ultra Premium Full Spectrum Extract Oil– It is a 100% authentic Therapeutic & Medicinal grade formula that enhances sleep quality and aids in insomnia, reducing depression & anxiety. 
  3. Vedikroots Brahmi Capsules– These capsules support brain chemicals involved in thinking, learning, and memory functions. They also enhance cognitive abilities and calm the mind to reduce symptoms of anxiety. 
  4. Xovak Organic Ashwagandha Capsules– These organic ashwagandha capsules are adaptogenic and help the body manage stress and anxiety by naturally reducing cortisol levels.
  5. Maha Herbal Shankhpushpi Extract Capsules– Shankhpushpi is an effective brain stimulant and antidepressant. These 100% natural capsules increase and maintain concentration, focus, memory, energy, and clarity. 

Dietary Adjustments

Other than using ayurvedic supplements to treat anxiety and depression, a proper and balanced diet is crucial when it comes to keeping your mind healthy and your doshas in balance. Dosha-pacifying diet to keep anxiety and depression away:

  • Vata-Pacifying Diet: Warm, nourishing, and grounding foods like soups, stews, cooked grains, and root vegetables.
  • Pitta-Pacifying Diet: Cooling, calming foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
  • Kapha-Pacifying Diet: Light, warming, and stimulating foods like legumes, spicy vegetables, and astringent fruits.

Lifestyle Modifications

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle to maintain mental health. Keeping up with a Dincharya(daily routine) can help balance mind and body and naturally reduce unwanted stress. 

Taking proper 8 hours of sleep, eating food as per the Ayurveda clock, and resting to rejuvenate the mind and body. Setting up a daily routine treats depression and anxiety naturally.  

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are integral parts of healing as per Ayurveda. They offer numerous benefits for mental health. Different asanas help balance the doshas and calm the mind. For instance, grounding poses are beneficial for Vata imbalances, cooling poses for Pitta, and invigorating poses for Kapha.

Pranayama or Breathing exercises like Nadi Shodhana and Bhramari help reduce stress and anxiety. Meditation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and guided visualization promote mental clarity and emotional balance and help treat depression and anxiety naturally

Panchakarma Therapy

Panchakarma is a therapy to detox and rejuvenate by eliminating toxins. It includes 5 procedures, each having its importance in rejuvenating mind and body. 

  • Vamana (Emesis Therapy): Induced vomiting to clear the upper digestive tract.
  • Virechana (Purgation Therapy): Cleansing the bowels using ayurvedic laxatives 
  • Basti (Enema Therapy): Cleanse the colon by administering herbal concoctions through the rectum. 
  • Nasya (Nasal Administration): Clearing the nasal passages to enhance mental clarity by Inhaling medicated oils or powders.
  • Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): Removing impure blood to balance the doshas.

These procedures of panchakarma help remove physical and mental toxins, promote mental clarity, and treat depression and anxiety naturally. 

Conclusion

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to treating depression and anxiety, focusing on balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurvedic treatment involves using Ayurvedic supplements to treat the root cause of anxiety and depression while dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, yoga, and meditation can help calm the mind and prevent aggravation of the symptoms. 

For those seeking a more natural and holistic way to manage their mental health, free from unwanted side effects, switch to Ayurvedic supplements from Ayurveda Megastore. Ayurveda provides a promising pathway toward healing naturally and lets you live a disease-free life.