Mental depression, in itself is not a very definite term. It incorporates various conditions from temporary mood swings, to consistent feelings of dejection over a period of time to severe melancholia with serious repercussions. For the most part, people tend to take depression for granted, dismissing it as integral to a person's natural disposition but in reality, it is a clinical condition that needs to be diagnosed for possible causes and then treated accordingly. It is often better to treat mental depression symptomatically through neural procedures, mood elevators, tranquilizers, and stress relievers or sedatives as the case may be. Regular physical activity and exercise have also been effective in fighting chronic cases of the disease. Studies have found out that ayurveda is a gentle, natural, and effective means of attending to depression without the side effects that most strong medicines are likely to produce.
Practiced for over 5,000 years Ayurveda is India's traditional and natural system of medicine that believes that there can be no mental health without physical health as the mind (consciousness) and body (physical mass) are inseparably integrated. Ayurveda is a holistic system of health care that aims at balancing energies in order to achieve optimum health and well-being for an individual. Ayurvedic treatment is compatible with other forms of medication but it is always prudent to check with the doctor if the herbs and other ingredients prescribed in ayurveda will interact in any way with standard medication. Ayurveda seeks to arrive at a complete understanding of the nature and causes of the condition before the treatment is commenced.
Ayurveda has identified two main causes of depression - an imbalance in the three 'Dosha-s' of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha and a lack of awareness of one's inner Self. The 'Dosha-s' are actually bioenergetic forces that govern and determine our health and physical condition. According to Ayurveda, depression is a classic sign of imbalance in the body that leads to many further complications if left uncorrected.
Vata induced depression - Generally associated with fear, anxiety, nervousness and sleeplessness. It is supposed to be aggravated by loneliness.
Pitta induced depression - Generally associated with the fear of failure or of making mistakes; often leads to anger followed by suicidal tendencies. Pitta depression may occur in a mild form to people who are addicted to success and may lot assume too severe a form. It is sometimes seasonal and is more frequent in winter.
Kapha induced depression - Kapha depression creates a feeling of being weighed down and is associated with excess sleep, sleepiness, obesity and a general feeling of being wasted.
Medications used in Ayurveda
Ayurveda uses plenty of herbs that have a calming influence on the nervous system and the brain. The most commonly used ingredients include Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Vachaa (Acorus calamus), Mandook parni (Centella asiatica) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). Apart from these many Ayurvedic medicines have also been patented in the Indian market.
Some treatments of depression prefer to use Ghrita preparation (the ghee - butter oil preparation with Ayurvedic herbs). These include Saarasvat Ghrita, Brahmi Ghrita and Kalyanaka Ghrita.
External treatments in Ayurveda have also been perfected over the years. 'Shirodhara' or the 'Third-eye treatment' comprises a special way of pouring medication in a liquid form (oil mostly) on the forehead in between the two eyebrows. 'Shirobasti' or cap treatment uses an oil retention therapy for about forty-five minutes and 'Abhyanga' is body massage the Ayurvedic way and body anointing. The most commonly used oils are Brahmi oil, Sesame seed oil and Coconut oil.
Ayurveda stresses on the regular practice of Yoga for general health and well being as well as for cure and prevention in specific ailments.