Mental disorders are a common problem in today’s world. A general term used to cover all the problems which relate to our mind. Often they arise slowly over a long period of time as we find ourselves being challenged by external and internal problems, both consciously or subconsciously which our mind is not able to process or finds unacceptable. If we are not able to process the issue within our framework of understanding or our ‘accepted’ cultural norms, it may lead to the creation of psychic disease with are today called mental disorder.
On a psychological level we naturally try to harmonise these problems but if we are not able to it can lead to a mental disorders. The causes are many but often stem from our own way of looking at things and the inability or unwillingness of our mind to process what is happening. Sometimes we just don’t want to let go of a belief or viewpoint. At other times we might be attached to a result and when something comes to challenge this, as life tends to do, we find our mind under stress in trying to work through the issue. On an unconscious level the mind may know what to do but at a conscious level the mind wants to do something else creating a conflict between the inner and outer, or the personality and the soul. The result often manifests as a Mental Disorder or sickness.
The symptoms of an imbalance mind manifest in our behaviour, attitude, the way we react, we become intolerant, our manners may become inappropriate, our actions often manifest oddly or we might becomes abnormal in our day-to-day activities. Of course this can happen to any person at any age.
In Ayurveda mental disorders are known as “unmad“. According to Ayurveda mental disorders come about through the improper correlation of the mind, the senses and their perception.
In Ayurveda to maintain a healthy mind we look at the whole person, body, emotions and mind. If we can do this then under normal conditions dis-ease will not arise. In this way an Ayurveda practitioner helps a client to understand their elemental nature or the Doshas that are strong in their life. Through this education the person becomes aware of how to keep their body in balance and when out of balance how to bring it back into balance through what is eaten and an appropriate lifestyle for our nature, which incorporates both time for activity and times for rest. For the mind exercise and reflection or meditation are very important to ensure we maintain mental balance. Meditation does not work for everyone, but this can be replaced by chanting, singing, reading beautiful poetry or inspirational works. There is not one size fits all as we are all unique.
Our mind has a nature of its own. In Ayurveda it is usually either settled and at peace, energised by desire and action or it is dull and lethargic. The mind can move from one to the other state during the day but in general one state predominates. The goal is to create a balance between these three divine energies, called Satva, Ragas and Tamas in the eastern philosophies. Many Yogis attempt to make their mind more Satvic or peaceful, as it is believed that in this state it is easier to reach Moksha or enlightenment/contentment. This is also the approach taken by a Ayurvedic practitioner when trying to balance mental disorders, to focus on the Satvic nature of the mind which develops a nature of peacefulness, acceptance, tolerance, understand and detachment from outcomes.
Some of the qualities which may be adopted to create a peaceful mind are commonly seen any may religions and philosophies however if you think about them they make common sense. They are are: –
1. Creating a no-attachment to outcomes. Our attachment to outcomes often leads to disappointments and this mental anguish.
2. Be confident in oneself.
3. Cultivating a calmness and tolerance for to all we come across.
4. Create positive intentions.
5. Be honest but kind,
6. Be helpful to others.
There are certain herbs that are mentioned in Ayurveda, which has wonderful effects in treating mental disorders, and improve brains efficiency.
Some of those are mentioned below
1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Commonly known as Indian Pennywort is generally found everywhere in India especially above 4000 ft. of height. It has also been found growing in New Zealand. This herb is most extensively used in Indian system of medicine as brain tonic and stress reliever. Due to its qualities, it is nourishes the mind. It is considered to be the nerve stimulant that helps in perception and to improve reflexes.. It is considered to be a nerve-rejuvenating herb, which has been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for centuries in any condition in which brain is found affected or in psyche related disorders. Good results have also been found in epilepsy attacks. It acts as non-sedative tranquillizer which has made it idea for use in anxiety and hypertension. The whole plant is used in preparing herbal medicines.
2. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) commonly called winter cherry is one of the herbs that produce wonderful results in problems caused by Vata disorders (imbalance of the air in our systems). Its main function is to maintain the harmony of Vata whether it aggravates or become suppressed by effects of other dosha. Because of its heating it acts directly on unstable Vata (which is cold) thereby helping Vata to remain in stable state. Therefore is has a good effect on nervous system, circulatory system as well as joint related problems. Ashwagandha plays a major role in suppressing anxiety and hypertension. It has proved very affective in relieving stress and stress related problems. It has given wonderful results in joint pains and arthritic conditions. It has also proven its worth in improving body immunity and overall strength to fight against the disease. It has also been found effective in treating weakness and mental fatigue of the body. Good results in depression and other mental ailments have also been seen. Plant part used is the root.
Ayurveda has many herbs with help with mental disorders alongside diet and lifestyle changes. Often these would go hand in hand with counseling and other supportive treatments to bring about an harmonious association between our body, mind and emotions.
I am currently on an internship at the SDM Ayurveda College and Hospital in Hassan, India. Being able to spend time with the doctors and students of the hospital is invaluable experience for anyone who has learnt Ayurveda outside of India. In my case I completed a three years diploma in Ayurveda Medicine in New Zealand in 2007 but as Ayurveda is new two NZ there is no opportunity to go into practice in an hospital to gain further practical experience. Hence this opportunity to be able to spend time at an Ayurvedic Hospital in India, to be able to experience first hand Ayurveda is an opportunity not to be missed.
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