Mental well-being is one of the top-most concerns in the increasingly competitive environment. Individuals constantly seek means of coping with difficulties, fears, and other emotional challenges. Ayurveda, the ancient art of healing from India, presents an interesting perspective on mental health. Ayurveda, which is based in the ancient healing practices of Kerala, aims at achieving good health through the equilibrium of all three, mind, body, and spirit.
What is Ayurveda?
Practiced for over 5,000 years, Ayurveda is the oldest healing science that originated from India. The word ‘Ayurveda’ is a combination of the two Sanskrit words where ‘Ayur’ means life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge or science. The emphasis of this system is on natural treatment that heals the body and mind through the application of plants, diet, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle change. The system believes that physical health is interrelated to mental wellness, and by addressing the person in totality, he can succeed in maintaining his well-being for longevity.
The Connection Between Mind and Body
Ayurveda views mental well-being as a major factor contributing to health. It is believed that one’s mind and body are two sides of the same coin and that if there is an imbalance in one, the other will suffer as well. In other words, feelings that are not properly dealt with, such as stress or anxiety, can result in bodily disorders like headaches, stomach issues, or even fatigue. Therefore, Ayurvedic medicine strives to create a homeostasis by considering both the body and the mind of the individual being treated. Experience Kerala Ayurveda Therapy Today!
Key Ayurvedic Principles for Mental Health
In Ayurveda, every individual is considered to be different and there are three competing energies or doshas, which are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas play a vital role in our physical and psychological make-up and when they conduct in harmony, the individual is said to be in perfect health of mind and body. However, an irregularity state in these doshas can cause some mental disorders.
- Vata Dosha: This dynamic is related to mobility and changes. In case of a Vata imbalance, it might cause nervousness, hyperactivity, and irrational fear.
- Pitta Dosha: The element of Pitta is in charge of digestive and metabolic processes. An excess of this dosha provokes negative emotions such as anger, frustration, and irritability.
- Kapha Dosha: Kapha is related to steadiness and solidity. A lack of balance in this dosha may result in feelings of gloominess, inertia, and craving.
Ayurveda aims at balancing these three doshas and involves treatments which include natural remedies such as herbs, oils and massages as well as lifestyle changes that promote mental health. Book Your Kerala Ayurveda Packages Today!
Ayurvedic Practices for Mental Health
Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Massage)
Abhyanga is a technique of Ayurvedic massage that involves the use of warm oils to relieve stress and tension and enhance mental clarity. Usually, the oils applied are combined with soothing herbs like lavender, sandalwood, or jasmine, which also play a part in healing emotion. Massages on a regular basis also help the nervous system, decrease tension in the body, and enhance one’s ability to sleep.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation fall within the practices of Ayurveda. In Kerala these practices are usually carried out along with the Ayurvedic treatments to promote mental health. Yoga is practiced to stress out the body and make it more elastic, while meditation is done to ease one’s brain, sharpen overall concentration, and balance ones emotions. Pratahshata and other similar breath controls exercises, pranayama, are also helpful in bestowing mental peace and combating stress.
Diet and Nutrition
As per Ayurveda mental health or wellbeing is influenced through proper nutrition. Diets are adapted based on the types of effects the foods have on the doshas and hence a diet that is based on an individual’s dosha should aide in regaining one’s balance. It is also advised that emotional stability along with cognitive function be aided through the use of natural fresh foods, herbs and spices such as turmeric and ginger.
Daily Routines (Dinacharya)
As stated in Ayurvedic philosophy, a fixed time schedule is necessary for the upkeep of both physical and mental well-being. Such practices are particularly beneficial in maintaining emotional equilibrium and alleviating strain owing to the regimented way of life that is – arising early, doing yoga, eating and sleeping on time among other activities.
Call +91 9072344343 for Ayurveda Treatment in Kerala
In Kerala’s cultural practices, understanding and addressing psychological problems has a place for natural treatment modalities. It enables individuals to maintain mental health by integrating the possibilities of mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda provides a therapy regime in the form of natural medicines, yoga and meditation, and healthy living for people aiming to have mental serenity, emotional stability, and peace of mind. In pursuit of promoting good state of mind, traditional therapy to restore balance could be in Ayurveda, which can meet your aspirations.
