Prevention of Mental Disorders in Ayurveda and Yoga

Abstract

Ayurveda is an ancient medical science of India. As per definition it is a science of life. Ayurveda’s aim is “To prevent health of healthy person and to cure a diseased person.” Yoga as well is an ancient science, which deals with physical as well as mental wellbeing. Ayurveda talks about Dhatu Saamyata” which means balancing bodily tissues. The dictionary meaning of word “Dhatu” is “Dhatu is that which holds”. And in that context the Dhatu word covers Dosha, Dhatu and also Mala. The definition of health in Ayurveda is, “the person who is in state of Sama Dosha, whose Agni is proper, whose bodily tissues are is balanced state, whose excretory system is working in proper manner and whose soul, senses and mind are happy is called as a healthy person.” Ayurveda also talks about Dinacharya i.e. daily regimen, Rutucharya i.e. a seasonal regimen and Sadvrutta i.e. explanation about well conduct. These all things affects on person’s social relations which is most basic cause of the mental disorders. Yoga also treats mental issues by meditation and other remedial measures.

So, this paper tries to reveal certain known and some comparatively less known remedies and treatments available in the Ayurveda and Yoga.