home Audience 2 Treatment of mental illness. Mental disorders in Ayurveda. D. Frawley

Treatment of mental illness. Mental disorders in Ayurveda. D. Frawley

Mental disorders Ayurveda

In most ancient cultures, mental disorders were viewed as various types of possession by evil spirits, and treatments were carried out to expel them. Ayurveda generally shares this point of view, but in a more refined form, viewing the problem of possession through the prism of yogic knowledge. This view of the nature of obsession is not a naive superstition, but a reflection of the knowledge accumulated in Ayurveda about the astral plane and the occult worlds. The physical world is most closely connected with the more subtle worlds, and between these worlds - different dimensions - there is constant energetic interaction. Forces living on more subtle planes can have both positive and negative effects on us. Negative influence. Depending on what kind of entities such interaction occurs with, Ayurveda distinguishes different kinds obsession.

More often than others, people who are too passive, dependent, vulnerable, open or impressionable are susceptible to obsession. They often lack self-esteem, are overly sensitive and easily susceptible to external influences. The aura of such people is usually weak, and they do not have a clear sense of self.

There are cases when groups of people find themselves in a state of possession, which can be observed in the actions of crowds, and even the population of entire countries, as was the case in Germany during the reign of the Nazis. We need to reckon with the existence of these subtle forces, learn to recognize them and fight back against their negative influences - otherwise we will become afraid, like children in a dark room, and suffer from unnecessary negative experiences. Astrology is of particular importance here, as it gives us an idea of the astral forces operating in the lives of each of us.

Principles of treating obsession

Treatment for possession is similar to the treatment of mental disorders and insanity, but it is necessary to use more specific methods of exorcism. These include mantras, burning incense, ringing bells and invoking guardian deities.

In the Hindu pantheon, there are various demon-slaying deities, including Durga - the wrathful form of the Divine Mother, Rama - the divine son, protector, warrior and hero, Rudra - the terrifying form of Shiva (the Divine Father). Buddhists, especially Tibetans, have their own formidable deities. Any form of the divine that is close to our heart helps to get rid of the influence of negative forces on the psyche.

Features of manifestation (types) of obsession

Obsession is more often associated with violations of Vata, and it is with the Vata constitution that there is a tendency to lose reality and to disrupt the connection with the physical body. With a Vata constitution, the energy level is lower and it is easier to fall under the influence of more powerful forces. With Vata obsession, the feeling of fear predominates.

The cause of Pitta-type obsession can be an overly hot temper. A person falls under the influence of entities that play on his vanity, pride and desire for power.

Kapha types' obsessions are usually based on excessive sentimentality and attachment. People can fall under the influence of the souls of the dead, who, due to deep attachment, do not want to leave the earth and can enter the bodies of the living.

In this case we're talking about about deities of the lower order living in the middle astral world, which is full of awe, light and delight. These deities derive pleasure from play, beauty and drama. We come into contact with their energy through the aesthetic side of our mind.

Such deities possess people solely for the sake of play; they do not cause any obvious harm to their victims and can even impart knowledge or inspiration to them. Many mediums experience this state of obsession and find it delightful.

However, from the point of view of Ayurveda and yoga, any form of obsession is dangerous. Any obsession excites Vata, weakens our connection with our own soul and causes Vata disorders such as insomnia, arthritis or premature aging.

These deities do not like garlic, and it can be used to scare them away. For this purpose it is also good to use nutmeg, valerian, asafoetida. You can get rid of this kind of obsession by opening yourself to higher divine powers. In general, you should maintain control over your own mind and lead a correct lifestyle.

Many souls are too attached to the physical world. When death comes suddenly, it can be difficult for them to leave the earth. Therefore, such entities can continue their stay on the physical plane, entering into contact with living people.

A special Ayurvedic herb for eliminating the effects of perfume on the mind is calamus, which can also be used in enemas or with ghee. Holy basil helps to cleanse the psychic atmosphere and helps to feel the eternal Divine Power (Vishnu). Cleansing incense such as camphor helps, as does the ringing of bells. There should be no stagnant air in the home. Attics and basements need to be cleared of debris and properly ventilated. Typically, negative mental entities choose places with bad air for their habitat. We must push such entities to move on, and not get stuck on earth, explaining to them the need for a new incarnation in which they can fulfill their destiny.

Possession by demons (asuras)

Human life is described in the Ramayana as a battle between the devas and the asuras - the deities of light and the demons of darkness. Asuras constantly strive to penetrate human life in order to influence it. They rule the lower world. Crimes and most wars are their doing. The goal of the asuras is to hinder the evolution of humanity, to prevent man from realizing his true spiritual nature.

The most severe cases of insanity, in particular psychosis, are associated with asuras, and this form of possession is the most dangerous. Demons can possess a person who is in a state of uncontrollable anger, hatred and fanaticism, when his self-control is completely lost. Typically, such obsession is a Pitta condition and is treated in the same way as Pitta mental disorders. Love and forgiveness play an important role in this.

Cleansing with laxatives helps. Of the herbs, brahmi is particularly effective and should be taken with ghee.

Using mantras for obsession

For expelling asuras, the mantra “Hum” is most suitable - a special mantra of fire and the sound of Shiva. It can neutralize any negative influences and is useful for expelling spirits. However, to use it, you need to have special purity, since our own negative qualities can become the object of a crushing attack.

You can invoke the protection and patronage of divine light using the mantra “Ram”. This mantra opens the aura for the divine mind and protects against the influences of the lower forces of the astral plane. It is completely safe and useful for any mental illness.

Mental disorders

Physical and mental aspects of treatment

The basis of any illness is usually a violation of mental and emotional balance. Most somatic diseases develop under the influence of mental factors. Often we do not pay enough attention to our own body precisely because we are preoccupied with our mental or emotional problems.

IN healing process mental factors usually mean more than physical ones. If the patient follows and uses the necessary herbs, but his psyche is agitated or he has a negative attitude towards treatment, then all therapeutic measures are unlikely to give the expected result.

Ayurveda, being a holistic system, includes the treatment of all kinds of mental disorders; disorders - from the effects of stress to insanity and other severe disorders. The methods used in Ayurveda are aimed at strengthening both physical and mental health. To improve the health of the mind, Ayurveda uses methods of yogic and spiritual therapy, which include meditation, pranayama, repetition of mantras, visualization, as well as rituals called “Daiva Chikitsa” (spiritual therapy). Taken together, they constitute a vast field of knowledge, but only the basic principles will be outlined here.

To treat mental disorders, Ayurveda also uses methods of healing the body, since disturbances in physical balance cause or aggravate disturbances in mental balance. And vice versa: mental imbalance, manifested as mental or emotional disorders, is usually reflected and intensified on the physical plane.

The role of the astral body

Both in Ayurveda and in occultism it is believed that behind the processes occurring in the dense physical body there is a subtle (astral) body consisting of vitality, feelings and thoughts of a person. The astral represents thin shape, as if the energy scheme of the physical plane, from which it arises. While awake, we experience the astral body indirectly, through the physical body and through the states of our psyche. In a state of sleep, the astral body gains greater freedom, and we can observe it directly if we are aware of ourselves in a dream. There is a special plane of existence, the astral universe, the means of comprehension of which can be the astral body. The ability to experience this kind of experience can be developed with the help of yoga and other occult techniques, but such a skill in itself is not considered a spiritual achievement, since all the aspirations of the human ego continue to operate in the astral plane, sometimes in an exaggerated form.

Just as our physical body is permeated with channels through which fluids and energy move, the astral (emotional) body has channels through which life force and emotions move. These are nadis - the finest channels extending from the chakras (energy centers of the astral body). Interruption of the energy flow leads to mental disorders - just as disruption of the movement of energy in the channels of the physical body leads to somatic diseases. Psychic energy can stagnate or move in the wrong direction, and as a result all kinds of distorted ideas and clouding of consciousness arise. This is why it is so important to keep these subtle channels clean. Cleansing the channels is one of the main goals of pranayama. Some herbs whose effects reach a subtle level (calamus, basil, turmeric, guggul, myrtle, camphor), as well as incense (camphor, myrrh, frankincense and cedar) may also be useful.

There are also special channels and energy fields that connect the physical body with the astral body and create an aura. When they break, the mutual coherence of the body and mind weakens, which can manifest itself as mental disorders.

Between the astral and physical bodies there is a kind of shield that protects the physical body from the influence of astral forces. If it is disrupted, the ability to distinguish reality from the astral, real sensory images from one’s own thoughts, fantasies and emotions is lost. If this shield is only weakened, the physical body may for some time find itself at the mercy of astral influences (this can be either the influence of astral entities themselves, or simply the influence external environment or the emotions of others). In this case, a person’s actions may conflict with his true desires - he may, for example, harm himself or other living beings.

From the point of view of Ayurveda modern psychology cannot yet be considered a mature science of the soul, since it lacks an understanding of the forces acting on subtle planes, and mental problems are regarded as purely personal. In Ayurveda, such problems are considered the result of an imbalance of psychic energies that are woven into a single collective consciousness and interact with its cosmic astral branches. In Ayurveda, more emphasis is placed on the practical restoration of this balance than on clarifying the specific configuration of imbalance in terms of personal experiences.

Causes of mental disorders

Mental disorders are as diverse and heterogeneous as the mind itself. The reasons for their occurrence may be: emotional stress, trauma, improper upbringing, the overwhelming influence of misunderstood or dogmatic religions, the negative influence of people with a disordered psyche, excesses and perversions in the sexual sphere, drug use. They can be caused by overthinking or strenuous yogic or meditative practice. Mental balance can also be disturbed due to the careless use of occult methods, as a result of which a person is not protected from the influences of the astral plane.

In modern culture, the connection with the astral plane is gradually beginning to be restored, but, as one would expect, this connection is predominantly with the lower astral. The influence of the media, sexual (liberation, drug use) contribute to the development of interest in spiritualism, shamanism and the occult. This can give new knowledge and become a step in the evolution of the mind, but in some cases leads to intractable mental disorders. As soon as we open our mind to influence astral forces and entities, they establish a connection with us and strive to gain power over us, which cannot be freed from simply through willpower or physical methods.

Purity of mind. The role of sattva

In Ayurveda, the cause of mental disorders is considered to be a violation of Sattva - the originally inherent clarity and purity of the mind - under the influence of Rajas and Tamas, i.e. excitement and mental confusion. An excess of Rajas is characterized by intense anger, hatred and fear, excessive nervousness, anxiety and excitement, while an excess of Tamas is characterized by drowsiness, dullness, lethargy, inertia and an inability to perceive things as they really are.

Modern society is very rajasic. We are constantly in a hurry and moving somewhere, while falling under the influence of more and more exciting factors. We are always worried and busy with something - work, games, entertainment. We have little time left for peace and quiet, for meditation or for heartfelt communication with each other.

According to the teachings of yoga, true renewal of Sattva, the quintessence of the mind, is possible only in silence. Mental activity, including intellectual or philosophical reflection, depletes Sattva. In order to relax, we resort to all kinds of entertainment today, including watching movies, TV shows and sports. All these are passive types of mental activity that drain the mind. The sattvic practices of traditional cultures around the world, such as prayer, meditation, chanting and selfless service, have now been largely lost. Although at times the use of such practices became dogmatic or sectarian, they nourished the hearts of those with true sensitivity. Today we lack love, faith, openness and peace. An agitated and distracted mind makes us susceptible to stress and mental illness.

Lack of peace of mind is a sign that we have lost touch with our own soul - the source of creative vitality and joy. This usually happens because we forget about our true goals in this incarnation and do not follow our spiritual path, which would bring us true peace.

Vata mental disorders

Mental disorders, as well as nervous disorders, are more often caused by high Vata, which, being a nervous force, also controls the human mind. The mind consists of air and ether. Excess air, that is, a high level of Vata, causes instability of the mind and rajasic manifestations: excitement, excitement, addiction to thinking, which ultimately leads to a decrease in self-control. Exposure to the media, loud music, use of drugs or stimulants, excessive exercise, increased sexual activity or its unnatural forms can all lead to an increase in Vata and thus create a predisposition to mental disorders. Meditation done without proper guidance or excessive practice of pranayama can also aggravate Vata.

A high level of Vata in the form of an excess of ether makes a person hovering in the clouds, scattered, unrealistic, weakening his connection with the physical body and thereby disturbing his harmony with physical world as such. Excessive preoccupation with one's thoughts eventually leads to the substitution of reality and the dissipation of vital energy, which causes fears, anxiety states, and sudden changes in mood. The extreme forms of this disorder are insanity and schizophrenia.

Pitta type mental disorders

Pitta-type mental disorders are also associated with high level Rajas, which in this case is directed outward and manifests itself in the form of aggressiveness, arrogance and irascibility. The typical Pitta is extremely distrustful and will not accept opinions other than his own. He blames others for all his troubles, sees enemies everywhere, always on the alert, ready to fight even with himself and with his own past.

Kapha-type mental disorders

Kapha-type mental disorders are caused by an excess of Tamas and are accompanied by excessive sleepiness, sometimes even during the day, daydreaming, attachment to the past, lethargy and apathy. The mind loses the capacity for any abstract, objective or impersonal thinking, there is no aspiration and motivation, passivity and dependence are observed. I want to remain a child and be an object of care, great importance attached to the opinions of others. There is no true self-image, and it remains only to passively observe what is happening in the immediate environment.

The basis of any illness is usually a violation of mental and emotional balance. Most somatic diseases develop under the influence of mental factors. We often don't pay enough attention own body precisely because they are preoccupied with their mental or emotional problems.

In the treatment process, mental factors usually matter more than physical ones. If the patient follows and uses the necessary herbs, but his psyche is agitated or he has a negative attitude towards treatment, then all therapeutic measures are unlikely to give the expected result.

Ayurveda, being a holistic system, includes the treatment of all kinds of mental disorders - from the effects of stress to insanity and other severe disorders. The methods used in Ayurveda are aimed at strengthening both physical and mental. To improve the health of the mind, Ayurveda uses methods of yogic and spiritual therapy, which include meditation, pranayama, repetition of mantras, visualization, as well as rituals called “Daiva Chikitsa” (spiritual therapy). Taken together, they constitute a vast field of knowledge, but only the basic principles will be outlined here.

To treat mental disorders, Ayurveda also uses methods of healing the body, since disturbances in physical balance cause or aggravate disturbances in mental balance. Conversely, mental instability, which manifests itself as mental or emotional disturbances, is usually reflected and intensified on the physical plane.

The role of the astral body

Both in Ayurveda and in occultism it is believed that behind the processes occurring in the dense physical body there is a subtle (astral) body, consisting of the vital force, feelings and thoughts of a person. The astral is a subtle form, like an energy diagram of the physical plane, from which it arises. While awake, we experience the astral body indirectly, through the physical body and through the states of our psyche. In the state of sleep, the astral body gains greater freedom, and we can observe it directly if we are aware of ourselves in a dream. There is a special plane of existence, the astral universe, the means of comprehension of which can be the astral body. The ability to experience this kind of experience can be developed with the help of Yoga and other occult techniques, but such a skill in itself is not considered a spiritual achievement, since all the aspirations of the human ego continue to operate in the astral plane, sometimes in an exaggerated form.

Just as our physical body is permeated with channels through which fluids and energy move, the astral (emotional) body has channels through which life force and emotions move. These are nadis - the finest channels extending from the chakras (energy centers of the astral body). Interruption of the energy flow leads to mental disorders - just as disruption of the movement of energy in the channels of the physical body leads to somatic diseases. Psychic energy can stagnate or move in the wrong direction, and as a result all kinds of distorted ideas and clouding of consciousness arise. This is why it is so important to keep these subtle channels clean. Cleansing the channels is one of the main goals of pranayama. Some herbs whose effects reach a subtle level (calamus, basil, turmeric, guggul, myrtle, camphor), as well as incense (camphor, myrrh, frankincense and cedar) may also be useful.

There are also special channels and energy fields that connect the physical body with the astral body and create an aura. When they break, the mutual coherence of the body and mind weakens, which can manifest itself as mental disorders.

Between the astral and physical bodies there is a kind of shield that protects the physical body from the influence of astral forces. If it is disrupted, the ability to distinguish reality from the astral, real sensory images from one’s own thoughts, fantasies and emotions is lost. If this shield is only weakened, the physical body may for some time find itself at the mercy of astral influences (this can be either the influence of astral entities themselves, or simply the influence of the external environment or the emotions of surrounding people). In this case, a person’s actions can conflict with his true desires - he can, for example, harm himself or other living beings.

From the point of view of Ayurveda, modern psychology cannot yet be considered a mature science of the soul, since it lacks an understanding of the forces operating on subtle planes, and mental problems are regarded as purely personal. In Ayurveda, such problems are considered the result of an imbalance of psychic energies that are woven into a single collective consciousness and interact with its cosmic astral branches. In Ayurveda, more emphasis is placed on the practical restoration of this balance than on clarifying the specific configuration of imbalance in terms of personal experiences.

Causes of mental disorders

Mental disorders are as diverse and heterogeneous as the mind itself. The reasons for their occurrence may be: emotional stress, trauma, improper upbringing, the overwhelming influence of misunderstood or dogmatic religions, the negative influence of people with a disordered psyche, excesses and perversions in the sexual sphere, drug use. They can be caused by overthinking or overly intense yogic or meditative practice. Mental balance can also be disturbed due to the careless use of occult methods, as a result of which a person is not protected from the influences of the astral plane.

In modern culture, the connection with the astral plane is gradually beginning to be restored, but, as one would expect, this connection is predominantly with the lower astral. Exposure to the media, sexual liberation, and drug use contribute to the development of interest in spiritualism, shamanism and the occult. This can give new knowledge and become a step in the evolution of the mind, but in some cases it leads to intractable mental disorders. As soon as we open our minds to the influence of astral forces and entities, they establish a connection with us and seek to gain power over us, which cannot be freed from simply with the help of willpower or physical methods.

Purity of mind. The role of sattva

In Ayurveda, the cause of mental disorders is considered to be a violation of sattva - the clarity and purity inherent in the mind - under the influence of rajas and tamas, that is, excitement and cloudiness of the mind. An excess of rajas is characterized by intense anger, hatred and fear, excessive nervousness, anxiety and excitement, and an excess of tamas is characterized by drowsiness, dullness, lethargy, inertia and an inability to perceive things as they really are.

Modern society is very rajasic. We are constantly in a hurry and moving somewhere, while falling under the influence of ever new exciting factors. We are always worried and busy with something: work, games, entertainment. We hardly have time for peace and quiet, for meditation, or for heartfelt communion with one another.

According to the teachings of Yoga, true renewal of sattva, the quintessence of the mind, is possible only in silence. Mental activity, including intellectual or philosophical reflection, depletes sattva. In order to relax, we resort to all kinds of entertainment today, including watching movies, TV shows and sports. All these are passive types of mental activity that drain the mind. The sattvic practices of traditional cultures around the world, such as prayer, meditation, chanting and selfless service, have now been largely lost. Although at times the use of such practices became dogmatic or sectarian, they nourished the hearts of those with true sensitivity. Today we lack love, faith, openness and peace. An agitated and distracted mind makes us susceptible to stress and mental illness.

Lack of peace of mind is a sign that we have lost touch with our own soul - the source of creative vitality and joy. This usually happens because we forget about our true goals in this incarnation and do not follow our spiritual path, which would bring us true peace.

Mental disorders and doshas

Vata mental disorders
Mental disorders, as well as nervous ones, are often caused by high vata, which, being a nervous force, controls the human mind. The mind consists of air and ether. Excess air, that is, a high level of vata, causes instability of the mind and rajasic manifestations: excitement, worry, addiction to thinking, which ultimately leads to a decrease in self-control. Exposure to media, loud music, drug or stimulant use, excessive physical exercise, increased sexual activity or its unnatural forms - all this can lead to increased vata and thus create a predisposition to mental disorders. Meditation done without proper guidance or pranayama practiced immoderately can also aggravate vata.

A high level of vata in the form of excess ether makes a person head in the clouds, distracted, unrealistic, weakening his connection with the physical body and thereby disturbing his harmony with the physical world as such. Excessive preoccupation with one’s thoughts ultimately leads to a substitution of reality and dissipation of vital energy, which gives rise to fears, anxiety states, sudden mood changes. The extreme forms of this disorder are insanity and schizophrenia.

Pitta mental disorders
Pitta-type mental disorders are also associated with a high level of rajas, which in this case is directed outward and manifests itself in the form of aggressiveness, arrogance and temper. A typical Pitta is extremely distrustful and does not recognize opinions other than his own. He blames others for all his troubles, sees enemies everywhere, is always on the alert, ready to fight even with himself and with his own past.

Kapha-type mental disorders
Mental disorders of the kapha type are caused by an excess of tamas and are accompanied by excessive sleepiness, sometimes even during the day, daydreaming, attachment to the past, lethargy and apathy. The mind loses the ability for any kind of abstract, objective or extrapersonal thinking, there is no aspiration and motivation, passivity and dependence are observed. I want to remain a child and be an object of care; great importance is attached to the opinions of others. There is no true self-image, and it remains only to passively observe what is happening in the immediate environment.

Treatment of neurotic disorders
Here we will consider mental disorders of mild severity, those that are commonly called "neurosis". Such disturbances of mental balance do not usually prevent us from fulfilling our duties, but make our life bleak, as in chronic diseases. You can cope with such violations on your own.

To treat a neurotic disorder, it is first necessary to restore sattva - the natural clarity and purity of the mind. A sattvic diet is necessary, but care must be taken not to increase the dominant dosha in the individual constitution too much. Fruit harmonizes the mind, whole grains strengthen it, dairy products nourish the heart, and ghee nourishes the nervous tissue.

A sattvic lifestyle, taking into account individual constitutional characteristics, is also of great importance. It is advisable to get up early (at 4-7 am) and practice Yoga, asanas, pranayama, repeat mantras and meditate. Even if you devote only half an hour to silent meditation or chanting mantras, but do it regularly, your condition can improve significantly.

It is imperative to develop in oneself such sattvic qualities as faith, love, compassion, honesty, truthfulness, and also to study oneself. We can open ourselves to the divine in a form that is close to our hearts, or find opportunities to serve humanity without thinking about our own imperfections.

Anointing your head with oils soothes and nourishes the mind. Heavy fixed oils(sesame for vata, coconut for pitta) are especially good as sedatives and for improving sleep. You can add herbs to them that strengthen the nerves: brahmi in Coconut oil– for pitta; ashwagandha in Sesame oil- for cotton wool. Essential oils like sandalwood promote mental peace. Basil, myrrh, frankincense, sage and mint purify energy channels and improve perception. To improve perception, they lubricate the forehead with warm oil, to increase mental abilities - the crown, to calm the subconscious - the base of the neck.

To directly affect the brain, the nasal passages are lubricated with oil. Calamus ghee increases mental clarity (good for kapha and vata), and brahmi ghee calms the mind (good for pitta and vata).

In conditions of vata important role in the treatment of mental disorders belongs to enemas with soothing oils such as sesame, with mind-nourishing herbs such as ashwagandha and haritaki.

Incense, which acts much like essential oils, calms the mind and improves the mental atmosphere. The best incense with harmonizing properties is sandalwood. The psychic atmosphere is purified by burning camphor and cedar. Myrrh and incense purify the aura and air, while rose and lotus soothe and nourish the heart. Jasmine purifies the emotions and enhances love and compassion, while gardenia purifies the heart.

It is useful to surround yourself with flowers - it has a beneficial effect on the heart. Some house plants, particularly aloe and holy basil, help improve both the mental atmosphere and the composition of the air.

Color therapy is also of great importance. Thus, white color gives peace and purity, blue - peace and detachment. Golden color imparts the ability to discriminate, green is a source of harmony, balance and healing energy. Good gemstones include pearl and moonstone, which help calm emotions, emerald, which gives balance and self-control, yellow sapphire and topaz, which bring wisdom, and red coral, which helps calm anger.

Brahmi, calamus, holy basil, bringaraj, shankapushpi, haritaki, sandalwood, ashwagandha and guggul are used to increase sattva. It is better to cook them in ghee or take it along with it. With neurotic disorders of any type, Saraswat powder helps well. For pitta constitutions, these remedies should be taken with ghee, for vata constitutions with milk, for kapha constitutions with honey.

Ashwagandha is considered the best remedy for vata, brahmi-based preparations for pitta, and calamus-based preparations for kapha. The effects of these herbs are enhanced when taken with ghee or as medicinal ghee.

IN Chinese medicine to improve the mental state, herbs that nourish the heart are used: jujube, thuja seeds, lemongrass. Among the herbs known in Western herbal medicine, sage, myrtle, cedar, myrrh, skullcap, and chamomile are useful. Sage is good for kapha, skullcap for pitta, chamomile for vata. It is advisable to use these herbs in the form of tinctures, since alcohol promotes the effect of the herbs on the brain.

There may be a need for herbs that nourish the heart and cause positive emotions. Such herbs include shatavari, saffron, rose, lotus and licorice, especially in the form of milk decoctions. They balance the negative (“fiery”) emotions of pitta and soften the heightened (“airy”) sensitivity of vata.

To calm the mind, you can also use herbs with more pronounced sedative effect. However, it should be borne in mind that many of them long-term use have a tamasic, dulling effect. Such herbs include valerian, nutmeg, passionflower, hops, and asafoetida.

From the point of view of Ayurveda, depression is almost always a sign of imbalance. Other doshas especially have no time to be depressed - because of the high wind of the body that drives them through life - because of the fire of the body, ambition and anger. But with depression, everyone is still involved in imbalance. Imbalance between the basic elements in the body, negative thoughts, hopelessness generate abnormal behavior of the nervous system and can be the cause of depression.

Although depression is considered primarily a kapha imbalance, vata and pitta can also be depressed at times. Vata becomes melancholic, even more vulnerable than usual, easily hurt. They may lose their already low weight, and their supply of vitality may rapidly deplete. Their mood can change almost instantly, but in the end, short-term “flashes of joy” do not help and in the end everything moves towards “misfortune”.

They feel abandoned by everyone, unloved and without physical strength. Vata in a state of depression is unexpected and often unpredictable. Manic-depressive psychoses almost always follow the vata scenario - periods of high energy, over-activity, over-reactions to what is happening are replaced by complete apathy. Vata depression is usually accompanied by panic attacks and insomnia. By the way, insomnia (initial) can also be a cause of depression.

Over time, when the loss of energy reaches a certain critical level, other doshas go out of balance and it is already difficult to clearly determine what it really is (the current constitution). In this case, antidepressants dull mental pain and dull consciousness, but do not fundamentally solve the problem. Nutrition is not of decisive importance (if, of course, you overeat for a long time, then in the end depression will come from just one excess weight). The basis of the disease process is, after all, energy.

It can be useful to review your relationships. It is in unsuccessful relationships, which often ended decades ago, that the cause of today's energy shortage lies. All relationships (with parents, partners, school friends, kindergarten) must be dug up, the “culprits” must be forgiven and released. This is very important work, without which it is often impossible not only to get rid of depression, but also to achieve anything at all. Without cutting off unnecessary attachments, there can be no talk of achieving even simple goals!

Energy connections are always formed in any relationship. With these connections they can “drink all the juices out of a person.” In the wonderful book of the psychiatrist Litvak “Psychological Vampirism” you can see vivid examples from life.

D. Verishchagin speaks well about cutting off energy connections in his DEIR system (system of further energy information development).

Yoga meditation sometimes brings results (unless the kapha falls asleep and simply does not sleep, supposedly “meditating”). Motive meditation, such as tai chi, will be useful here. Meditation restores the energy-informational structure well, but does not cut off energy pumping channels well, so you have to work with meditation alone for a long time, since the biofield restored in meditation along the energy channel is quickly depleted again. Having combined psychological techniques With meditation, you can get results much faster.

Medicines "for depression" in Ayurveda, in official medicine does not exist. Everything that is supposed to “turns off” a person for a while, without eliminating the problems. Everyone who uses them knows about the side effects of medications for depression. Medicines, of course, give a fairly quick result (albeit temporary) than mild Ayurvedic measures, without side effects, promoting a long-term state of balance, improvement psychological health, a real opportunity for prevention and reduction of relapses.

Ayurvedic methods not only balance the body, they also gradually increase general level internal satisfaction, which is very low in depression. The Ayurvedic approach is a natural antidote to depression.

Ayurveda doesn't offer much from medicines for depression, emphasizing that these are mental problems that respond well to treatment with asanas, pranayama, relaxation, meditation, mantra meditation, motivational techniques,

Depression is usually accompanied by low ojas (vitality) and (sometimes) weak immunity. Ojas is raised by various techniques, partially described in the post “”. To increase ojas, in addition to what is indicated in the post, it is recommended to stay in nature, absorbing positive energy from fresh air, surrounding mountains, fields, sky, and reservoirs.

The smells of essential oils of eucalyptus and camphor have a stimulating effect.

Some plants and drugs also stimulate the brain. For example, it has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieves tension and relieves depression, and stimulates brain function. At the same time, it improves digestion and gives a pleasant smell and freshness to your breath.

Most often for depression people take dashamul, ashwagandsha, brahmi/gotu kola, jatamansi and marshmallow, tulsi (holy basil) or just basil (basil), sage. Plants and drugs are given for a general overview and will not be considered in order to avoid self-medication, since almost all drugs have contraindications, and you need to carefully check the vikriti, the problems present and these contraindications.

Other spices and drugs that lower the high dosha should be taken in accordance with one’s vikriti, just as one should lead a lifestyle corresponding to vikriti. You shouldn’t count heavily on improvements just by taking Ayurvedic medications. No drugs can remove unresolved problems from the head.

For depression, body, or at least head and feet, Vata - or ghee, pitta - coconut or Kapha oil massages of the body are not recommended, unless occasionally the feet at night. For depression good result gives the Ayurvedic procedure shirodhara - gently pouring a stream of heated oil on the forehead between the eyebrows in the area of the “third eye”. Each constitution uses its own type of oil.

Good for improving depression.

The most common cause of depression is Bad mood and dissatisfaction with life and others. As practice shows, people with high or, conversely, low self-esteem are most susceptible to depression. You can get out of depression by changing your lifestyle to an active one. Filling your time with pleasant and useful things will simply leave no room for depression. It is also useful to conduct relaxation sessions and perform correctly breathing exercises provide the brain big amount oxygen, which has a beneficial effect on mood and well-being.

Many body problems can be associated with emotional disorders. Excessive worries can cause illness, leading to imbalances in yin-yang, and, accordingly, to problems in any organ and body fluid. Emotional disorders may manifest as palpitations, insomnia, sudden flushing of the face, sore eyes and irritability; or emotional depression, indifference, anxiety, fear, urinary incontinence. If the liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys are affected by emotional distress,

Vato talks about overcoming depression, about ways to overcome mental pain and suffering that the brain brings to people in his publications:

“All people suffer, without exception. Some are more intense, others barely noticeable. But this pain exists. The Sanskrit term is DUKHA, a kind of dissatisfaction with life. This is a disease of the mind, and it is possible to recover from this disease.

« How our brain can control our state».

Dr. Joe Dispenza's recent book, You Are Placebo: Making Your Mind Matter, highlights the latest research in neuroscience, biology, psychology, hypnosis, and quantum physics and dispels the myth of the placebo effect. The experiments showed how the seemingly impossible can become possible!

2 groups were formed. The cases were severe, suicide, cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, depression. Group 1 was given a real drug (Effexor), group 2 was given a placebo.

Even the doctors who observed the patients didn't know which group was getting what. The book gives long descriptions of all the stories. And, probably, you can guess the results - literally from the first days, many noted a significant improvement in their condition when they were told about strong drugs that should overcome depression.

After the end of the experiment, the “recovered” (from the placebo group) were indignant - this cannot be, because they even had side effects (nausea), described in the instructions for the drug. Overall, by the end of the experiment, 52% of those receiving Effexor felt significant improvements, compared with 38% of those in the placebo group.

The most interesting thing was that patients from the placebo group not only felt improvements, their electroencephalograms showed completely different results, different from those before the experimental ones - the activity of the cerebral cortex increased sharply (it is usually quite low in depression).

Dr. Joe talks not only about the miraculous healing of patients when taking a placebo (but in fact it was the work of the brain aimed at recovery, almost the same pill for diabetes described in the post, but also talks about reverse effect– about serious illnesses and even death from supposed “curses” or confused diagnoses. They voiced it - and the body started to get sick. The body doesn't care what to listen to. It's better to be positive. He will carry it out.

From time to time, almost any person can feel a loss of strength and a decreased mental state. This condition is not called depression, there may simply be relationships and ongoing processes, thoughts about which do not contribute to cheerfulness.

By applying all of the above, and most importantly, understanding your feelings, relationships and thoughts, you can quickly get out of depression.

Not quite an optimistic addition

But what to do? That's life!

Was last modified: March 12th, 2019 by consultant

26 comments on "Depression"

Physical and mental aspects of treatment. D Frawley

The basis of any illness is usually a violation of mental and emotional balance. Most somatic diseases develop under the influence of mental factors. Often we do not pay enough attention to our own body precisely because we are preoccupied with our mental or emotional problems.
In the treatment process, mental factors usually matter more than physical ones. If the patient follows and uses the necessary herbs, but his psyche is agitated or he has a negative attitude towards treatment, then all therapeutic measures are unlikely to give the expected result.
Ayurveda, being a holistic system, includes the treatment of all kinds of mental disorders - from the effects of stress to insanity and other severe disorders. The methods used in Ayurveda are aimed at strengthening both physical and
mental health. To improve the health of the mind, Ayurveda uses methods of yogic and spiritual therapy, which include meditation, pranayama, repetition of mantras, visualization, as well as rituals called “Daiva Chikitsa” (spiritual therapy). Taken together, they constitute a vast field of knowledge, but only the basic principles will be outlined here.

To treat mental disorders, Ayurveda also uses methods of healing the body, since disturbances in physical balance cause or aggravate disturbances in mental balance. Conversely, mental instability, which manifests itself as mental or emotional disturbances, is usually reflected and intensified on the physical plane.

ROLE OF THE ASTRAL BODY

Both in Ayurveda and in occultism it is believed that behind the processes occurring in the dense physical body there is a subtle (astral) body, consisting of the vital force, feelings and thoughts of a person. The astral is a subtle form, like an energy diagram of the physical plane, from which it arises. While awake, we experience the astral body indirectly, through the physical body and through the states of our psyche. In a state of sleep, the astral body gains greater freedom, and we can observe it directly if we are aware of ourselves in a dream. There is a special plane of existence, the astral universe, the means of comprehension of which can be the astral body. The ability to experience this kind of experience can be developed with the help of yoga and other occult techniques, but such a skill in itself is not considered a spiritual achievement, since all the aspirations of the human ego continue to operate in the astral plane, sometimes in an exaggerated form.

Just as our physical body is riddled with channels through which fluids and energy move, the astral (emotional) body has channels through which life force and emotions move. These are nadis - the finest channels extending from the chakras (energy centers of the astral body). Interruption of the energy flow leads to mental disorders - just as disruption of the movement of energy in the channels of the physical body leads to somatic diseases. Psychic energy can stagnate or move in the wrong direction, and as a result all kinds of distorted ideas and clouding of consciousness arise. This is why it is so important to keep these subtle channels clean.
Cleansing the channels is one of the main goals of pranayama. Some herbs whose effects reach a subtle level (calamus, basil, turmeric, guggul, myrtle, camphor), as well as incense (camphor, myrrh, frankincense and cedar) may also be useful.

There are also special channels and energy fields that connect the physical body with the astral body and create an aura. When they break, the mutual coherence of the body and mind weakens, which can manifest itself as mental disorders.
Between the astral and physical bodies there is a kind of shield that protects the physical body from the influence of astral forces. If it is disrupted, the ability to distinguish reality from the astral, real sensory images from one’s own thoughts, fantasies and emotions is lost. If this shield is only weakened, the physical body may for some time find itself at the mercy of astral influences (this can be either the influence of astral entities themselves, or simply the influence of the external environment or the emotions of surrounding people). In this case, a person’s actions may conflict with his true desires - he may, for example, harm himself or other living beings.

From the point of view of Ayurveda, modern psychology cannot yet be considered a mature science of the soul, since it lacks an understanding of the forces operating on subtle planes, and mental problems are regarded as purely personal. In Ayurveda, such problems are considered the result of an imbalance of psychic energies, which are woven into a single collective consciousness and interact with its cosmic astral
branches. In Ayurveda, more emphasis is placed on the practical restoration of this balance than on clarifying the specific configuration of imbalance in terms of personal experiences.

Causes of mental disorders

Mental disorders are as diverse and heterogeneous as the mind itself. The reasons for their occurrence may be: emotional stress, trauma, improper upbringing, the overwhelming influence of misunderstood or dogmatic religions, the negative influence of people with a disordered psyche, excesses and perversions in the sexual sphere, drug use. They can be caused by overthinking or overly intense yogic or meditative practice.
Mental balance can also be disturbed due to the careless use of occult methods, as a result of which a person is not protected from the influences of the astral plane.
In modern culture, the connection with the astral plane is gradually beginning to be restored, but, as one would expect, this connection is predominantly with the lower astral. Exposure to the media, sexual liberation, and drug use contribute to the development of interest in spiritualism, shamanism and the occult. This can give new knowledge and become a step in the evolution of the mind, but in some cases it leads to intractable mental disorders. As soon as we open our minds to the influence of astral forces and entities, they establish a connection with us and seek to gain power over us, which cannot be freed from simply with the help of willpower or physical methods.

Purity of mind. Role of Sattva

In Ayurveda, the cause of mental disorders is considered to be a violation of Sattva - the clarity and purity inherent in the mind - under the influence of Rajas and Tamas, i.e. excitement and mental confusion. An excess of Rajas is characterized by strong anger, hatred and fear, excessive nervousness, anxiety and excitement, and an excess of Tamas is characterized by drowsiness, dullness, lethargy, inertia and an inability to perceive things as they really are.
Modern society is very rajasic. We are constantly in a hurry and moving somewhere, while falling under the influence of ever new exciting factors. We are always worried and busy with something - work, games, entertainment. We hardly have time for peace and quiet, for meditation, or for heartfelt communion with one another.

According to the teachings of yoga, true renewal of Sattva, the quintessence of the mind, is possible only in silence. Mental activity, including intellectual or philosophical reflection, depletes Sattva. In order to relax, we resort to all kinds of entertainment today, including watching movies, TV shows and sports. All these are passive mental activities that exhaust the mind.
The sattvic practices of traditional cultures around the world, such as prayer, meditation, chanting and selfless service, have now been largely lost. Although at times the use of such practices became dogmatic or sectarian, they nourished the hearts of those with true sensitivity. Today we lack love, faith, openness and peace. Excitement and distraction of the mind makes us prone to stress and
mental illness.

Lack of peace of mind is a sign that we have lost touch with our own soul - the source of creative vitality and joy. This usually happens because we forget about our true goals in this incarnation and do not follow our spiritual path, which would bring us true peace.