Ayurveda for Depression

An occasional feeling of sadness is something we all experience from time to time. And it is a perfectly normal response to unsettling life circumstances. But if you find yourself frequently feeling low, moody or weepy for days on end, for no apparent reason, it is time to consider the possibility that you suffer from depression.

Depression is a serious illness that affects not just the emotions but also the physical health of people suffering from it. Presently, this debilitating condition is recognized as the top cause for non-fatal disability among the Australian population and the worst part is that less than half of those affected by it receive the necessary medical care.

How to Recognize Depression

People with depression suffer from a chronic lack of energy or the will to do something. Often, they lose interest in something they previously enjoyed doing. This situation may be the norm in the face of some trying situations such as the loss of a loved one or suffering a major career or relationship setback; however, if this behaviour surfaces for no reason at all and persists for a long time, it is an obvious sign of depression. 

Some people with depression withdraw into a shell and cut off contact from their family and friends while others have problems with concentration and managing their emotions, and go from being gloomy to irritable in an unpredictable manner.

What Causes Depression?

In some patients, depression may be a result of an imbalance in the chemicals necessary for the normal brain functions. In others, it may be an abnormal response to extremely stressful conditions that persist for a very long time. 

Whatever the cause, depression leaves the affected individual feeling empty, worthless, and sad and devoid of any hope of an improvement. In some depressed patients, the dark thoughts may lead to thoughts of suicide, too.

Ayurveda on Depression

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that seeks to address the root cause of health problems. According to this system, the body is made up of three humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) or doshas and as long as these remain in a state of balance, the individual is healthy; any imbalance in these humors can lead to health problems of the body as well as the mind.

Ayurveda says that when the kapha humor is imbalanced, it causes a change in the proportions of the vata and pitta humors too and this affects the normal functioning of the nervous system. Such abnormal function in turn generates the feelings of hopelessness that are associated with depression.

Ayurveda also believes that a lack of awareness of one’s inner self leads to the condition of depression. Deep-seated pain and hurt and negative emotions from the past that have not been resolved tend to deplete the natural energy of the mind and this leads to the condition of depression.

Therefore, Ayurveda approaches the problem of depression from a holistic viewpoint. The use of healing herbs such as Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi), Holy Basil, Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) that have proven anti-depressant activities can provide much-needed relief to people suffering from depression.  

Moreover Panchkarma Detox,  Shirodara treatment, Full body Ayurvedic hebal massage is also proven answers to overcome any sort of depression, anxiety and  Hopeless feelings.Along with this, Ayurveda also emphasizes the need to identify and let go of negative emotions that pose obstacles in the normal brain functions.

Ayurveda stresses on the need for a healthy diet that helps to maintain the three Humors in a state of balance. Depending on your Ayurvedic body type, you get a specific prescription of the foods you ought to consume and those you should avoid. 

Getting enough sleep, relaxing the mind and body through breathing exercises, yoga and meditation are equally important to deal with depression and an Ayurvedic physician will help you draw up a treatment plan that is customized to meet your specific requirements.

If you find yourself feeling unusually low or moody for no obvious reason, do get in touch with us to find out if you have depression and learn how Ayurveda can help. 

If you have been battling depression with medication, your doctor has probably advised you about the need to keep taking it on time as prescribed. While we do not advocate you stop taking your medication, we do encourage you to explore side- effects free  and health friendly Ayurveda as an alternative. Get in touch with us today to get back to a life filled with happiness, hope and enthusiasm for what the future holds.

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Dr Gurnam Singh Saini

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery

MD Alternative Medicine

Panchkarma Detox Expert