Ayurvedic Treatment for Depression Anxiety | Safe & Effective

Ayurvedic Medicine for Anxiety & Depression Treatment in Melbourne

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 frequently feel low, moody or weepy for days on end for no apparent reason, it is time to visit your GP to get checked out for the possibility that you suffer from depression.

Depression and Anxiety are severe illnesses that affect the emotions and physical health of people suffering from them. Presently, these debilitating conditions are recognized as the top cause of non-fatal disability among the Australian population, and the worst part is that only half of those affected by it may receive the necessary medical care.

Depression Signs and Symptoms 

People with depression or Anxiety suffer from a chronic lack of energy or the motivation 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 conditions, such as the loss of a loved one or suffering a significant career or relationship setback; however, if this behaviour surfaces for no reason at all and persists for a long time, it may be a sign of depression.

Some people with depression withdraw into a shell and cut off contact with their family and friends. In contrast, others have problems with concentration and managing their emotions and go from being gloomy to irritable unpredictably.

Depression Natural Ayurvedic Treatment

Suppose you have been formally diagnosed with depression or Anxiety by a medical professional or just started to experience these vague symptoms and looking for a natural path to enhance your mental health and well-being. Ayurveda may be able to help. According to this ancient health system, the body comprises three elements or doshas. As long as these remain in a state of balance, the individual is healthy; any imbalance in these elements can lead to health problems in the body and the mind.

Ayurveda says that when the Kapha element is imbalanced, it causes a change in the proportions of the Vata and pitta elements, affecting the normal functioning of the nervous system. There is a sub-element called Sadhaka pitta that is responsible for balanced emotions. When there is a disturbance in the proportion of this element, a person experiences the symptoms of mental ill health, including depression.

According to Ayurveda, mental disturbances are related to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body; this results from clinging to negative emotions and being unable to get rid of them. Such abnormal function, in turn, may generate feelings of hopelessness generally associated with depression or Anxiety.

Ayurveda also believes that a lack of awareness of one's inner self may lead to depression. Deep-seated pain, hurt, and negative emotions from the past that have not been resolved also tend to deplete the natural energy of the mind, which may lead to depression. Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment of depression focuses on remedies that deal with all these aspects.

Natural Herbal Remedies for Depression

Ayurveda approaches the problem of depression from a holistic viewpoint. Some of the remedies used in the treatment of depression include:

• Daily regimen (Dincharya) involves setting up a routine of waking up with the sun, eliminating toxins from the body, cleaning the body and beginning the day with worship. This routine helps to promote purity of the body, mind and emotions and profoundly influences one's state of mind. Eating and sleeping on time to optimize digestion and rest are essential aspects of Ayurveda.
• Proper diet – selecting the correct type of food according to one's body type is essential for sound physical and mental health. Self-indulgence is discouraged, and the emphasis is on a healthy diet that helps to maintain the three elements in a state of balance. Depending on your body type, you get a specific prescription of the foods you should consume and those you should avoid. Foods such as milk, walnut, coconut, pear, dates, raisins, black pepper, ginger and turmeric may be recommended to create stable emotions and coordination between the functions of the mind.

Natural Herbs & Ayurvedic Medicine for Anxiety & Depression in Melbourne

Ayurvedic treatment of depression may involve using herbs traditionally used to help balance the doshas – a type of Pitta element that helps regulate emotions. The following herbs have usually worked well either singly or in combination for the Ayurvedic treatment of depression. Below are the Ayurvedic medicines for anxiety.

Brahmi Herb (Bacopa monnieri):

Obtained from the Bacopa monnieri plant, this herb helps the mind to relax, and its regular use may help to alleviate the effects of depression.

Ashwagandha Herb (Withania somnifera):

Obtained from Withania somnifera, this herb has adaptogenic properties that may help improve resistance to stress and negative thoughts. It helps to balance Vata dosha and helps to improve emotional stability.

Arjuna Herb (Terminalia arjuna):

The bark of the Terminalia arjuna tree contains several alkaloids that are good for the heart. Combined with Brahmi, Arjuna may be effective as a remedy for depression and Anxiety.

Jatamansi Herb (Nardostachys chinensis):

Obtained from Nardostachys, this herb aims to channel the energy of the mind in a positive direction and, thus, may exert a calming effect that removes depressive thoughts.

Ayurveda Therapies for Depression and Anxiety

The ancient Indian medical practice of Ayurveda has several treatments to alleviate emotional distress. Shirodhara, Nasya and Panchakarma are three of the most prevalent therapies.

Shirodhara is a healing practice in which a steady stream of warm herbal oil or liquid (milk or buttermilk) is poured onto the forehead (the so-called "third eye" location). "Shiro" means "head," while "Dhara" means "a constant stream." Each person's dosha (mind-body constitution) and the presenting imbalance inform the choice of oil or liquid used in Shirodhara.

How Shirodhara works: The steady trickle of oil or liquid over the forehead soothes the nerves. Facilitates mental calm, anxiety relief, and stress reduction. In addition to calming the mind, Shirodhara calms the restless, anxious vata dosha.

To practise Nasya, a form of nasal therapy, herbal oils or liquids are inserted into the nostrils. Nasya's herbs are often adapted to the patient's dosha and illness.

How Nasya works: It is thought that the nasal passages and other channels in the head can be cleansed and opened by nasya therapy. Congestion is eased, mental clarity is increased, and the body's prana (life force) circulation is strengthened. Nasya has been shown to have a calming impact on the mind, making it a useful tool for alleviating tension and nervousness.

The Ayurvedic practice of Panchakarma purges the body-free radicles and restores vitality. Vamana, or therapeutic vomiting; Virechana, purgation; Basti, herbal enema; Nasya, or nasal therapy, are the five basic methods. Toxins are flushed out of the body, the doshas are balanced, and general health is improved through Panchakarma.

How Panchakarma works: Panchakarma therapies are effective because they flush out built-up toxins and realign the doshas. The methods aim to facilitate the body's innate capacity for healing by thoroughly purifying it of physical and mental toxins. Panchakarma's purifying and revitalizing effects on the body make it an effective treatment for mood disorders.

Yoga for Depression

Yogasanas or yoga postures, when performed regularly, yoga postures can help cleanse toxins from the body. Since the accumulation of toxins is the leading cause of depression, getting rid of these can help to treat this condition. Some of the yoga poses that can help include Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Setubandhasana (Bridge Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose) and Shavasana (Corpse Pose).

How to Manage Depression and Anxiety Naturally 

Ayurveda believes in the healing power of meditation to treat depression and Anxiety. One of the key features of depression is brooding – that is, the tendency to stay focused on unhappy thoughts. Meditation can help depressed people stop brooding and escape the mind's actions and reactions.

Along with these measures, Ayurveda also emphasizes the need to identify and let go of negative emotions obstructing normal brain functions. Being unable to vent out negativity causes it to accumulate, and this leads to depression or Anxiety. Ayurveda can help you get in touch with your mental awareness, channel the energy in the body, balance it and move away from depression towards a positive life.

If you feel unusually low or moody for no apparent reason, contact us to find out and learn how Ayurveda can help. If you have been battling depression or Anxiety with medication, your doctor has probably advised you to keep taking it on time as prescribed. We do not advocate you stop taking your medicine, and we do encourage you to explore Ayurveda as a complementary pathway. 

Our Ayurveda Practitioners, Gurnam Saini and Pooja Saini, have specialized in mental health in their nursing career and worked in both Public and Private hospitals in Melbourne for several years. Gurnam Saini holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, and Pooja Saini completed a Master of Nursing in Mental Health. They have a genuine passion for offering a better quality of life to people with mental health conditions. They believe in active listening and therapeutic engagement of their clients.

If you wish to consult Ayurveda, you may contact one of our Ayurveda Practitioners, Gurnam Saini or Pooja Saini, in Melbourne. Both of our Practitioners are Qualified Ayurveda Doctors from India. You may get "Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic". People who can't reach us personally may choose online Ayurveda consultation. 

Disclaimer: The information on any of the Ayurveda Products, Ayurveda treatment, Ayurvedic Medicines, or any other services mentioned on the Pure Herbal Ayurved clinic website is for educational purposes only and not for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Ayurveda products should only be taken after Full Ayurveda consultation with a Registered Ayurveda Practitioner. On the website, if any of the Ayurveda Products mention heavy metals or some prohibited/restricted plants, the reader should not assume that these products are used, prescribed, or sold by Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic in Australia. Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic does not take liability or responsibility for accidental adulteration or contamination of any unwanted material in the Ayurveda products. Readers should not assume that all of the products mentioned on the website are available for prescription in Australia. The website purely describes the uses and indications of herbal products based on Traditional Ayurvedic textbooks.  These are not for self-medication or online purchase. Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic does not claim or guarantee to cure any disease or health condition or terminal illness. Ayurveda treatment plans should be supplemented with an appropriate diet and lifestyle to get beneficial effects. Ayurveda medicine is generally safe if taken under the strict supervision of a qualified Ayurveda Practitioner, but it may also cause adverse reactions in rare cases. We suggest that you discuss your Ayurvedic treatment plan with your Medical Practitioner to ensure safe and effective use.