How does Ayurveda approach mental health?

Question

I’ve been exploring holistic approaches to mental health and want to know how does Ayurveda address mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression.

From what I’ve read, Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on balancing the three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—to maintain mental well-being. How does an imbalance in these doshas affect mental health, and what remedies or practices does Ayurveda suggest to restore balance?

One of the herbs I’ve come across is Ashwagandha, which is said to reduce stress and promote relaxation. How effective is it for managing anxiety, and how should it be taken for best results?

Another common Ayurvedic practice is meditation and pranayama. Techniques like Anulom Vilom and Nadi Shodhana are recommended for calming the mind. How often should these breathing exercises be practiced for noticeable improvements?

Lastly, Ayurveda emphasizes a sattvic diet for mental clarity and emotional balance. What foods are included in a sattvic diet, and are there any specific dietary restrictions for improving mental health?

If anyone has used Ayurvedic remedies for mental health, I’d love to hear your experience. What worked best for you, and how did it help with your emotional and mental well-being?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression are often linked to imbalances in the doshas:

Vata Imbalance: It leads to anxiety and restlessness. Ashwagandha, a calming herb, helps balance Vata and reduce stress. It is typically taken in powder or capsule form (500 mg–1 g) daily, often with milk or warm water.
Pitta Imbalance: It causes irritability and anger, affecting mental peace. Ayurveda suggests cooling herbs like Brahmi and Shankhpushpi to calm Pitta.
Kapha Imbalance: It results in depression and lethargy. Herbs like Triphala or Guduchi can help invigorate Kapha energy.
Meditation and pranayama (breathing techniques) like Anulom Vilom and Nadi Shodhana are highly effective for mental health. Practicing them 20–30 minutes daily can significantly calm the mind and improve focus.

Sattvic diet: This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and mild spices. Avoid heavy, oily, or overly processed foods. A sattvic diet promotes mental clarity and emotional balance by calming the mind.

If you’ve tried Ayurvedic remedies for mental health, many find that a combination of herbal treatments, breathing exercises, and a balanced diet offers noticeable improvement in overall well-being.

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