Bipolar disorder

Question

For years, I’ve been going through extreme mood swings that don’t make any sense. Some days I feel like I have endless energy, barely need sleep, and my mind is running so fast I can’t keep up with it. I start a bunch of new projects, make huge plans, talk to everyone, and feel like I can do anything. Then, suddenly, everything crashes. I get so exhausted that even getting out of bed feels impossible. I avoid people, lose interest in everything, and feel like nothing in my life matters. It’s like my brain has two completely different settings, and I have no control over when it switches.

A psychiatrist diagnosed me with bipolar disorder last year and put me on medication. At first, I thought it was helping, but now I just feel numb all the time. My emotions don’t feel like my own anymore, and I’m constantly tired. The meds also made me gain weight, and I feel even worse about myself. I started looking into alternative treatments, and someone told me that Ayurveda focuses on balancing the mind naturally.

Can Ayurveda help manage bipolar disorder without relying on heavy medication? Are there herbs or specific treatments that stabilize mood swings? I’ve heard that gut health plays a role in mental health, so does Ayurveda look at digestion when treating bipolar disorder? Also, are there any Ayurvedic therapies that can help with sleep problems and anxiety that come with bipolar disorder?

If anyone has tried Ayurveda for bipolar disorder, did it actually help long-term? I just want to feel like myself again without being stuck in this cycle.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

In Ayurveda, bipolar disorder is understood as an imbalance of the three doshas, primarily Vata (irregularity, restlessness, anxiety) and Pitta (intensity, anger, hyperactivity). The extreme highs (mania) often indicate excess Pitta and Vata, while the depressive lows suggest Vata and Kapha imbalance. Ayurveda focuses on stabilizing the mind naturally by strengthening the nervous system, balancing digestion, and calming excessive doshic fluctuations.

Herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Shankhpushpi are known to stabilize mood, reduce stress, and promote clarity. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) help calm the nervous system and improve emotional resilience. Since gut health is deeply linked to mental well-being, Ayurveda emphasizes eating warm, nourishing foods like ghee, cooked vegetables, whole grains, and herbal teas while avoiding processed foods, excessive caffeine, and sugar, which can trigger mood swings. Regular oil massage (Abhyanga) with warm sesame or Brahmi oil can help ground Vata energy and stabilize emotions.

For sleep and anxiety, Shirodhara (a therapy where warm oil is poured over the forehead) is highly effective in calming the mind. Practicing Pranayama (breathing techniques) like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and meditation can bring emotional stability. While Ayurveda may not completely replace medication in severe cases, it can significantly reduce dependency over time and help you feel more balanced and in control. Working with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner can ensure a personalized approach that supports both your mind and body in the long term.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing mental health by balancing the mind, body, and spirit. In the case of bipolar disorder, imbalances in the Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system and mental stability, are often involved. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jatamansi are known for their calming properties, helping to stabilize mood swings and reduce anxiety. Ayurvedic treatments like Abhyanga (oil massage) and Shirodhara (oil poured on the forehead) can help soothe the nervous system, improve sleep, and alleviate stress. Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of gut health, as digestion is closely linked to mental well-being. A diet that supports digestion with warm, easily digestible foods, and the use of probiotics can be beneficial. Although Ayurveda offers supportive therapies, it’s essential to work with your healthcare provider to create a balanced approach that complements your existing treatment plan. Long-term healing may involve combining Ayurvedic practices with conventional care to achieve a more balanced and natural state of well-being.

Bipolar disorder - #16953

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