Hello I completely understand your concern. As a parent, watching your child struggle with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), depression, and the challenges of high-functioning autism can be emotionally draining. But dont worry we are here to help you out😊
The goal of Ayurvedic management is to- 👉 Sattvavajaya Chikitsa (Mind-strengthening therapy) — to stabilize the mind. 👉Medhya Rasayana (Brain tonics) — to nourish and balance neurotransmitters naturally. 👉Panchakarma — to detoxify the mind-body system and calm the nervous pathways.
✅AYURVEDIC PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
✅ Panchakarma Therapy (IMPORTANT)
Panchakarma helps in deep cleansing of the nervous system and emotional pathways. It’s highly recommended in chronic psychological conditions like OCD and depression.
☑️Snehana & Swedana (Oleation and Sudation) To relax the body, remove stiffness and regulate Vata. Medicated oil like Ksheerabala Taila are used for body massage followed by steam therapy.
☑️ Shirodhara: Continuous pouring of medicated oil (like Ksheerabala Taila or Brahmi Taila) over the forehead for 30–45 minutes daily for 7 days 👉 This helps to calm the overactive mind, improves sleep, and balances serotonin and dopamine naturally.
☑️ Shiro Abhyanga: For patients with combined anxiety and depression, these therapies improve mental clarity and emotional stability.
☑️Talapozichila- Medicated lepa application on the head
☑️Nasya: Instillation of Anu Taila in the nostrils to cleanse the head region and improve neurotransmission.
✅INTERNAL MEDICATION
1 Brahmi Vati – 1 tab twice daily after food (for calmness and focus).
2 Manas Mitra Vatakam – 1 tab at bedtime (excellent for OCD, depression, and autism spectrum).
3 Ashwagandha Churna – 1 tsp with warm milk at night (for emotional balance and restful sleep).
4 Saraswatarishta – 15 ml with equal water twice daily after food (improves memory, communication, and mood).
✅DIET MODIFICATION
✅ Include-
Warm, fresh, home-cooked food with ghee. Milk, almonds, dates, raisins. Moong dal, rice, wheat, leafy vegetables, fruits like banana, apple, and pomegranate.
❌Avoid
Caffeine, processed foods, fermented or stale items. Excess sugar and spicy foods. Fasting or skipping meals.
✅LIFESTYLE AND MIND PRACTICES
Maintain a regular routine (Dinacharya) — stable timing reduces anxiety. Encourage morning sunlight exposure for natural serotonin boost. Practice Abhyanga (oil massage) daily for calming Vata. Gentle Yoga asanas: Balasana, Shavasana, Sukhasana, Vajrasana. Pranayama: Anulom Vilom, Bhramari, and Nadi Shuddhi. Introduce Satvik hobbies — music, art, or gardening to express emotions positively.
✅ Family & Emotional Support
OCD and depression improve significantly when there’s consistent emotional reassurance. Encourage him to communicate freely and avoid criticism during obsessive phases. Family therapy combined with Ayurvedic management yields excellent results.
Ayurveda doesn’t merely suppress symptoms — it aims to balance the root doshas, calm the mind, and promote inner stability and confidence.
Warm regards, Dr Snehal Vidhate
HELLO, I recommend the following treatment plan for your son- 1. Ashwagandharistha+ Saraswatarishtha - 2tsp each with 4tsp water twice a day after meal 2.Brahmi vati 2-0-2 after meals 3. Rogan Badam oil - 2-2 drops in each nostril either in the morning empty stomach or at bedtime.
Diet- Adequate amount of water. Drinks to be consumed Homemade vegetable juices, coconut water, Herbal tea, Fruits juices, Amla juice, Red juice, Pumpkin Juice, Green juice.
Drinks to be avoided- .All Carbonated drinks, Energy drinks. .Beverages that contain tannic acid, Alcohol. .Eat walnut, cashew, soaked and peeled almonds. .Eat seasonal vegetables and fruits. Yoga- Anulom vilom, bhastrika, tratak,ujjayi Lifestyle modifications - .Take atleast 7 hours of sound sleep. .Stress management -Through meditation, walking, journaling, gardening. . Write a gratitude journal. . Family and friends should support him and not judge or scold him for ocd behaviour. . Speak out the exact thoughts during obsessive episodes. Don’t worry , follow these and you will definitely get relief. Don’t hesitate to reach out for any further query. Would like to hear your improvement in the review. FOLLOW UP AFTER 1 MONTH. Take care Regards, Dr. Anupriya
Start with Manasmitra vatikam 1-0-1 after food with water Ashwagandha churan 0-0-1tsp at bedtime with warm milk Brahmi vati 1-0-1 after food with water Do Nasya with Brahmi grith 2 drops in both nostril once daily Light massage on head with Brahmi oil Do pranayam lom -vilom bhastrika bhamri 5-10mins daily twice Learn Rajyoga meditation and practice daily.
HELLO,
OCD means that the brain gets “stuck” on certain thoughts (obsessions) and feels forced to do certain actions(compulsion) to reduce axiety EXAMPLES= repeatedly washing hands, checking things, or counting. even though the person knows these actions are necessary, the urge feels uncontrollable
Depression often develops because the person feels trapped by these thoughts, loses motivation, and struggles with sleep and mood
In autism spectrum disorder , the brain already processes information in a rigid , detail focused way. This can intensify OCD patterns because the mind prefers sameness and routine
So in your son, the brain feels overactive, overstressed, and overstimulated. The Ayurvedic goal is to soothe, nourish and stabilize his mind and nervous system so he can think more clearly and feel emotionally balanced
In Ayurevda, mental disorders are called Manovikara- imbalances of the mind body systm -vata dosha controls thoughts, movement, and nerves. when aggravated-> anxiety, restlessness, overthinknig -Pitta dosha controls judgement and precision when high-> anger, perfectionism, guilt -Kapha dosha when blocked-> dullness, depression, lack of motivation -Mental qualities- rajas (acitivity)and tamas (inertia)- disturb sattva (clarity, peace)
So OCD= vata + pitta aggravation, and depression= vata + kapha imbalance
TREATMENT GOALS -calm the nervous system -stabilize mood and improve energy -enahnce clarity and focus -improve digestion and sleep -build routine and sattvik lifestyle for long term balance
INTERNAL MEDICATIONS
1) BRAHMI VATI (gold)= 1 tab twice daily after meals with warm milk for 3 months =improves memory, reduces anxiety, enhances concentration
2) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk at bedtime for 3 months =adaptogen ,relieves stress, stabilises mood, reduces cortisol
3) JATAMANSI CHURNA= 1/4 tsp at bedtime with warm milk for 2 months =sedative, reduces obsessive thoughts, supports sleep
4) SHANKHAPUSHPI SYRUP =10 ml twice daily for 3 months =calms hyperactive mind, improves recall
5) TAGARA CAPSULE = 250mg at night for 1 month =induces restful sleep and reduces anxiety
EXTERNAL THERAPIES
1) OIL MASSAGE= whole body warm oil massage with Brahmi taila daily or thrice weekly =pacifies vata, improves sleep, reduces muscle tension
2) HEAD MASSAGE= with brahmi taila daily at bedtime =relaxes brain centres
3) NASYA= instill 2 drops of Anu taila in each nostril morning after bath before breakfast = clears head channels, enhances clarity
4) FOOT MASSAGE = daily before sleep with warm ghee =improves sleep and grounding
YOGA ASANAS= calm vata, open chest for better breathing, ground energy -vajrasana -sukhasana -balasana -shavsana -bhujangasana -viparita karani
PRANAYAM -nadisodhana= balances hemisphere -bhramari= calms mind chatter -sheetali/sheetkari= pacifies pitta -ujjayi= promotes relaxation
5-10 Min twice daily is enough to start
MEDITATION AND MIND TRAINING -guided mindfullness or mantra repetitions(om shanti, so ham) -visualization of light at the heart or forehead -gratitude journaling and positive affirmations -reduce screen exposure and multitasking
DIET= warm, light, nourishing,regular -warm cooked meals - khichdi, vegetable soups, rice with ghee, mung dal -milk with turmeric or nutmeg at night -fresh fruits- banana, dates, apple, pomegranate -spices=cumin, coriander, fennel, cardamom -ghee and sesame oil for brain nourishment
AVOID -cold,stale or refrigerated foods -caffeine, carbonated drinks, refined sugar -excessively spicy, sour, or salty food -over screen exposure, loud music, late nights
LIFESTYLE -sleep 10 pm- 6 am -fixed daily routine - same wake, meal, and sleep times -morning sunlight exposure for 15-20 min -gentle exercise or yoga daily -encourage outdoor time and hobbies he enjoys
HOME REMEDIES -brahmi tea daily -warm sesame oil massage before bath for relaxation -nutmeg powder a pinch in warm milk before bed for sleep -tulsi leaves or tea for stress and immunity -lavender or sandalwood aroma in room to calm mind
OCD is not a character flaw- it’s a treatable neurochemical imbalance Ayurveda sees the person as a whole : body, mind, and spirit
With patient support, structured therapy, and a sattvic lifestyle , your son can experience major relief and live a fulfilling independent life
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
1.Ashwagandha churna 1 tsp twice daily with milk 2.Brahmi vati 2 tab at bedtime with water 3.Manasmithra vatakam 2 tab twice daily with water 4.Saraswatarishta 20 ml with 20 ml water twice daily 5.Ksheer bala oil-2 drops in each nostril once daily
Lifestyle & Routine Support - Structured daily routine: Helps reduce anxiety and OCD triggers. - Abhyanga (oil massage): Daily warm oil massage with Bala Taila or Ksheerabala Taila calms Vata and improves sensory integration. - Yoga & breathwork: Gentle practices like alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) and guided relaxation. - Diet: Warm, nourishing meals with ghee, moong dal, and seasonal vegetables. Avoid stimulants and processed foods.
Start with - 1. Saraswatarishta: 15 ml + equal water, twice daily after meals. 2. Brahmi Vati: 1 tab twice daily after meals. 3. Jatamansi Capsules: 1 cap (250 mg) twice daily before meals. 4. Ashwagandha Tablets: 1 tab (500 mg) once daily after breakfast.
External Therapy Shirodhara (Brahmi Taila): 30 mins, 2 times a week
Diet Advice Include: Almonds (5 soaked), ghee (1 tsp/meal), warm milk + nutmeg nightly, leafy greens.
Avoid: Caffeine, sugar, processed foods.
Hydration: 8 glasses warm water; sip tulsi tea.
Lifestyle & Behavioral Advice 10 mins Anulom Vilom + 10 mins mindfulness daily (focus on breath). Fixed sleep 10 PM–6 AM and 30 mins walk.
ERP exercises with therapist
**Ayurveda alone cannot cure Autism and OCD, but reduces 40-60% symptoms. Must see psychiatrist + CBT therapist. Monitor mood weekly. With Holistic approach we can manage Autism and OCD
Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma
Addressing OCD and depression in your son, especially with the added complexity of high-functioning autism, through Ayurveda is a multi-faceted process. It’s important to first understand that Ayurveda views mental health as a balance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), and imbalances can manifest as psychological disturbances. OCD might often be linked to an imbalance in Vata dosha, leading to excessive and repetitive thoughts.
Dietary adjustments are fundamental. Encouraging a diet that pacifies Vata might be beneficial. This includes warm, moist, and nourishing foods, rich in good fats and complex carbohydrates. He should aim to include foods like cooked grains (rice, oats), legumes, root vegetables, soaked nuts, and seeds in his meals. Using spices such as cumin, ginger, and cinnamon helps improve digestion and calm the mind.
Daily routine and rituals play a vital role. Suggesting regularity in sleeping and wake times can stabilize the mind. Encouraging practices such as Abhyanga (self-massage) using warm sesame oil before a bath can ground the restless Vata. Simple breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing) can be practiced daily to calm the nervous system.
Herbal support is renowned in Ayurveda. Herbs like Brahmi and Ashwagandha are often recommended for their calming and nourishing properties. A trained Ayurvedic practitioner should be consulted to determine the appropriate dosage and formulations, particularly since these need to be customized according to his constitution and the severity of symptoms.
Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation tailored to short sessions with a focus on counting breaths or guided imagery, could be immensely helpful. Establishing a space that invites calmness, using subtle aroma therapy with essential oils like lavender or sandalwood, might also support in reducing stress and anxiety.
However, it’s crucial to track progress alongside medical treatments already in place and keep an open line of communication with healthcare professionals overseeing his care. If at any point symptoms seem to exacerbate or interfere significantly with his functioning, seeking additional psychiatric support promptly is advised. Balancing these approaches with professional guidance can lead to a more harmonious and effective management of his condition.
Ashwagandha churna 0-0-1/2 tsp with warm milk Brahmi vati 1-0-1 Medha vati 1-0-1 Saraswathi aristha 10-0-10 ml
