Manasa Roga and Chikitsa in Ayurveda

Manasa Roga, in Ayurveda, refers to disorders of the mind. It encompasses a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and various psychosomatic disorders. Ayurveda recommends three types of chikitsa for treating mental illnesses: daivavyapasraya chikitsa (spiritual/therapy), yuktivyapasraya chikitsa (logical therapy), and satwavajaya chikitsa (psycho therapy). Daivavyapasraya chikitsa involves mantra, ausadhi (wearing scared herbs), mani (wearing precious gems), mangala (propitiatory rites), upahara (offers), and upavasa (fasts). Yuktivyapasraya chikitsa involves the use of ahara (diet) and oushadha (drugs), with food articles like ksira (milk), ghrta (ghee), draksa (grapes), and panasa (jackfruit) recommended for various mental disorders. Drug therapy involves purificatory measures, samanausadha (palliatives), and rasayana (tonics) to restore normalcy. Treatment processes include Virecana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal instillation), Abhyanga (aneling), Takradhara/ Ksiradhara/ tailadhara, Kasayadhara (streaming of medicated buttermilk/ milk/ oil/ decoction on the forehead), Mastishka (application of medicated wet cakes on the head), and Sirolepa (application of medicated wet cakes on the vertex). Satvavajaya chikitsa therapy aims to restrain the mind from unwholesome objects, allowing for occupational and behavioral therapies. It also includes calming measures and assurances.

The consumption of Pathya-Ahara, obeying the rules of Dincharya (Daily Regimen) and Ritucharya (Seasonal Regimen). The conduction of Sadvritta (Code of conduct) along with Achara Rasayana (Socio- Behavioural conduct) also helps in maintaining good mental health.

Dr. Aswini Ramachandran
BAMS, MD(Ayu)
Ayush Clinic (Alternative Medicine)