Concept of Mental Health and Its Importance in Āyurveda: A Review Article

Abstract

Health according to Āyurveda is not merely the absence of physical disease; it requires a happy mind and soul too. This subtle aspect of self is often neglected, resulting in unhealthiness. Āyurveda has duly recognized the individuality of mana (psyche) and śarīra (body) and their inseparable and interdependent relationship in a living body. While defining āyu, it is said that ‘life is the combined state of body, senses, mind and soul.’ According to Āyurveda there is an imbalance in Tridoṣas when there is a causative factor. The guṇas of mind rajas and tamas are also affected simultaneously. Excess of śoka (sorrow), ciṁta (unnecessary thinking), kāma (lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha  (delusion), īrṣyā (jealousy), abhimāna (pride), mada (euphoria), and bhaya (fear) are some of the negative emotions which can contribute to mental imbalance. Holding on to negative emotions and past experiences are considered as toxins affecting mind. Here, An attempt is made to project at one place the available Āyurvedic material on manas and mental health in an orderly manner which would be both easy to understand and rewarding in the field of treatment, by describing the definition of health, need of mental health and its relation with physical health, Mental Health Review with-Somatic and Psychic factors regulating mental health, Physiological and Pathological Aspect of Mental Health, Preventive aspect of mental health, discussion and conclusion.

Keywords: Mental health, Ayurveda, Health, Mana, Ayurvedic psychology