Relevance of Ayurvedic Concepts and Lifestyle in Promoting Mental Health

Abstract

Mental health is analytical marker of an individual’s overall well-being, along with his/her physical state. Human beings are required to maintain good mental health. However, we develop certain habits and behaviors, leading to a poor state of mental health. Such behaviors range from anxiety to depression. Low nutrient-containing diet, stress, lack of exercise, unhealthy habits (like the use of drugs, alcohol, and various other addictions), and lack of sufficient rest are risk factors for developing mental health issues. Mental illness is a crucial contributor to the burden on health-care service and affects many people in the world. The prime aim of Ayurveda is the promotion of health through the prevention and cure of diseases through positive physical and mental health through the concepts of Ayurvedic and Yoga practices. Achara Rasayana, Sadvrutta, Aasana, and Pranayama are helpful to maintain proper mental health and tackle mental health promotion and prevention of mental disorders. Daivavyapashraya (chanting of mantras), the performance of various Homas (sacrifice), Yuktivyapashraya (use of medicines and diet), and Satwavajaya (efforts to control the abnormal mental activity by the practice of Yama, Niyama, Asana, and Pranayama) are mentioned in ancient sciences such as Ayurveda and Yoga to treat mental illness and promote stress-free mental life.

Therapeutic Potential of Formulations of Shankha Bhasma

“…The BBR offers ten different Anjana formulations, among which Shankhadyanjana significantly reduced the breadth of Avrana Shukla (Corneal opacity) [8]. For the treatment of eye, skin, respiratory tract, and oral cavity conditions, Manashiladyanjana, a different formulation of Shankha bhasma and Manasila (Red arsenic), is recommended [9]. When it comes to ophthalmia neonatorum, Haritkyadyanjana in the form of Haritkyadi eye drops is demonstrating notable outcomes [10].…”

Customized treatment for Parkinson’s disease: extending lifespan and improving symptoms

“…The lifestyle management counseling suggested in the proposed work includes diet plans, yoga asanas (exercises with regulated breathing), panchakarma (bio-cleansing), and drug therapies, for earlier and more effective management of PD [47,[59][60][61][62][63].…”

“…Preventive therapies help in maintaining good physical and mental health by suggesting some diet and lifestyle changes, exercises, and increased activities of the affected part [29,59,[62][63][64][65][66]. It further intensifies brain communication and nerve functions.…”

“…It reduces stiffness and pain. It is prescribed for either 7, 14, or 21 days depending on the severity of symptoms [59,60,62]. Other therapies of Panchakarma include Shirodhara, Nasya, Basti, and Njavarakhizi therapy.…”

Review of grey literature on Ayurveda wound healing formulations and procedures - A systematic review

“…Many herbal and herbo-mineral drugs are being used for wound healing and have proved to be effective to some extent. The formulations used in this system are usually a combination of several compounds that synergistically act together and exhibit multi variant activities [ 1 ].…”