Depression
Basic description of the disease
The mental state of humans does not remain constant all the time and this depends on how well the situation is going. Depression is a common mental disorder, characterized by sadness, loss of interest, pleasure,feeling of guilt or low self worth, disturb sleep, poor appetite, low energy and poor concentration. It is a common mood disorder in elderly and contributes to significant psychological and physical distress, physical disability and higher mortality.
Being sad is not the same as having depression.
Depression can affect anyone—even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances.
To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.
Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances:
- Persistent depressive disorder - is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years,
- Postpartum depression - that many women experience after giving birth,
- Psychotic depression - occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or see hallucinations
- Seasonal affective disorder - is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight
- Bipolar disorder - experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression
Ayurvedic treatment for depression relies on a holistic approach through lifestyle, diet, and herbal supplements which are natural and offer a long-term solution.
According to Ayurveda, main causes for emotional imbalance are when the three Doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha are not at their optimal levels:
Mostly Depression is caused due to a Kapha imbalance where the brain’s electrochemistry has an erratic overreaction that is cause of Vata imbalance, which triggers a loss of enzymatic activity in the metabolism following with Pitta imbalance.
Kapha can result in heaviness, darkness, anxiety, stress, and stagnation of mind and body which can cause hopelessness and depression.
Depression caused due to Pitta disorder where allergies and breakdown of metabolic processes can disturb brain chemistry. This can cause mood swings and depression.
Vata imbalance cause depression.
The Ayurveda treatment for depression consists of internal herbal medicines & supplements along with specific therapies and Panchakarma treatments like Abhyangam (massage with specific medicinal oils), Shirodhara, Thalam, Nasyam. Ayurvedi treatment is selected to reduce the level of stress hormones in the brain, change brain function and puts it into a relaxed state. The efficacy of the treatments is enhanced by the inclusion of Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation sessions.
Ayurvedic medicines focus on rectifying the imbalance in the doshas and they reduce anxiety and help in managing depression. Some common medicines are:
- Ashwagandha - reduce stress and help control mood swings.
- Brahmi - helps treat stress and calms down the mind, which helps in treating depression.
- Guduchi - has been found helpful in treating depression.
- Bhringaraj- This is a rejuvenating herb that can help control anxiety and stress.
The Ayurvedic doctor will give precise recommendations for the necessary therapies and medications during the consultation!
Devastating thoughts and emotions
People create diseases for themselves, and they can get rid of them themselves by eliminating the causes. The causes of illness are in us, not outside of us. They are as follows:
- 1. Unaware of the purpose of one's life, sense and mission.
2. Misunderstanding of the laws of the universe, non-observance. 3. Existence of destructive aggressive thoughts, feelings and emotions in the subconscious and consciousness
TIPS
The following yogic asanas are beneficial in Depression - Padmasana, Savasana, Suryanamask!ra, Bhujangasana, Paschimottanasana,Sarvangasana
Pranayama
Meditation and Deep relaxation techniques
diet rich in antioxidants
green vegetables and yellow fruits
Be active and happy always, even if it is hard! It will become a habit later!
