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A retrospective analysis of researches on effect of ayurvedic management in psychiatric diseases was done. The data showed that Ayurvedic formulations like aamalakyadi and medhya rasayana ghrita (in Alzheimer’s disease), rasayana ghana tablets (in stress), brahmi ghrita (in depression), shirodhara (in insomnia), saraswatarishta (in perimenopausal syndrome) are moderately effective in treatment of psychiatric diseases.<ref>Deole Y.S. A Retrospective Analysis of Various Formulations in Psychiatric Diseases. Research and Reviews: Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturoapthy. 2(1)</ref>

A retrospective analysis of researches on effect of ayurvedic management in psychiatric diseases was done. The data showed that Ayurvedic formulations like aamalakyadi and medhya rasayana ghrita (in Alzheimer’s disease), rasayana ghana tablets (in stress), brahmi ghrita (in depression), shirodhara (in insomnia), saraswatarishta (in perimenopausal syndrome) are moderately effective in treatment of psychiatric diseases.<ref>Deole Y.S. A Retrospective Analysis of Various Formulations in Psychiatric Diseases. Research and Reviews: Journal of Ayurvedic Science, Yoga and Naturoapthy. 2(1)</ref>

    

    

Sattvavajaya therapy and  powder of Pippalimula with jaggery are observed effective in patients of insomnia. Sattvavajaya therapy was found more effective in reducing mental symptoms like tension (chinta),  fear (bhaya) and anger (krodha).

Sattvavajaya therapy and  powder of Pippalimula with jaggery are observed effective in patients of insomnia. Sattvavajaya therapy was found more effective in reducing mental symptoms like tension (chinta),  fear (bhaya) and anger (krodha).<ref>Rawal P, Vyas M, Baghel A S, Kamble S. Efficacy of Sattvavajaya Chikitsa in the form of relaxation techniques and Guda Pippalimula Churna in the management of Anidra (insomnia) - An open labelled, randomized comparative clinical trial. AYU [serial online] 2019 [cited 2021 May 27];40:89-96. Available from: https://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2019/40/2/89/281073</ref>

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====4. Therapeutic massage (abhyanga):====

====4. Therapeutic massage (abhyanga):====

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Therapeutic massage (abhyanga) is beneficial in slowing the aging process, pacifying vitiated vata and increasing relaxation of mind, stabilizing mind in order to adopt with stress. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 5/81,85,89] Recent study shows beneficial effects of massage on reducing stress.

Therapeutic massage (abhyanga) is beneficial in slowing the aging process, pacifying vitiated vata and increasing relaxation of mind, stabilizing mind in order to adopt with stress. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 5/81,85,89] Recent study shows beneficial effects of massage on reducing stress.<ref>Moraska A. et al . Physiological Adjustments to Stress Measures Following Massage

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====5. Oil dripping method (shirodhara):====  

====5. Oil dripping method (shirodhara):====  

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Effects of pouring therapeutic oil on forehead in rhythmic pattern (shirodhara) are studied well. A standardized shirodhara leads to a state of alert calmness similar to the relaxation response observed in meditation. The clinical benefits observed with shirodhara in anxiety neurosis, hypertension, and stress aggravation due to chronic degenerative diseases could be mediated through these adaptive physiological effects.  Researchers at University of Toyama, Japan proved that the pharmaco-physio-psychologic action of ayurvedic oil treatment may provide a useful model for future pharmaco-physio-psychotherapy.   

Effects of pouring therapeutic oil on forehead in rhythmic pattern (shirodhara) are studied well. A standardized shirodhara leads to a state of alert calmness similar to the relaxation response observed in meditation. The clinical benefits observed with shirodhara in anxiety neurosis, hypertension, and stress aggravation due to chronic degenerative diseases could be mediated through these adaptive physiological effects.<ref>Dhuri Kalpana D, Bodhe Prashant V, Vaidya Ashok B. Shirodhara : A psycho-physiological profile in healthy volunteers. 2013.4[1]. 40-44.</ref>   Researchers at University of Toyama, Japan proved that the pharmaco-physio-psychologic action of ayurvedic oil treatment may provide a useful model for future pharmaco-physio-psychotherapy.<ref>Xu F, Uebaba K, Ogawa H, Tatsuse T, Wang BH, Hisajima T, Venkatraman S. Pharmaco-physio-psychologic effect of Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment using an essential oil from Lavendula angustifolia. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Oct;14(8):947-56.</ref>  

Thus, Herbs and therapies having rejuvenation properties can be utilized for promotion, preservation and restoration of positive mental health.  

Thus, Herbs and therapies having rejuvenation properties can be utilized for promotion, preservation and restoration of positive mental health.  

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====1.Meditation:====  

====1.Meditation:====  

Meditation is the most powerful therapy for mental health. It is an exercise of consciousness to expand beyond the day-to-day experience of duality. It reduces stress, increases creativity and efficiency of the inner faculty. The process of meditation goes beyond the mind to the deepest level of the inner Self.  It connects with the soul (atman). Research has confirmed many health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in pain (both physical and psychological), improved memory, and increased efficiency. Meditation increases regional cerebral blood flow in the frontal and anterior cingulate regions of the brain, increases efficiency in the brain's executive attentional network, and increases electroencephalogram (EEG) coherence. A study on the effect of meditation on the executive attentional network found that meditators were faster on all tasks. With aging, the brain cortical thickness (gray matter, which contains neurons) decreases, whereas meditation experience is associated with an increase in gray matter in the brain.   

Meditation is the most powerful therapy for mental health. It is an exercise of consciousness to expand beyond the day-to-day experience of duality. It reduces stress, increases creativity and efficiency of the inner faculty. The process of meditation goes beyond the mind to the deepest level of the inner Self.  It connects with the soul (atman). Research has confirmed many health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in pain (both physical and psychological), improved memory, and increased efficiency. Meditation increases regional cerebral blood flow in the frontal and anterior cingulate regions of the brain, increases efficiency in the brain's executive attentional network, and increases electroencephalogram (EEG) coherence. A study on the effect of meditation on the executive attentional network found that meditators were faster on all tasks. With aging, the brain cortical thickness (gray matter, which contains neurons) decreases, whereas meditation experience is associated with an increase in gray matter in the brain.<ref>Sharma H. Meditation: Process and effects. AYU [serial online] 2015 [cited 2021 May 27];36:233-7. Available from: https://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2015/36/3/233/182756</ref>  

The practices of ‘dhyaana’ and ‘samaadhi’ are referred as two indistinct stages of meditation. Samaadhi means the withdrawal of mind from all its objects and its concentration and union with self.  ‘Dhyaana’ literally means to think, imagine, contemplate, recollect.   ‘Samaadhi’ means intense abstract meditation or fixing of mind or attention. It also means putting together or joining of mind and soul. Dhyaana is referred to both the act of inward contemplation in the broadest sense and more technically to the intermediate state between mere attention to an object (dhaarana) and complete absorption in it (samaadhi). These practices  produce ample psychological benefits like control of thoughts, detachment, happiness and peace of mind, concentration, spontaneity and creativity, help in discovering the purpose of life.  The spiritual benefits include the preservation of the harmony of body, mind and soul. It helps in understanding eternity, own spirituality with own faith. Meditation is the most important technique in the prevention as well as management of psychiatric disorders.  

The practices of ‘dhyaana’ and ‘samaadhi’ are referred as two indistinct stages of meditation. Samaadhi means the withdrawal of mind from all its objects and its concentration and union with self.  ‘Dhyaana’ literally means to think, imagine, contemplate, recollect.<ref>Available from online dictionary  http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?tinput=dhyAna&direction=SE&link=yes&choice=yes accessed on 07/11/2015 </ref>  ‘Samaadhi’ means intense abstract meditation or fixing of mind or attention. It also means putting together or joining of mind and soul. Dhyaana is referred to both the act of inward contemplation in the broadest sense and more technically to the intermediate state between mere attention to an object (dhaarana) and complete absorption in it (samaadhi).<ref>Patanjala Yoga Sutra Dhyana Ashtanga Yoga available from http://www.yogajournal.com/article/beginners/the-eight-limbs/accessed on  07/11/2015</ref> These practices  produce ample psychological benefits like control of thoughts, detachment, happiness and peace of mind, concentration, spontaneity and creativity, help in discovering the purpose of life.  The spiritual benefits include the preservation of the harmony of body, mind and soul. It helps in understanding eternity, own spirituality with own faith. Meditation is the most important technique in the prevention as well as management of psychiatric disorders.  

====2. Mantra therapy / music therapy / faith therapy:====

====2. Mantra therapy / music therapy / faith therapy:====

Mantra [chanting holy hymns] acts through sound vibrations. Sharma H. et. Al, in his research at Ohio state University proved the efficacy of the effects of 'primordial sounds' [Sama Veda] on decreasing the growth of cancer cell lines as compared to rock music.  Pratap G. critically analyzed the effect of mantra on positive mental health.  Recently researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical center report that the relaxation response – a state of deep rest attained through breathing, meditation, yoga and other practices. This triggers changes in gene expression that affect the body’s immune system, energy metabolism and insulin secretion.   

Mantra [chanting holy hymns] acts through sound vibrations. Sharma H. et. Al, in his research at Ohio state University proved the efficacy of the effects of 'primordial sounds' [Sama Veda] on decreasing the growth of cancer cell lines as compared to rock music.<ref>Hari Sharma, Ellen Kauffman, Ralph Stephens. Effect of Sama Veda and Hard Rock Music on Growth of Human Cancer Cell Lines In Vitro. AYU. 2008,  29[1], 1-8.</ref> Pratap G. critically analyzed the effect of mantra on positive mental health.<ref>G Pratap, Prakash B Narayana, Suhas Kumar Shetty. Critical Analysis of Mantra Chikitsa. AYU. 2008:  29[2 ], 74-76</ref> Recently researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical center report that the relaxation response – a state of deep rest attained through breathing, meditation, yoga and other practices. This triggers changes in gene expression that affect the body’s immune system, energy metabolism and insulin secretion.<ref>Kuo B, Bhasin M, Jacquart J, Scult MA, Slipp L, et al. (2015) Genomic and Clinical Effects Associated with a Relaxation Response Mind-Body Intervention in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. PLoS ONE 10(4): e0123861. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123861</ref>    

====3. Contemplation or prayer:====  

====3. Contemplation or prayer:====  

Contemplation involves stilling one’s material thoughts, focusing on material questions or issues, and listening to intuitive answers. Prayer can offer an individual to express gratitude, share hopes and fears with higher power. This helps in connecting the individual with its higher consciousness.  

Contemplation involves stilling one’s material thoughts, focusing on material questions or issues, and listening to intuitive answers. Prayer can offer an individual to express gratitude, share hopes and fears with higher power. This helps in connecting the individual with its higher consciousness.<ref>Wiebers D. Theory of reality: Evidence for Existence Beyond the Brain and Tools for Your Journey. Seattle, WA: Threshold  World Press; 2012.</ref>

   

   

The sound vibrations created by self or musical waves unified with those of cosmos vibrations can have subtle effect on the subconscious mind, leading to healing and strengthening its power. Effect of a scientific prayer and other various techniques on subconscious mind and mental health through law of belief and faith is well studied.

The sound vibrations created by self or musical waves unified with those of cosmos vibrations can have subtle effect on the subconscious mind, leading to healing and strengthening its power. Effect of a scientific prayer and other various techniques on subconscious mind and mental health through law of belief and faith is well studied.<ref>Murphy Joseph, The power of your subconscious mind.Bantom Books. New York,2001.</ref>

    

    

==== 4. Exercise (vyayama):====

==== 4. Exercise (vyayama):====

Exercise corrects metabolism, provides physical and mental stability, lightness, strength, endurance and mitigation of [[dosha]] (especially [[kapha]]). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 7/32]  

Exercise corrects metabolism, provides physical and mental stability, lightness, strength, endurance and mitigation of [[dosha]] (especially [[kapha]]). [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 7/32]  

Lack of exercise (avyayama) oppositely affects the body and mind, increase [[kapha]] [[dosha]], and [[tamas]]. In a study, over 90% of patients with depression were not following any exercise. Recent research demonstrated that exercise generates new neurons in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for some aspects of memory. It improves learning and memory tasks.  Another study reported that regular physical exercise has a variety of benefits that may help promote physiological and psychological wellbeing in adolescent females with depressive symptoms. Exercise has been shown to convey a variety of long and short-term benefits to the brain and body. Regular physical exercise increases learning capacity sharpens memory and boosts overall cognitive functions. Exercise and physical fitness, particularly aerobic fitness, not only improves short term mental processes, but also decrease the long-term risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of age-related cognitive decline. Science has also associated regular exercise with improved sleep, improved self-esteem, mood and relaxation, improved bone density, decreased risk of cardio vascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and certain cancers.

Lack of exercise (avyayama) oppositely affects the body and mind, increase [[kapha]] [[dosha]], and [[tamas]]. In a study, over 90% of patients with depression were not following any exercise.<ref>Deole YS. 2008 MR Clinico- Experimental study on Effect of Brahmi ghrita on Depressive Illness M.D. research thesis submitted to Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar.

</ref> Recent research demonstrated that exercise generates new neurons in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for some aspects of memory. It improves learning and memory tasks.<ref>The Indian express, Ahmedabad, December 10, 2007,pg.12 </ref> Another study reported that regular physical exercise has a variety of benefits that may help promote physiological and psychological wellbeing in adolescent females with depressive symptoms.<ref>Chanudda Nabkasorn, Nobuyuki Miyai, Anek Sootmongkol, Suwanna Junprasert, Hiroichi Yamamoto, Mikio Arita and Kazuhisa Miyashita,; Effects of physical exercise on depression, neuroendocrine stress hormones and physiological fitness in adolescent females with depressive symptoms The European Journal of Public Health Advance Access originally published online on August 26, 2005 The European Journal of Public Health 2006 16(2):179-184; doi:10.1093/eurpub/cki159 from http://www.oxfordjournals.com accessed on 15/3/2008</ref> Exercise has been shown to convey a variety of long and short-term benefits to the brain and body. Regular physical exercise increases learning capacity sharpens memory and boosts overall cognitive functions. Exercise and physical fitness, particularly aerobic fitness, not only improves short term mental processes, but also decrease the long-term risk of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of age-related cognitive decline. Science has also associated regular exercise with improved sleep, improved self-esteem, mood and relaxation, improved bone density, decreased risk of cardio vascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and certain cancers.<ref>Wiebers D. Theory of reality: Evidence for Existence Beyond the Brain and Tools for Your Journey. Seattle, WA: Threshold  World Press; 2012.</ref><ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise accessed on 18/03/2011</ref><ref>Jason Menoutis, Ed.D. (2008). "Physical Activity and Health." (Abstract). Nasm Pro. http://www.nasm.org/nasmpro/library/showarticle.aspx?id=14220#one. 18/03/2011</ref>

Sengupta P. reviewed the health impacts of yoga and pranayama. Regular physical exercise, pranayama [breathing exercises] showed good results on improving higher intellectual functions and delays brain ageing. A study showed two weeks of Yoga practice potentially reduced anxiety and depression and improved self-esteem of orphanage adolescents and young adults.

Sengupta P. reviewed the health impacts of yoga and pranayama. Regular physical exercise, pranayama [breathing exercises] showed good results on improving higher intellectual functions and delays brain ageing.<ref>Sengupta P. Health impacts of Yoga and Pranayama-A state of the art review. Int J Prev Med.2012.Jul;3(7):444-458</ref> A study showed two weeks of Yoga practice potentially reduced anxiety and depression and improved self-esteem of orphanage adolescents and young adults.<ref>Tejvani R, Metri KG, Agrawal J, Nagendra H R. Effect of Yoga on anxiety, depression and self-esteem in orphanage residents: A pilot study. AYU [serial online] 2016 [cited 2021 May 27];37:22-5. Available from: https://www.ayujournal.org/text.asp?2016/37/1/22/210947</ref>

====5. Sleep (nidra):====

====5. Sleep (nidra):====

Sleep is essential for good health and considered as one of the three pillars of life. Sleep depends upon the natural retirement of mind and sense organs owing to fatigue. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 21/35] Sleep is necessary for the proper functions of nervous system. Activity in parts of the brain that controls emotions, decision making processes and social interactions is drastically reduced during deep sleep. This suggests that this type of sleep may help people maintain optimum emotional and social functioning while they are awake. Optimizing one’s sleep has a major impact on one’s resilience, that in turn affects one’s equanimity and coherence.  

Sleep is essential for good health and considered as one of the three pillars of life. Sleep depends upon the natural retirement of mind and sense organs owing to fatigue. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana]] 21/35] Sleep is necessary for the proper functions of nervous system. Activity in parts of the brain that controls emotions, decision making processes and social interactions is drastically reduced during deep sleep. This suggests that this type of sleep may help people maintain optimum emotional and social functioning while they are awake. Optimizing one’s sleep has a major impact on one’s resilience, that in turn affects one’s equanimity and coherence.<ref>Wiebers D. Theory of reality: Evidence for Existence Beyond the Brain and Tools for Your Journey. Seattle, WA: Threshold  World Press; 2012.</ref>

   

   

Inadequate sleep can vitiate [[vata]]-[[pitta]] [[dosha]], disturb kapha at physical level. At mental level, it can disproportionate rajas, tamas and sattva quality.[Cha. Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 21/50] This endangers the person into disequilibrium state leading to disease.

Inadequate sleep can vitiate [[vata]]-[[pitta]] [[dosha]], disturb kapha at physical level. At mental level, it can disproportionate rajas, tamas and sattva quality.[Cha. Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 21/50] This endangers the person into disequilibrium state leading to disease.

Sleep deprivation leads to drowsiness, inability to concentrate, impaired memory and physical strength. Further it leads to hallucinations and mood swings. Sleep duration changes according to age. The amount of sleep a person needs is the optimum amount that allows the person to function properly without feeling drowsy. Ayurveda advises adaptations in duration and timings of sleep according to season and age as well as bodily conditions. Various studies support the finding that improper sleep can adversely affect the physical and psychological functioning.  

Sleep deprivation leads to drowsiness, inability to concentrate, impaired memory and physical strength. Further it leads to hallucinations and mood swings. Sleep duration changes according to age. The amount of sleep a person needs is the optimum amount that allows the person to function properly without feeling drowsy. Ayurveda advises adaptations in duration and timings of sleep according to season and age as well as bodily conditions. Various studies support the finding that improper sleep can adversely affect the physical and psychological functioning.<ref>http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/researchers_say_lack/ 18/03/2011 </ref><ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep#cite_note-26 18/03/2011</ref>

    

    

It is observed that proper quality and quantity sleep is needed for positive mental health.  

It is observed that proper quality and quantity sleep is needed for positive mental health.<ref>Deole YS, 2011 Clinico-Experimental study on role of stress in premature ageing and its management with Rasayana Yoga PhD thesis submitted to Gujarat Ayurved University Jamnagar</ref>

====6. Control over impulses:====

====6. Control over impulses:====

The person willing for eternal well-being should control the impulses of motor, mental, and vocal activities speech. Greed, grief, fear, anger, egoism, shamelessness (impudence), jealousy, excess affliction (in anything) and desire to get other’s wealth are mental activities.

The person willing for eternal well-being should control the impulses of motor, mental, and vocal activities speech. Greed, grief, fear, anger, egoism, shamelessness (impudence), jealousy, excess affliction (in anything) and desire to get other’s wealth are mental activities.