Our everyday lifestyle which is analogous to episodes of undue stress and depression is making us vulnerable to ailments physically, mentally and spiritually. Dr Sonica Krishan, leading Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach, writes on the topic ‘Ayurvedic treatments for depression’.

According to Ayurveda, our body as well as mind is ruled over by three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) or the body humors viz. air, fire and phlegm. Vata or the air, Pitta or the fire and Kapha or the phlegm when in a balanced state reflects our natural wellness. But, vitiation in any of the three doshas results in ailments. And stress (physical and mental) tends to straightaway interfere with the natural balance of the three humors or doshas, as a consequence of which the body loses its natural wellness, resulting in depression.

Ayurveda believes the main causative factor in mental disease to be the increase/ imbalance in the mental states of brain i.e. ‘Rajas’ and ‘Tamas’. The two states, ascribed to ‘Iccha ‘(desire) and ‘Dwesh’ (repulsion), are predominantly triggered by stress. These, upon crossing the limits set by social norms and values, excite the ‘doshas’ or basic humors of the body resulting in degeneration of the brain powers and causing mental diseases.

• Vitiation in Vata dosha destroys mental sense and gives rise to grief and infatuation.

• When the fire or ‘Pitta’ manifests and increases inside the body, we experience excessive fear, lust and grief.

• Imbalance in Kapha dosha causes lethargy, anxiety and in-discrimination.

Ayurveda believes in removing or staying away from the causes of depression along with change in thought process, counselling, correcting the imbalanced doshas and strengthening the ojas. The treatment modalities for depression include panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications, activities, proper diet and life style changes.

Panchakarma – Vamana, Virechana, Basti , Nasya

External Therapies– shirodhara, Shiro Basthi, Shiro pichu, Abhyanga

Internal Medications – Medhya rasayana – as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Brahmi (Bacopa monneri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shankhapushpi, jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamansi).

Ayurveda case studies for depression

Case Study 1: Kushmand Ghrita in the Management of depressive Illness

Ayurveda uses Medhya Rasayana drugs for treating depressive illness. Kushmanda Ghrita was taken as a trial drug to treat 35 patients clinically diagnosed of depression, using the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. The patients were administered two doses of 10 ml Kushmanda Ghrita with 20 ml lukewarm water in morning & evening for one month. The trials showed significant results with psychometric parameters. There was significant reduction of depression symptoms i.e. anxiety, sad mood, low confidence, suicidal tendencies, lack of interest. Also, the candidates showed memory increase after treatment.

Study conducted at: AYU Govt. Ayurvedic College, Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh

Case Study 2: Brahmi Ghrita and its effects on depression

Vishada and Avasada are the two conditions recognised as depression in Ayurveda, and the herbal formulation of Brahmi Ghrita, recognised as one of the ‘Medhya rasayana drugs’ has been proved to be highly effective in controlling depression. A trial was conducted on 42 patients clinically diagnosed of depression, using the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria to analyse the psychoactive effect of Brahmi Ghrita on depression. 25 patients were administered Brahmi Ghrita and 17 with placebo capsule. Brahmi Ghrita showed moderate improvement on 40 per cent patients and mild improvement for balance and was statistically highly significant (p<0.005) as compared to placebo.

Study Conducted at: Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar India.

 Case Study 3: Efficacy of Manasamrita Vataka on Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Comorbid Generalized Social Phobia

Manasamitra Vataka has been used in this clinical trial for treating 72 patients, in the age group of 20 and 55, diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) with comorbid generalized social phobia meeting DSM IV TR criteria. The trial was conducted in random 3 groups.

Group 1: 24 patients were given Manasamitra Vataka tablets, 100 mg, twice daily, for 30 days.

Group 2: 24 patients were given Manasamitra Vataka for 30 days & Shirodhara therapy (which involves dripping of medicated oil over the forehead) for 7 days.

Group 3: 24 patients were given Clonazepam 0.75 mg daily in divided dose for 30 days.

Manasamitra Vataka has proven to be very effective and shown showed significant reduction in clinical parameters. It resulted in reducing severity of the disease and anxiety, mood stabilization for patients. For group 2 Shirodhara reduced the drowsiness during daytime and showed an improvement in the quality of life of patients.

Study Conducted at: NIMHANS (Deemed University), Bangalore, India

Case Study 4: Clinical Evaluation of (Withenia somnifera) Ashwagandha Kshirpaka and Shirodhara in the Management of depression (Avsada)

A study was conducted on 30 (15 patients each, randomly selected) clinically diagnosed depression patients to evaluate the effectiveness of Ashwangandha kshirpaka & Shirodhara.

Group A: Ashwanagandha Kshirpaka- 5gms & milk to make kshirpaka, 2 times a day, 60 days

Group B: Ashwanagandha Kshirpaka- 5gms & milk to make kshirpaka, 2 times a day, 60 days & Shirodhara with Bala Tail for 7 days (conducted twice in a gap of 3 weeks)

Both the groups showed positive response but Group B gave more significant positive results. Shirodhara therapy was found to be safe and effective, generating tranquilizing and relaxation effect on patients resulting in mental & physical fitness after the treatment.

Study Conducted at: J.A.M.C. Nagpur, India.

(Dr Sonica Krishan, B.A.M.S., A.D.N.Y., Ayurveda Wellness Guide and Consultant, is an internationally recognized Author and Speaker in the areas of “Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation and other Contemplative Practices”. She is based at Chandigarh, India. She is a leading Ayurveda professional besides a Health writer, Columnist and a Preventive Healthcare Coach. She has authored five books on Ayurveda and Natural Health Care)