Manasa Rogas in Ayurveda: A Holistic Perspective on Psychiatric Disorders and Their Management

Manasa Rogas in Ayurveda: A Holistic Perspective on Psychiatric Disorders and Their Management

Abstract:
Mental health has been an integral part of Ayurvedic understanding since ancient times. Manasa Rogas, including conditions like Unmada (psychosis), Apasmara (epilepsy), and Chittodvega (anxiety), are described in depth in classical texts with unique etiological and therapeutic insights. This article discusses the Ayurvedic principles of diagnosis, pathogenesis, and management of major psychiatric disorders using Daivavyapashraya, Satvavajaya, and Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa.

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1. Introduction
Ayurveda recognizes the intimate connection between body (Sharira), mind (Manas), and soul (Atma). Mental disorders, or Manasa Rogas, arise due to the vitiation of Manodoshas—Rajas and Tamas—along with involvement of Tridoshas, primarily Vata. Classical Ayurvedic psychiatry offers a unique biopsychospiritual framework for understanding and managing these conditions.

2. Nidana (Etiological Factors)

• Excessive stress, trauma, grief (Shoka)

• Suppression of emotions (Vegadharana)

• Consumption of incompatible food (Viruddha Ahara)

• Abnormal lifestyle (Adharma, Asatmyendriyartha Samyoga)

• Genetic predisposition (Beeja dosha)

3. Common Manasa Rogas in Ayurveda

• Unmada – Psychosis

• Apasmara – Epilepsy

• Atattvabhinivesha – Obsessive beliefs

• Chittodvega – Anxiety

• Manoavasada – Depression

4. Samprapti (Pathogenesis)
Vitiation of Rajas and Tamas leads to imbalance in mental faculties (Buddhi, Smriti, Sanjna). This along with Vata aggravation causes derangement of manovaha srotas and manifests as mental illness.

Reference: Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 9/4–9/14

5. Lakshana (Clinical Features)

• Unmada: Disorganized speech, inappropriate behavior, delusion

• Apasmara: Convulsions, loss of consciousness, frothing

• Chittodvega: Restlessness, insomnia, palpitations

• Manoavasada: Fatigue, hopelessness, lack of interest

6. Sadhya-Asadhyata (Prognosis)

• Sadhya: Early stage, single dosha involvement, sattvika personality

• Krichrasadhya/Asadhya: Chronic, tamasika prakriti, multiple relapses

7. Chikitsa Sutra (Treatment Principles)

• Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa: Mantra, Japa, Homa, Dana, Hrudaya sparsha

• Satvavajaya Chikitsa: Counselling, Yoga, Meditation, Trataka, Pranayama

• Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa: Herbal and Rasayana treatment

8. Important Ayurvedic Medicines

• Unmada: Kalyanaka Ghrita, Mahakalyanaka Ghrita, Saraswatarishta

• Apasmara: Vacha, Brahmi, Smriti Sagara Rasa, Unmadagajakesari Rasa

• Anxiety & Depression: Manasamitra Vatakam, Ashwagandha, Jatamansi, Tagara

9. Panchakarma Therapies

• Shirodhara: With Brahmi or Kshirabala taila

• Nasya: Medhya herbs for brain nourishment

• Shirobasti: In chronic Unmada or sleep disorders

• Virechana: Pitta-vitiated psychological disorders

• Basti: Medhya Basti for rejuvenating nervous system

10. Pathya-Apathya (Diet and Lifestyle)

• Milk, ghee, Satvika Ahara

• Early to bed, calming environment

• Avoid stimulation, heavy, rajasic foods

• Inclusion of prayer, mantra, daily meditation

11. Conclusion
Ayurveda provides a comprehensive, multidimensional approach to psychiatric disorders. It integrates mind-body-soul healing through Daivika, Satvavajaya, and Yuktivyapashraya therapies, addressing both the root cause and symptomatic relief for mental disorders.

12. References

1. Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 9 (Unmada Chikitsa)

2. Ashtanga Hridaya Uttara Tantra – Unmada, Apasmara Adhyaya

3. Madhava Nidana – Unmada, Apasmara

4. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Brahmi, Vacha, Jatamansi

5. CCRAS Ayurvedic Formulary Vol I & II