Mental Health
A truly healthy and joyful individual experiences health in body, mind and spirit and, with its focus on a holistic approach, Ayurveda defines and supports mental health in terms of elemental balance, similar to its definition of physical health.
It is important to understand, first of all, that mental health begins with what western terminology calls genetics, and which Ayurveda terms as “prakruti.” It is this prakruti (or balance of elements at the time of conception) which will define the state of one's mental capacity throughout their lives and, when we use this holistic approach to support mental health, will determine which sorts of practices will put an individual's mind at ease. A recognition of the elements and their impact on the mind can both prevent and treat mental instability of all types.
Not all minds are created equal and so while diet, sleep, exercise, social interactions, and creative endeavors are all important for all beings, the specifics of each of these endeavors varies based on a person's mental state from an elemental standpoint. Secondarily, a person's environment, experiences, and lifestyle impact their state of mental health. While genetics and environment can have equal impact on a person's mental state, it is helpful to understand both in order to achieve ideal health and balance.
When we look through the Ayurvedic lens, we recognize that not all states of depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, or other defined mental health disturbances are the same and, therefore, must be treated based on their unique nature or elemental impact. This is one reason that lifestyle practices can be incredibly effective and must always accompany pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals are a one-size-fits all approach and, while sometimes life saving, aren’t always the best stand alone treatment for mental instability. Medicines do not change as rapidly as one’s physical environment. Fluctuations in diet, weight, stressors, sleep habits, and exercise change on a daily basis and, therefore, must be considered in effectively preventing, treating and supporting mental health.
When we are looking at mental health and Ayurveda, we must look beyond the three doshas and give attention to their subtle aspects; the gunas. The gunas define our mental constitution while the doshas are more of the physical aspect. However, like the doshas, we do indeed need a balance of the gunas in order to achieve peak health. Sattva, rajas and tamas define the characteristics of the mind and are clarified below:
Sattva:
Balanced
Calm
Clear
Compassionate
Conscious
Focused
Happy
Light
Peaceful
Productive
Pure
Rajas:
Active
Ambitious
Anxious
Changing
Courageous
Energetic
Fearful
Irritated
Movement
Passion
Restless
Tamas:
Dark
Depressive
Dull
Heavy
Inert
Lethargic
Stable
Stagnate
Slown
Solid
When we use Ayurveda and attempt to balance the elements to achieve health, we can use the gunas to help balance the mind. For example, if a person is experiencing increased dullness, an increase in the sharp quality is appropriate treatment. When someone, on the other hand, is too fiery and it results in anger, judgment and criticism, we would like to increase the dull quality in an attempt to support them. It is for this reason that the gunas should not be viewed as good or bad. Of course, an ideal state of mind is sattvic but with the ever changing influences of environment, each and every quality of the gunas should be given careful consideration and respect in terms of proper treatment.
As we are most familiar with the doshas, it can be useful to look at them individually to recognize the differences in how the elements and their qualities affect the state of mind.
A vata-type person with a healthy mental state will be creative, energetic, social, and they experience a unique sense of joy and satisfaction in the world. Often they are described as vivacious and charismatic. They are ignited by social situations, as long as they are able to balance these experiences with solo practices that recoup their energy and that create a container for their energy. Vata types will plan social gatherings, will lead new ventures, and will often ignite and inspire those around them when they are in a healthy mental state. When mental fatigue sets in for a vata type, we start to see states of overwhelm, anxiety, fear, low self-esteem and sometimes even paranoia. Vata type depression can look and feel like emptiness, hopelessness, and fear. An attention deficiency with vata types is spacy with an inability to follow through or concentrate. Most mental health illnesses are of the vata type, making them extremely difficult to treat as when vatas are out of their routine, their state of chaos is exacerbated. Keeping a vata type in a routine can feel nearly impossible and, therefore, makes for a difficult journey for themselves and those around them. Vata is responsible for the most intense and psychotic disorders.
A pitta-type person, when in an ideal state of mental capacity, is organized, driven, excited about leading new and community-supportive ventures, and is a warm and kind friend. They are perceptive and their inner fire allows them to easily recognize positive situations, people and opportunities. Pitta types can be extremely logical and are excellent problem solvers, making them great in positions of leadership. When they are in a healthy mental state, pittas are power houses! But, if their heat gets turned up from pushing too hard, which is their tendency, they are known to become critical (of themselves and others) and judgemental, having a sharpness to their interactions that can easily scare others off, and eventually they can become burned out. Pitta types become critical in their depressive state and have a tendency to light their relationships on fire, burning bridges and acting selfishly. Sometimes they have been defined as narcissistic.
Kapha types, when well balanced and focused on staying out of the rut that they can have a tendency to sink into, are incredibly nurturing and calm. They are like a warm, cozy blanket that makes the world feel safe and protected. They remain serene in states of chaos and, as long as they don’t let their cloudiness become in excess, they can see all sides and find a soft place to land when difficult situations arise. That said, when the heavy and cold qualities of their kapha nature become in excess, a kapha type becomes heavy, stubborn, and dull. Their tendency to hold onto things and situations can be sort of mud-like and sticky, with little space for clarity or moving on any time soon. Kapha type depression is heavy and unmotivated and can result in isolation, making the need for continued mental health practices essential for their long term benefit. An attention deficiency with kapha types is stubborn and they will often attach to a project to the exclusion of all others.
Ayurveda reminds us that a state of disease (dis-ease) in the body or mind is a result of a mis-use of the senses. It is through the health of the 5 senses that we achieve ideal mental and physical health. While the specifics of each of the below remedies for a healthy mind can vary based on doshic-type and the state of the gunas, each are beneficial to aligning the senses in an effort to create a most sattvic state of mind. To prevent mental illness and to improve mental state, these practices are of great benefit.
Breathwork (otherwise known as Pranayama): The movement of prana is beneficial in providing adequate energy and oxygen to the deepest tissues of the body and is one of the most accessible and immediate forms of mental support. Daily practice decreases anxiety and supports overall awareness, clarity, mindfulness while hosting a variety of physical benefits to the body. Try these types of pranayama:
Pitta: Sheetali
Vata: Nadi Shodhana
Kapha: Bhastrika or Bhramari
Meditation: As misuse of the senses is the primary culprit for any type of dis-ease in the body or mind, meditation is an excellent way to combat mental instability. Meditation allows a withdrawal of the senses and puts a person back inside their body, a very safe place to be. Different types of meditation can benefit different doshic imbalances:
Pitta: Point of reference, ideally nature based
Vata: Mantra meditation
Kapha: Walking meditation
Sattvic Diet: We are what we eat! Eating with the seasons, recognizing the cravings that come up in the body, and healthy and whole foods are the best way to fight depression, stress, and mental instability. Foods are medicines and help balance the elements in the body. For example, dairy foods create grounding, stability and cooling. Pungent or spicy foods increase sharpness. And light, green foods help with movement when stagnancy rules. Nature provides for us and if we aren’t eating for a specific doshic type, then eating what nature provides in the seasons is the safest and best way to stay healthy and sound mind.
Pitta: Reduce hot, light and dry foods. Increase the sweet and bitter tastes.
Vata: Reduce cold, light and dry foods. Increase heavy, warm and unctuous
Kapha: Reduce heavy, cold and moist foods. Increase astringent, pungent and bitter
Seva (Service): While we often attempt life from an individualistic perspective, the truth is that we are interconnected. All living beings are part of the same unity, oneness and purpose. We each have gifts and talents that benefit the higher good. When we utilize our gifts to benefit the greater good, we increase mental health by leaps and bounds. The isolation and loneliness that exists within mental illness is excruciating and one important element to improving our own mental health is to be part of the greater collective of good. Use your powers for good and you will feel good!
Routines: As mentioned previously, vata dosha is responsible for the majority of mental instability. Whether one experiences vata type instability or whether that instability is deepened by vata, it is always present in the mind. Creating routine is the best way to combat an abundance of vata dosha. Healthy routines can include waking and sleeping at the same time every day, eating meals at the same time daily, routines around exercise, bedtime or waking, and incorporating the practices that build you up and create a strong, sound mind. More importantly, aligning with the rhythms of nature gives us a leg up in stability. Nature is knocking on our doors with gifts of health, vitality, joy and abundance. When we align with these gifts, we benefit greatly. Understanding and aligning circadian rhythms is profoundly important for mental health.
Spiritual Growth: Increasing connection to a Divine Source is one of the most powerful ways to keep the mind in a healthy state. Scripture, ritual, prayer, time in nature, interacting with art, social experiences about Higher thinking and/or practices that help us feel connected to other beings are all beneficial for increasing spiritual strength. Spirituality does not look the same for all people but faith is the antidote to fear, and therefore, belief in something beyond ourselves and rooted in the interconnectedness of living beings boosts mental health, allows us to feel part of something, and gives us purpose.
Cognitive Growth: Life is bigger than a 9-5 job, bills and the folks we watch through our tiny screens. As our evolvement as humans occurs, so should our curiosity about how it all works, our understanding of what moves us forward, and our desire to contribute. Learning keeps our minds fresh, sharp, focused, motivated and inspired. Humans gain a great deal by continuing the learning process and engaging the mind in new ways.
Movement: Yoga is the sister science to Ayurveda and teaches us that “all our behavior is subject to our control,” Deepak Chopra. Purposeful movement of the body connects mind, body and spirit, releases endorphins that increase mental and physical health, and reduces feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, sadness, loneliness and much more. Different types of movement benefit the doshas in different ways and so it is helpful to find a form of movement that feels good both during and after.
Journaling, Social Situations and Talk Therapy: When we give our thoughts a place to land, we can decrease the strain on the mind. Journaling, time with friends and talk therapy are all great ways to release some of the emotions that settle into the mind, creating mental health issues. When we keep the thoughts moving in a purposeful way, surrounded by loved ones, and with a soft place to land, we can experience a great sense of relief.
The reality is, incorporating all of the above mentioned remedies can be overwhelming and difficult to integrate in this busy day and age. I recommend playing with the remedies to see which suit you best and slowly incorporating new practices to achieve your ideal state of mental health. Setting time aside each day for some sort of mental support work is ideal and then, tapping into the body to ask what it needs can help us feel like we are choosing something that feels good, increases joy and brings peace rather than feeling obligated to do any one thing.
For individuals experiencing mental health crises or instability, seek medical attention immediately. For more intensive holistic support for mental health, contact Britney at Om Maitri Ayurveda to develop an individualized plan that suits your individual dosha. This can include Spa Therapies, Herbs, and much more.
OMA is not a mental or medical facility and our practitioner is not a mental health specialist. Ayurveda is not a licensed profession in the U.S.
