Depression – Ayurveda Case Studies, Analysis And Treatments

It is believed that a majority of the diseases have their root in the brain. That is one of the reasons why the state of depression tends to augment the numbers of psychological and neurological diseases. Our everyday lifestyle which is analogous to the episodes of undue stress and depression is somehow making us all the more vulnerable to diseases on physical, mental as well as spiritual levels.

Ayurveda Analysis of Depression

According to the factual comprehension of Ayurveda therapeutic science, our body as well as mind is ruled over by the 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 balanced state approves natural wellness. But at the same time, vitiation in any of the three doshas results into production of a disease both in bodily as well as psychic spheres. 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 and depression begins to crop up.

Ayurveda believes that the causative factor in mental disease to be mainly an increase and imbalance in the mental states of the brain i.e. ‘Rajas’ and ‘Tamas’. These two states are ascribed to ‘Iccha ‘(Desire) and ‘Dwesh’ (Repulsion) are predominantly triggered by stress. These when cross the limits set by social norms and values, excite the ‘Doshas’ or basic humors of the body resulting into degeneration of the brain powers and birth of mental diseases.

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

• When the fire or Pitta manifests and increases inside the body, there is production of mental states of excessive fear, lust and grief.

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

Ayurveda Treatments for Depression

Ayurveda believes removing or staying away from the cause is half the treatments, so analysing and rooting out the cause for depression is the main line of treatments, in association with change in thought process, counselling, Correcting the imbalanced Doshas and Strengthening the Ojas.

The treatment modalities for depression includes panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications, Activities, Advice of food and life style changes.

Panchakarma – Vamana, Virechana, Basti , Nasya

Externally – shirodhara, Shiro Basthi, Shiro pichu, Abhyanga

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

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

Ayurveda uses Medhya Rasayana drugs for treating depressive illness. Bhava Mishra described Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida) as one of the Medhya Rasayana and so is Ghrita by the learned acharyas. So 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 2 doses of 10 ml with 20 ml each of lukewarm water each of Kushmanda Ghrita, morning & evening for one month. The trails showed significant results with psychometric parameters – Hamilton depression rating scale, Hamilton anxiety rating scale, immediate memory span direct and indirect tests, and indicated significant reduction of depression symptoms i.e. anxiety, sad mood, low confidence, suicidal tendencies, lack of interest and there was immediate 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 the depression. A trail 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. The effect of treatment was assessed on various rating scales such as Manasa Vibhrama Pariksha, H.D.R.S (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) and Manasa Pariksha Bhava. Brahmi ghrita showed moderate improvement on 40 percent 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 trail 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.

The results were assessed using statistical sales – ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), Clinical Global Impression scales, Beck Anxiety Inventory, World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Manasamitra Vataka has proven to be very effective and has 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 clinically 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 the patients resulting in mental & physical fitness after the treatment.

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

Article published here.

About the Author:

Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.

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