Abstract

A REVIEW OF ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Akula Pushpanjali*

ABSTRACT

AYURVEDA, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers asacred approach to mental health that integrates the mind, bodyand soul. It describes mental health in *Atharvaveda* and insubsequent treatises by Charaka, Sushruta & Vagbhata,containing the details of etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, therapyfor afflictions in humans and animals. Ayurveda gives primeimportance to positive mental health. Grahachikitsa is oneamong the eight major branches of Ayurveda that deals withprevention and management of mental problems. Good mentalhealth refers to a perfect linking of emotional, psychological,and social aspects in one's life. A person’s mind depends onthree qualities like sattva, rajas, and tamas in which one'scharacter is modulated, dynamic imbalance of doshas mayupset the mental balance.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Grahachikitsa, Atharvaveda, Mind, Body, Sattva, Raja, Tamas, Mental health.