Psychiatric Disorders and Ayurvedic Treatment : Ayurveda offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to psychiatric disorders, viewing them as imbalances not just of the mind, but of the intricate connection between the mind (Manas), body (Sharira), and soul (Atma). The Ayurvedic understanding of mental health revolves around the balance of the Manas Gunas – Sattva (clarity, purity), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, darkness) – and the Sharirika Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). An imbalance in these Doshas and Gunas, often exacerbated by lifestyle, diet, stress, and environmental factors, can lead to various mental health challenges, termed Manas Roga. Treatment Modalities (Chikitsa): Daiva-vyapashraya Chikitsa (Spiritual/Divine Therapy): Involves spiritual practices, prayers, mantras, chanting, and seeking divine blessings. This addresses the spiritual and emotional dimensions of mental well-being and helps in cultivating positive mental states. Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa (Rational Therapy/Pharmacotherapy): This focuses on clinical reasoning and the use of herbal medicines and formulations to address specific dosha imbalances and symptoms. Sattvavajaya Chikitsa (Psychotherapy/Mind Pacification): This is the core of Ayurvedic psychotherapy, aiming to enhance Sattva and suppress Rajas and Tamas. Techniques include: Dhyana (Meditation): Cultivates mental focus, reduces stress, and improves emotional regulation. Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Regulates breath, calms the nervous system, and reduces stress. Yoga: Gentle postures and mindfulness to improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and enhance flexibility and strength. Sadvrutta (Right Conduct): Ethical and moral living, promoting positive thoughts and actions. Achar Rasayana (Behavioral Rasayana): Practices like truthfulness, non-violence, patience, and compassion that promote mental rejuvenation. Counseling and Psychotherapy: Guiding individuals to understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to replace negative patterns with positive ones. III. Panchakarma Therapies for Mental Health: Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Full-body massage with specific medicated oils calms the nervous system, reduces stress hormones, and promotes relaxation. Shirodhara: Continuous pouring of warm medicated oil, milk, or buttermilk on the forehead. It deeply calms the nervous system, stimulates the Ajna Chakra, reduces stress hormones (like cortisol), and helps with anxiety, insomnia, and mental fatigue. Nasya (Nasal Administration): Administration of medicated oils or powders through the nasal passages. It's believed to clear mental fog, improve concentration, and stimulate vital brain centers that regulate emotions. Basti (Medicated Enemas): Especially beneficial for Vata imbalances, which are often implicated in anxiety and restlessness. It helps nourish the nervous system and can influence gut-brain axis, promoting the production of “happy hormones“ like serotonin. Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis): Primarily for Kapha imbalances, it helps eliminate accumulated toxins that can lead to depression and lethargy. Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation): Addresses Pitta imbalances, reducing irritability, anger, and cleansing toxins from the system. Pizhichil: Continuous pouring of warm medicated oil over the body with simultaneous massage, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation.