A Guide: How Ayurveda Supports PTSD Recovery
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event. The symptoms include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers holistic approaches to support PTSD recovery by focusing on the balance of the body, mind, and spirit.
Understanding PTSD in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, PTSD can be viewed through the lens of imbalance in the doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. PTSD is often associated with an aggravated Vata dosha, which governs movement and the nervous system. Imbalance in Vata can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, common symptoms of PTSD.
Ayurvedic Approaches to PTSD Recovery
1. Dietary Changes
Ayurveda emphasizes a Sattvic diet, which is calming and nourishing for the mind. Foods that are warm, cooked, and mildly spiced can help pacify Vata dosha. Incorporating ghee, warm milk, whole grains, and cooked vegetables can support nervous system health.
2. Herbal Remedies
Ashwagandha: Known for its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha helps in reducing stress and anxiety.
Brahmi: Traditionally used to enhance memory and calm the mind, Brahmi can aid in reducing anxiety and improving sleep.
Jatamansi: An herb that acts as a natural sedative and supports emotional balance.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Regular Routine: Establishing a consistent daily routine can help stabilize the Vata dosha.
Adequate Sleep: Prioritizing restful sleep is crucial. Practices like oil massage (Abhyanga) with warm sesame oil can promote relaxation and better sleep.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation
Meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation, can help in managing PTSD symptoms by bringing awareness to the present moment and reducing stress.
5. Yoga and Pranayama
Gentle yoga poses and breathing exercises (Pranayama) can help calm the mind and balance the doshas. Poses like Shavasana (corpse pose) and practices like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) are particularly beneficial.
6. Therapeutic Treatments
Shirodhara: A therapy where warm oil is poured over the forehead. This treatment is known for its calming effects on the mind and is beneficial for anxiety and insomnia.
Panchakarma: A detoxification process that helps in removing toxins and balancing the doshas, which can be beneficial in managing PTSD symptoms.
Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Insights
Through ancient systems like Ayurveda and modern assessment tools, we learn more every day about the power of the mind in well-being. Not all injuries can be quantified with our current tools. The damage caused by traumatic memories and stress, PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, on individual psychology, is difficult to assess with precision. Ayurveda has always maintained that mental health is an integral and essential component of wellness, and the ability to cope with stress is the cornerstone of emotional well-being.
We all have to cope with stress and unprecedented events throughout our lives, though some professions or circumstances and situations can face challenges regularly. Repeated exposure to stressors can deeply impact the psyche and quality of life.
Ayurvedic Approach to Mind and Body
A Holistic Perspective on the Mind, Body, and Emotions
Ayurveda, with a very holistic approach, has long described the intricate balance of Manas (mind), Shareera (body), Atma (soul), and Indriyas (senses), as being the epitome of health.
This goes well beyond the paradigm of the mere absence of disease, as Ayurveda focuses on truly optimizing physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. The insightful perspective of managing both mind and body together, and a combined approach of both preventive care as well as disease management forms the unique basis of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda describes three primary qualities of the mind, Mahagunas. This is similar to the Tridosha concept.
The Three Mahagunas
Sattva: Clarity
Rajas: Arrogance
Tamas: Inertia
Of the Mahagunas, Rajas and Tamas are regarded as mind vitiators, Manodoshas. The imbalance of these two Manodoshas along with improper diet, faulty lifestyle, and stress affects the mind and leads to mental imbalance. Manas (mind) perceives knowledge through the five senses, while the Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and Mahagunas are interrelated and complement each other.
Just like every person is born with a unique balance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha which determines one’s Prakriti – or unique psychosomatic constitution – the relationship of three Mahagunas determines the mental constitution of a person which is subjected to change over time according to our diet, stress levels, and lifestyle choices.
Manas has subtle and minute channels which carry thoughts and sensory energy, and are critical in maintaining a balanced state of mind. An interplay of Doshas, psychological state, and Gunas (qualities) results in disorders of the mind. These disorders ultimately lead to Manovaha Srotodushti or the blocking of energy-flowing channels of the mind. What is particularly interesting in this dynamic is how Hridaya, or heart, along with sensory pathways is considered to be the origin of the mind’s energy channels. This correlation within Ayurvedic science clearly emphasizes the fact that unfortunate experiences resulting in negative emotions lead to the derangement of mental channels, which causes psychological imbalances.
Conclusion
Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to PTSD recovery by addressing the root cause of imbalances and promoting overall well-being. By integrating Ayurvedic practices such as dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications, individuals with PTSD can find a supportive path toward healing and resilience. Always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new treatment to ensure it aligns with your individual needs.
Resources & References:
Blog- Taming Trauma: Ayurvedic Approach to PTSD -Kerala Ayurveda
Blog- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Dr. Satish Asotra
