Abstract

NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF MANASIKA ROGA AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH

P. V. N. R. Prasad* and K. J. Lavanya Lakshmi

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Abstract

Nearly 228 million people worldwide suffer from serious mental illnesses; which are usually associated with disability, medical co morbidities, and a reduced life expectancy of > 10 years. The significance of Manas is emphasized in different contexts and references of Samhitas by the Acharyas which clearly indicate the relevance and significance of Manas in both Health & Disease. Ayurveda has always followed the psychosomatic approach to the diseases, where more emphasis is given to the integration aspect of these two factors. In the general practice, psychiatric disorders are effectively treated with both pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies. Though there are documented guidelines for these practices, there is disconnect between these guidelines and common clinical practice. Several biological non-pharmacological treatments both invasive & non-invasive have become progressively available. However, available primary studies are limited for specific evidence of these interventions in mental disorders. A range of psychological interventions are available for patients with manasika roga but the most common therapies used in practice are described in this paper.

Keywords: Manasika Roga; Adravya chikitsa; Non-Pharmacological Interventions; Achara Rasayana; Sadvritta; Satwavajaya.