Depression is one of the most common psychological disorder today.Ayurveda call it Vishaada. To treat depressive diseases, the Ayurvedic system suggests a number of herbal compositions and therapies. The term "depression" is used to describe a variety of mental health conditions marked by a loss of interest in routine activities, a depressed mood, and a number of related emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioural symptoms.Depression is distinct from common mood swings and fleeting emotional reactions to problems in daily life. Depression has the potential to develop into a significant medical disease, particularly if it is persistent and of moderate to severe intensity.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists depression as the second largest cause of morbidity by 2020, and it rates it as the fourth main cause of failure globally. Suicide can result from depression at its worst.
Symptoms:
1. Feeling sad or having depressed mood
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
3. Changes in appetite
4. Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
5. Loss of energy
6. Increase in purpose physical activity (e. g, Inability to sit still, hand wringing) or slowed movements or speech
7. Feeling worthless or guilty
8. Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
9. Thoughts of death or suicide
Classification: The mono- and bipolar dichotomy provides the basis for the international classification of depression.
There are two types of unipolar depression: reactive and endogenous, in which mood swings always go in the same direction. About 75% of instances of depression are reactive, non-familial, obviously linked to stressful life events, and accompanied by symptoms of anxiety and agitation. A family pattern, unconnected to external pressures, and a slightly different symptomatology are present in endogenous depression (approximately 25% of cases). Early adulthood is when bipolar depression typically first manifests.
Types of Depression :Persistent Depressive Disorder. Persistent depressive disorder (formerly dysthymia), Postpartum Depression, Bipolar Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder. ,Psychotic Depression.
Pathophysiology
Tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, is also present in depression at lesser concentrations in the brain. Dopamine and norepinephrine, two catecholamines, have also been linked to depression.Other neurotransmitters may also be aberrant in depression, including altered levels of GABA and glutamate in various brain regions like the prefrontal cortex and occipital lobe.
Etiology
• Biochemistry: Variations in a few brain chemicals may be a factor in the manifestation of depressive symptoms. Depression may run in families due to genetics. For instance, if one identical twin develops depression, there is a 70% probability that the other would also get the condition at some point in life.
• Personality: It seems that those who have low self-esteem, are easily stressed out, or are usually gloomy are more prone to suffer from depression.
• Environmental factors: Some people may be more susceptible to depression if they are constantly exposed to violence, neglect, abuse, or poverty.
Ayurveda and Depression
Ayurveda is an age-old medical system from India that addresses both physical and mental/spiritual health issues. Therefore, it provides a fantastic position from which to offer viable remedies for the global epidemic of poor psychological health. Ayurveda provides a safe, all-natural treatment for depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, ayurvedic drugs for stress offer extra advantages.
AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR DEPRESSION
1. Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (Spiritual Therapy) The recitation of mantras, the taking of medications, the wearing of gems and roots, the Bali (offering), the Upahara (gift), the Homa, the Niyama, the Prayascita (atonement), the Upavasa (fasting), the Pranipata, and the Yatragaman, among other practises (pilgrimage). These techniques inspire and build up the individual.
2. Satvavajaya Chikitsa
The words "Sattava" and "Avajaya" both refer to the mind. Removal of the mind from dangerous objects. It implies that after discovering the true nature of the soul and achieving the pinnacle of spiritual enlightenment, a person should remain rooted in themselves.
3. Naisthikichikista "Naisthiki ya vinopadham" Refers to the complete eradication of suffering achieved through doing away with wants, which are the source of all suffering. Salvation is nothing but the complete removal of suffering. The only way to get to this point is to get go of your desires. Once such impulses are rejected, there is no longer any attachment to or anger toward one's acts, eliminating the potential for new sources of suffering.
4. Yoga moksho pravarkak It implies that doing yoga is a way to achieve Moksha. The concept of moksha refers to the soul's complete separation from all mental and physical interactions. Karmakshaya (loss of deeds) is caused by an increase in Satva and a decrease in Raja and Tama, which aids in achieving
5. Aahar The patient's diet should be pleasant, enticing, and healthful. It should be high in vitamin D, Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B, zinc, foods high in protein, and foods containing selenium (whole grain, some seafood, organ meet like liver etc).
6. Vihara Chikitsa Modifying one's lifestyle is crucial in the treatment of depression. Depressed people should receive training in a variety of yoga, aerobic, music, and breathing techniques to help them manage stress and promote mental relaxation.
7. Shock treatment He should be exposed to breathtaking landscapes, informed of the passing of a loved one, and put in danger by creatures with horrifying forms; Elephants and non-toxic, domesticated wild animals frightened him by tying him up with ropes or beating him.
8. Rasayana Rasayana are used to rejuvenate the body, increase longevity and improve the quality of life. Rasayanas improves immunity levels as well as enhace the function of endocrine, Psychological and neurological system. Shilajit Rasayana Kalpa, Amalaki Rasyana, Brahmi Ghrita, Panchagavya Ghrita.
Medhya Rasayana as described in different Ayurveda classical texts. They are Aindri (Bacopa monniera), Jyothishmati (Celestrus panniculatus), Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi).
Ayurveda massage and Depression
During massage therapy, a therapist will manipulate your muscles and other soft tissues to enhance their function, promote relaxation, or both.It help relieve the physical symptoms associated with depression. For example, massage may help alleviate sluggishness, back pain, joint pain, and muscle aches. It can also help relieve fatigue and sleeping problems.While getting massages, a hormone called endorphin is released. This uplifts
mood, improves physical health, and helps with stress management.Not only do massages stimulate endorphin production, they can also reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, by almost 30% according to an Australian study conducted in 2012.