So, what influences the mind?
Our mind is influenced by impressions:- The physical impressions are brought from foods, herbs and exercise;
- The subtle impressions are brought through the 5 senses and our thoughts that reinforces those impressions (we perceive something, then think about what we perceive and it gives power and energy to it); and
- The causal impressions are brought about by gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas) that are the 3 primal subtle forces and energies behind everything.
Ayurvedic Treatment Steps for the Mind
During a typical Ayurvedic psychology assessment and treatment, you can expect an Ayurvedic practitioner to:- Evaluate your birth constitution and current constitution, and point out any imbalances
- Assess your life force reserves (Prana, Tejas and Ojas)
- Use impressions that will have the opposite qualities of the aggravated dosha (detox will be done prior to that)
- Promote the correct function of consciousness with spiritual practices: devotion and self-knowledge
Psychological Imbalances & Solutions for Each Dosha
Vata Psychological Disorders and Treatments
The Vata dosha is the most prone to psychological disturbances because its elements (Ether and Air) are the lightest and least grounded. Excess Air in the mind causes instability, agitation, excessive thinking and worry. It leads to excessive reactions, imaginations, delusions and hearing voices. Vata easily experiences fear, anxiety, possible nervous breakdown, insomnia, palpitations, tremors, unrest, and quick shifts of mood. Factors that increase Air: mass media, too much technology, loud music or noise, drugs & stimulants, insufficient food, irregular eating, excessive or unnatural sexual activity Predisposition: neglect or abuse as a child Treatment = “TREAT LIKE A FLOWER” NATURE: sitting or walking peacefully by a garden, forest, river, lake or ocean especially when it is WARM and BRIGHT SENSORY:- Sound: calming music and chanting, classical, peaceful silence
- Touch: gentle and warming, warm oils like sesame or almond
- Sight: bright and calming colors like combinations of gold, orange, blue, green & white
- Taste: rich and nourishing foods with sweet, salty and sour tastes, moderate use of spices. Chyavanprash will be really nourishing for Vata’s mind
- Smell: sweet, warm, calming, clearing like jasmine, rose, sandalwood, orange, vanilla, lavender
Pitta Psychological Disorders and Treatments
Pitta types are less prone to psychological disorders than Vata, because it is more grounded and made out of heavier elements (Fire and Water) that ground the mind in the body. Excess Fire in the mind causes aggressive behavior, hostility, blame and seeking release in venting. It leads to excessive irritation and anger. Pitta can become domineering, authoritarian or fanatic. Pitta can experience paranoid delusions, delusions of grandeur and can become psychotic. Factors that disturb: strong / bright colors and sensations, violence, overly hot and spicy foods, sexual frustration, excessive anger or ambition. Predisposition: education too competitive or too much conflict in childhood Treatment = “TREAT LIKE A FRIEND” NATURE: sitting or walking by flowers, river, lake or ocean, particularly when it is COOL. Walking at night, gazing at the night sky, moon and stars SENSORY:- Sound: cooling, soft music like flute and sound of water
- Touch: cooling, soft and moderate touch. Massage with cooling oils like Coconut or Sunflower oils.
- Sight: cool colors like white, blue and green
- Taste: food that is neither too heavy nor too light. Favor sweet, bitter and astringent tastes; cooling herbs and spices like coriander, turmeric and fennel. Chyavanprash will bring Pitta back to balance as well
- Smell: cold and sweet fragrances like rose, sandalwood, vetiver, gardenia, jasmine, geranium, ylang ylang
Kapha Psychological Disorders and Treatments
Kapha types are the least prone to psychological disorders. They are made out of heavy elements (Water and Earth), and are very grounded. However, excess Water + Earth can cause dullness, congestion, poor perception, lack of motivation, depression, sorrow and clinging. When disturbed, Kapha types tend to be passive and dependent. An imbalance can also show up as greed and possessiveness (they look upon people as their property) Factors that disturb: excess pleasures, attachments, too much sleep and lack of exercise. Predisposition: being overly indulged or emotionally smothered as a child. Treatment = “TREAT LIKE AN ENEMY” NATURE: vigorous hiking in dry or desert regions, high mountains or during sunny and windy days in open areas SENSORY:- Sound: stimulating music, energizing sounds, singing
- Touch: strong, deep body massage with stimulating oils like mustard oil
- Sight: bright and stimulating colors like yellow, orange, gold and red
- Taste: light diet with pungent, bitter, astringent tastes with spices (include Chyavanprash in the diet to bring those tastes); occasionally fasting
- Smell: light, warm, stimulating like musk, citrus, cedar, myrrh, camphor, eucalyptus