Mental Health In Indian Traditions

 

It is generally believed that psychiatry is a modern subject and a gift of the western science. But history tells that India has had a very comprehensive description and remedial prescription about mental health since very ancient times. The Indian traditions have used two words in this context - Adhi and Vyadhi. Adhi refers to all types of mental illness, while Vyadhi indicates physical diseases. The Ayurveda, Yoga and Indian philosophical systems have devised numerous ways to identify and treat these mental health issues. The Atharva Veda describes many symptoms of mental illnesses which match with today’s schizophrenia and bipolar diseases. The Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas give very detailed descriptions of these mental problems and how to treat them.

 

Yoga talks of Chitta Prasadanam or the pleasant state of the mind. The Shrimadbhagawad Geeta is a full text on counselling and psychotherapy. We find numerous mentions of these related subjects in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Upanishads, Puranas and other literary works. The Buddhist and Jain traditions are also full of details as to how to keep the mind in a state of stability and joy. We find mention in many texts that emperor Ashok had established many mental hospitals also. According to the Ayurvedic concept, all diseases whether physical or mental occur due to imbalance in our human body. The Ayurveda talks of Tridoshas - Kapha, Pitta and Vata. Kapha is the cooling system of the body. Pitta regulates the heating mechanism and Vata is the regulator of air in the body. They all function in proportion. Any disharmony in the functioning of these systems causes illness. The Ayurveda prescribes medicines and herbs to cure these illnesses including the mental ones.

 

A very elaborate system of prayers is also mentioned to ward off these mental problems. These prayers contain such positive words and counselling reinforcing cognitive restructuring. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a very important tool of modern day psychotherapy. Yoga talks of Asanas, Pranayamas and different types of meditational practices to cure anxiety and depression. In the Patanjala Yoga Sutras the sage Patanjali has mentioned numerous Yogic techniques which cure Chitta Vikshepa or tumultuous states of the mind. Patanjali talks of Chitta Vritti , different modifications of the mind. These modifications are the cause of suffering and agony. According to Patanjali when these modifications are controlled through practice of Yoga, one attains a blissful state of the mind. In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika we find many Yogic exercises like different Mudras and Bandhas which are found to be very calming and soothing. The Sthitaprajna state of the Geeta is the perfect harmony of the mind , the highest state of mental health.

 

The ancient traditions of Mantra chanting and devotional songs have got great therapeutic value and impact. Modern day psychotherapy is prescribing numerous breathing techniques and exercises to treat anxieties and depression. These breathing exercises are different forms of Pranayamas. In the Buddhist traditions we find very methodical and elaborate mechanisms of meditation which have the great power to restructure our thoughts and emotions.