Life changes\u2014such as the birth of a baby, divorce, losing a job or the death of loved one\u2014can and do leave people feeling depressed, so can worrying about financial problems or illness. At times you may feel empty and depressed for no apparent reason. Some depression is normal and is a part of almost every person’s life. Whatever the cause, depression can be treated.<\/p>\n
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Symptoms of depression include\u2014continuous feeling of sadness or blankness, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, including sex, fatigue, sleep disturbances, loss of energy or enthusiasm, difficulty in concentrating or making decision, ongoing physical symptoms such as headaches or digestive disorders, that don’t respond to conventional treatment, crying and tearfulness, poor appetite with weight loss, overeating and weight gain.<\/p>\n
According to Ayurveda, depression may by caused by an imbalance in either vaata or kapha dosha. The kapha type of depression is usually of a less serious nature. This is typical in the winter months when the weather is cold and there is less sunshine. We tend to go out less and are not very active during this season. The lack of activity coupled with the weather will increase the qualities of kapha dosha, due to which the person might become slower, duller, less sensitive to his environment, and have a tendency to sleep for longer periods.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Making sure that you exercise on a regular basis, eat lighter foods, avoid heavy foods such as cheese and meat, and increase vegetables in your diet. This will assist you in balancing your kapha dosha. Ayurvedic herbs like guggulu, turmeric, and trikatu may be beneficial for this type of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).<\/p>\n
\u2022 When the depression is caused by an imbalance of vaata, it may become more serious in nature. That too, if praana vaata is aggravated, it can lead to depression, anxiety, overactive mind, and a feeling of stress and tension.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Many people acquire a praana vaata imbalance due to their lifestyle. A regular schedule is the best to balance vaata\u2014early to bed, early to rise, eating at regular times, regular exercise, regular meditation, and yoga. The daily meditation, praanaayaama and yoga should be included in your health regime.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Try to substitute a positive thought for every negative thought that pops into your mind. Associate with congenial people, not negative people. To focus your attention away from yourself, do something to help someone else. Ayurveda advocates oil massage (abhyanga) and sirodhaara (warm medicated oils or liquids are streamed on the forehead) to bring down the aggravated vaata dosha. These therapies profoundly relax the nervous system.<\/p>\n
\u2022 There are several ayurvedic herbs which assist in lessening the state of depression, which include jatamaansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These herbs also calm your mind so that you feel more at ease when you do your meditation and yoga. Preparations such as brahmi vati, brahmi ghritam, saarasvataarishta contain brahmi as main ingredient. Consult your ayurvedic physician before using them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"