Beyond quick fixes: How ayurveda heals the mind-body connection
In today's hyper-connected, modern world, talk of mental wellbeing is finally picking up steam. And yet, the answers we tend to find are in the form of band-aids like fast vacations, short getaways, or short digital detoxes, which, although useful, seldom deal with the true source of desequilibre.
Ayurveda
, India's 5,000-year-old holistic science, is quite different. It recognises that body and mind are not independent of each other but intensely connected, and that long-term mental health can only be achieved by tending to them in unison.
Ayurveda does not view the mind simply in terms of moods or symptoms; it views it as part of an overall system ruled by the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The health of these doshas has a direct bearing on our emotional stability, clarity of thought, and capacity to deal with stress.
Ayurveda's perception of the mind-body relationship
Image: Canva
Mental well-being in Ayurveda is described as "manasik swasthya," or a balanced and healthy state of mind. This equilibrium is subject to the influence of three mental virtues or gunas:
Sattva: Purity, clearness, and intelligence
Rajas: Activity, restlessness, and desire
Tamas: Laziness, sluggishness, and ignorance
A Sattvic mind is peaceful, clean, and satisfied. When Rajas or Tamas get over-powering, tension, nervousness, moodiness, or depression sets in.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
50 Floors of Elevated Living by Raymond Realty
Raymond Realty
Learn More
Undo
Ayurveda strives to promote Sattva while mildly suppressing the rajasic and tamasic states. The objective is not to eliminate doshas but to equalise them so that the mind is best able to perform.
Herbal support
Image : Canva
Ayurveda has a whole pharmacopeia of herbs that were centuries ago used to feed the nervous system and increase mental acuity:
Brahmi: Enhances memory, concentration, and capacity for learning.
Ashwagandha: Mitigates stress, enhances emotional coping, and normalises cortisol.
Shankhpushpi: Soothes mental restlessness and helps maintain healthy sleep habits.
Jatamansi: Herbal sedative for relaxation and alleviation of tension.
Herbs may be consumed as powders, teas, oils, or capsules, according to lifestyle choices.
Ayurvedic products for mental well-being
Image: Canva
With busy urban lives in the modern era, not everybody can be grinding herbs or making decoctions from home. To the good fortune of all, Ayurvedic products have become more convenient without compromising on its genuineness.
Herbal teas with Brahmi or Ashwagandha, Chyawanprash for immunity and energy, Ashwagandha capsules to combat stress, and Brahmi oil for head massage are now easily found in shops and over the internet.
Certain companies, such as Patanjali, have made these ancient remedies affordable and easy to use, making them a part of the daily regime. Ayurveda isn't brand-oriented, but the efforts of such companies have brought ancient herbal remedies back into mainstream wellness.
Sustainability & the ayurvedic lifestyle
In contrast to most contemporary wellness fads, Ayurveda is highly sustainable. It encourages seasonal food intake, locally sourced herbal use, and conscious consumption, all of which decrease the body's stress burden and enable planetary health. Even minor shifts, such as substituting chemical-laden personal care products with natural ones or opting for herbal tea over coffee, can cause a cascade effect on mental clarity.
Real life experiences
Pragya Chakraborty, says "Corporate life is a job under high pressure, with constant deadlines, late nights and constant coffee breaks. I started to feel mentally drained and unfocused. A friend recommended Ayurveda, and my practitioner prescribed Brahmi tea first thing every morning, 10 minutes of meditation, and Abhyanga massage with sesame oil once a week. After two months, my sleep was better, concentration improved, and I could cope with stress much better.
It's now no longer a routine, it's my sanity in a fast-paced world."
Manisha Pandey, a college student, says "I was studying for competitive exams and always used to feel stressed out. My mind would either be racing with thoughts or become extremely lethargic and unable to concentrate. I changed to a Satvik diet, began doing pranayama every day, and consumed Ashwagandha capsules as advised by my Ayurvedic physician.
My anxiety decreased, I slept better, and my study sessions were more productive within weeks.
Ayurveda didn't only assist me in preparing for exams, it made the entire process less stressful and even enjoyable."
Ayurveda is the study that says mental well-being is not an independent endeavor but an inextricable component of overall wellness. By harmonising the doshas, cultivating Sattva, and taking thoughtful life decisions, we can build emotional balance that cannot be disturbed by life's problems. Through herbal assistance, everyday rituals, or mindful eating, the Ayurvedic way provides not merely symptomatic relief but a lifestyle where peace of mind becomes the rule, not the exception.
In an age that is obsessed with speed, Ayurveda teaches us to pause, tune in to what our body is telling us, and nurture the mind.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
New guidelines reveal 2 common habits spiking your Blood Pressure — cut them out immediately
High blood pressure is still one of the biggest health problems in the US, affecting almost half of all adults. The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have released new guidelines for the first time since 2017. ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 17 Air and Pro get surprise release date change — here's the new timeline These new recommendations are stricter about how much alcohol and sodium people should eat. They urge Americans to make changes to their lifestyles sooner to avoid long-term harm. The new method could help millions lower their risk of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and dementia, as per a report by USA Today. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo What are the most important changes in the new rules? Years of research and a stronger focus on prevention have led to the new blood pressure standards. In the past, treatment usually began for patients whose blood pressure was 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Now, doctors are told to do something much sooner. People with stage 1 hypertension, which is defined as a systolic reading between 130 and 139 mm Hg or a diastolic reading between 80 and 89 mm Hg, should be told by their doctors to make changes to their lifestyles right away. These changes can be made to your diet, exercise, and drink less alcohol. The idea is simple: step in sooner to stop more damage from happening later, as per a report by USA Today. Live Events ALSO READ: Forget walking, Americans scroll 86 miles a year on phones, and the number keeps rising - are you guilty too? Why does drinking alcohol raise blood pressure? Long-term drinking has been linked to high blood pressure, and the new rules are stricter about drinking. Studies indicate that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase over time with consistent alcohol consumption. The report says that people who stop drinking completely have the lowest risk, and people who cut back by at least 50% see real improvements. The guidelines hope to lower the risks that come with heavy or even moderate drinking by making the limits clearer: two drinks a day for men and one for women, as per a report by USA Today. How does lowering sodium lower risk? Sodium is still one of the main causes of high blood pressure. Many people think that adding salt at the table is the problem, but most sodium actually comes from packaged and restaurant foods. That's why the new advice emphasizes looking at nutrition labels and using alternatives like potassium-enriched salt substitutes. Experts say that you should try to get less than 2,300 mg of sodium each day, with 1,500 mg being the best goal. It is very important to follow a heart-healthy diet like the DASH plan, which is full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, legumes, and low-fat dairy. What part do lifestyle and the environment play? There are other things that affect blood pressure besides diet. Age, genes, being overweight, not being able to use insulin, not getting enough sleep, and stress all play a role. Air pollution and being around heavy metals are two examples of environmental factors that can also have an effect. That's why the new guidelines stress a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, stress management, and medical care when necessary, as per a report by USA Today. ALSO READ: Orca attack mystery: What really happened to marine trainer Jessica Radcliffe FAQs What is the safe amount of alcohol to drink under the new rules? Men should only drink two drinks a day, and women should only drink one. Why is it still so important to cut back on sodium? Most Americans eat too much sodium, so cutting back is still a proven way to lower blood pressure and protect heart health.
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
With 30k capacity, MP jails housing 14k excess inmates
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh jails are currently facing a 50% overcrowding crisis. With a total capacity of 30,764 inmates, the jails are housing an excess of 14,820 prisoners. The state has 133 jails, including central jails, district jails, sub-jails, and open jails. The issue of overcrowding was raised during the recent monsoon session of the state assembly by BJP MLA Ashish Govind Sharma, who inquired about the total number of operational jails in the state, their capacity across various categories, and the current prisoner count. He also questioned whether prison staff receive training to provide immediate treatment for prisoners suffering from serious illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes, given that delays often occur due to procedural formalities before hospital transfer. The chief minister, who oversees the jail department along with home and other departments, responded in writing on Aug 5. As of June 30, 2025, Madhya Pradesh has 133 operational jails: 11 central, 41 district, 73 sub-jails, and eight open jails. The total inmate capacity stands at 30,764, but currently, the number of inmates exceeds this by 14,820. The response highlighted that sanctioned posts for doctors and paramedical staff are mostly filled in central and district jails. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo These medical personnel are equipped with devices for blood pressure and diabetes testing, making immediate testing available in these jails. Sub-jails with paramedical staff also have similar arrangements. In jails lacking such facilities, inmates receive urgent medical care if needed. Furthermore, jail staff and guards receive regular training in first aid and basic medical assessments. Officials also noted measures for managing overcrowding, including releasing prisoners on parole, providing financial assistance for those who can be released by paying nominal fines, and ensuring no prisoner remains incarcerated after serving their sentence. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
Low tests may mask Bhopal's true dengue, c'gunya burden
Bhopal: In the first two weeks of August, the district malaria office has identified just three cases of Dengue and two cases of Chikungunya. According to DMO, cumulative 57 cases of dengue and 55 for Chikungunya have been reported from the state capital this year. At the start of the vector transmission season, health department ramped up testing for mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya. Since late June, state government run laboratories have conducted 1,657 Dengue tests and 576 Chikungunya tests—more than triple the daily testing rates seen earlier this year. From January to late June, Dengue testing averaged about 10 tests per day, while Chikungunya saw just 2.5. In the recent period, those numbers jumped to 35 and 12 tests per day, respectively. Despite the increase in testing, the number of positive cases has not surged. Dengue recorded 38 new cases, nearly matching the 42 found in the first half of the year. Chikungunya cases dropped from 48 to 21. This means one Dengue case was found for every 44 tests, and one Chikungunya case for every 27. The positivity rate for Chikungunya fell sharply. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo The drop in Chikungunya positivity rate—from nearly 11 percent to under 4 percent—may indicate improved control measures or a seasonal shift in transmission. Dengue's positivity rate remained steady at around 2.3 percent across both periods. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
