ROLE OF ADRAVYA BHUTA CHIKITSA IN MENTAL HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS W.S.R. BRIHATRAYI

Abstract

Mental health and behavioral disorders are increasingly becoming major health concerns in modern society due to stress, unhealthy lifestyle, emotional instability, and psychosocial disturbances. Ayurveda considers health as a balanced state of body, mind, senses, and soul. Along with medicinal treatment, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of non-pharmacological therapies for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Adravya Bhuta Chikitsa refers to therapeutic approaches that do not involve the direct administration of medicines and include psychological, spiritual, behavioral, and lifestyle-based interventions. The classical Ayurvedic texts of Brihatrayi such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya describe several psychotherapeutic principles including Satvavajaya Chikitsa, Mantra, Samadhi, Santwana, Harshana, Vismarana, and behavioral regulation techniques for the management of Manasika Vikara. These therapies mainly aim at controlling the mind, improving emotional stability, promoting positive thinking, and reducing psychological disturbances. Satvavajaya Chikitsa is considered the principal psychotherapeutic modality in Ayurveda and emphasizes control of mind through Jnana, Vijnana, Dhairya, Smriti, and Samadhi. Various non-drug approaches such as reassurance, counseling, meditation, yoga, exposure to natural environment, and emotional regulation have been described for improving mental health and correcting behavioral abnormalities. These Ayurvedic concepts closely resemble modern psychotherapy, mindfulness therapy, counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The holistic approach of Adravya Bhuta Chikitsa not only helps in management of psychiatric disorders but also plays an important role in prevention, emotional balance, and maintenance of psychological health. Integration of Ayurvedic psychotherapeutic principles with modern mental healthcare may provide safe, economical, and holistic management strategies for mental and behavioral disorders.