Management Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through Ayurveda

Obsessive compulsive disorder may be defined as special type of anxiety disorder that affects 3% of population throughout the world. Main characteristics of this problem are obsessions and compulsions. Our liking to live in modern lifestyle and highly stressful lifestyles are the major factors that are responsible for onset of this health hazard the anxiety related disorder. Depression and anxiety both are the major factors that have great impact on our overall health and wellness. There is equal prevalence of disease among males and females. Main onset of this disease is between the ages of 22 to 35 years.

Sufferers of obsessive compulsive disorder experience unwanted and upsetting thoughts or images. These repetitive thoughts are responsible for causing huge level of stress and main reason is why OCD patient are thinking in such a way. This condition of anxiety mainly contains two domains: obsession and compulsion. Obsession may be defined as recurrent and intrusive thoughts, ideas and feelings and Compulsion is defined as conscious and recurrent behaviour of checking, counting and avoiding. In simple terms obsessive compulsive disorder may be defined as condition of repetition of single behaviour multiple times. For example, a normal person in normal circumstances washes his or her hands and make sure that it is cleaned but patient of obsessive compulsive disorder repeats it ten or more times. He or she is obsessed with cleaning of hands for multiple times and still not satisfied. It is very common example to understand what obsessive compulsive disorder is. Patient of OCD is aware of his behaviour, they know that they need corrections but they cannot control this condition. Later on when this disease becomes chronic, sometimes sufferer denies of his or her repetitive behaviour in order to pretend their condition. Obsession is responsible for the increase of anxiety while compulsion is responsible for reduction of anxiety. It is very harmful disorder that disturbs person’s normal routine, mental health, social life and relationships with family and friends too.

Sign and symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder-

Obsession and Compulsion are the two main signs that are seen in the sufferers of OCD. As such there are no specific sign and symptoms of this anxiety disorder. Following are the some changes seen in the behaviour of sufferers of obsessive compulsive disorder-

• Compulsive behaviour
• Hyper vigilance
• Impulsivity
• Meaningless repetition of words and movements
• Isolation for social circle
• Repetition of several actions
• Depression
• Grief
• Fear
• Food aversions
• Scary nightmares

Ayurvedic outlook of obsessive compulsive disorder-

According to Ayurveda, obsessive compulsive disorder is correlated with the condition called “Atatwa-abhinivesha”. atatwa means non-existence, abhinivesha means stubborn or strict adherence. So this condition in which a person believes in the condition that does not exist or which are not correct is called atatwa-abhinivesha. Every time the person suffering from this disorder will be in confusion of acceptance of truth.

Various reasons for onset of this disease according to Ayurveda are-

• Intake of contaminated food and water
• Suppression of natural urges
• Excessive intake of extreme cold and hot foods and drinks
• Stress, anxiety, depression
• Grief and fear

According to Ayurveda excessive intake of above mentioned factors are responsible for aggravation of vata dosha in body. This vitiated vata dosha affects rajah and tamah in the individual with poor mental ability or suffering from depression and anxiety. All these factors are responsible for making adverse effect on both hriday (heart) and mastishak (brain). So imbalance of doshas and dhatus are the major factor that a person is not able to recognise between good and bad and myths and truth. This confusion persists for long and become a daily routine. Later on this condition of daily routine becomes Atatva-abhinivesha or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Management of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) through Ayurveda-

Obsessive compulsive disorder is very challenging anxiety related condition that is responsible for disturbing mental and physical health. Main allopathic medicines that are prescribed to cure this condition are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). No doubt these medications help to increase serotonin level in brain but for long they are not safe and cause various other fatal effects. Feeling shaky or anxious, sick, diarrhoea or constipation, sleeping troubles and recurrent headaches are the various side-effects of taking these allopathic medicines. Herbal medicines the- natural herbs are the one simple and safe way to get rid of this harmful condition called obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD). Sery capsules, Vigoprot powder and Ashworange syrup are various herbal remedies used for the management of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) available at Yamuna pharmacy.

All these products of Yamuna pharmacy for the management of Obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) are made of using natural and pure extract of herbs. All the products of our pharmacy are safe for every age group. Our products are free from any type of side effects of chemicals, preservatives, additives, colours and binders. Our products are formulated under the strict supervision of expert Ayurveda doctors.

• Sery capsules – Brahmi, Tagar, Jatamansi, Ashwagandha, Ext Brahmi, Ext Tagar, Ext. Jatamansi and Ext. Ashwagandha are the herbs used in formulation of this herbal remedy for management of obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD).The herbs used in this remedy are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and nervine in nature. Regular intake of this herbal capsule helps to increase natural serotonin level of brain and help to fight against obsession and compulsion of this disorder. Herbs used in this remedy are very effective for brain and help to control the repetitive movements in sufferers of obsessive compulsive disorder. Regular intake of this remedy helps to improve our natural immunity, brain strength and physical stamina.
  Dosage– 1 to 2 capsules twice daily after meals with normal water.
• Vigoprot powder – ashwagandha ghan, gokhru ghan, shatavari ghan, amalaki ghan, shankhpushpi ghan, khatika, kasheer shushka, ksheer medorahit and coco powder are the various herbs used to prepare this herbal remedy for the management of obsessive compulsive disorder. Regular intake of this herbal remedy helps to control and improve the functions of nervous system. regular intake of this herbal remedy help to fight against serious depression and anxiety that are the major two factors responsible for causing obsession and compulsion and obsessive compulsive disorder. It is very effective herbal remedy that fights against multiple nervous disorders and fight against free radicals and toxins that causes obsessive compulsive disorder.
  How to make beverage – Take 200ml of lukewarm or cold milk in a mug. Add the contents of 2 to 4 teaspoons of Vigoprot powder to milk. Add sugar or honey according to taste. Mix it well and your beverage is ready to drink.
  Dosage- one glass daily is recommended for 50-90 days to increase serotonin level in brain.
• Syrup Ashworange – ashwagandha, guduchi, amla, draksha and vidarikand are the herbs used to prepare this herbal remedy for the management of obsessive compulsive disorder. Herbs used in this remedy are anti-oxidant in nature that helps to fight against various factors responsible for causing obsessive compulsive disorder. Regular use of this remedy helps to stimulate our natural immunity and body capacity to fight against physical and nervous system related issues.
  Dosage- two teaspoonful twice or thrice daily after meals with normal water.

Management of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through Ayurveda

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform in response to these thoughts. People with OCD often experience significant anxiety, distress, and disruption in their daily lives.

In Ayurveda, OCD is understood as a mental and emotional imbalance, often related to disturbances in the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. More specifically, Vata imbalances are believed to contribute to the restlessness, anxiety, and irrational thought patterns seen in OCD. Imbalances in Pitta may lead to intense thinking, frustration, and perfectionism, while Kapha imbalances can contribute to the rigidity and repetitiveness of compulsive behaviors.

Ayurveda treats OCD by focusing on balancing the doshas, improving mental clarity, addressing emotional stress, detoxifying the body, and promoting a state of equilibrium between the body, mind, and spirit.

Ayurvedic Understanding of OCD

1. Vata Dosha: This dosha governs movement, nervous system function, and mental activity. When Vata is imbalanced, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and nervous tension, which contribute to the obsessive and compulsive patterns seen in OCD.

2. Pitta Dosha: Pitta governs intellect, emotions, and perfectionism. When Pitta is imbalanced, it can lead to obsessive thinking, frustration, and a need for control, which are often seen in OCD.

3. Kapha Dosha: Kapha is associated with stability, rigidity, and attachment. When imbalanced, Kapha can contribute to repetitive behaviors, ritualistic actions, and a tendency to get “stuck” in patterns, all of which are characteristic of OCD.

4. Ama (Toxins): In Ayurveda, Ama refers to the buildup of undigested food, emotional toxins, and mental impurities that accumulate when digestion and mental processes are out of balance. These toxins can accumulate in the tissues, including the nervous system, exacerbating symptoms of OCD.

Ayurvedic Approaches to Treat OCD

1. Diet and Nutrition for Mental Health

In Ayurveda, food is considered medicine, and dietary choices can have a profound impact on mental health. A balanced, Vata-pacifying, Pitta-balancing, and Kapha-reducing diet is recommended to soothe the nervous system, promote mental clarity, and reduce anxiety.

• Fresh, Warm Foods: Opt for warm, freshly cooked meals that are easy to digest. This helps stabilize Vata and soothe anxiety. Avoid cold, dry, and processed foods that can aggravate Vata and create mental instability.

• Foods to Promote Mental Clarity: Include brain-boosting foods such as nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds, ghee, and healthy fats (olive oil, coconut oil) to nourish the mind and promote mental clarity.

• Spices for Mental Calm: Include calming spices like turmeric, cumin, ginger, and saffron. These spices help soothe the digestive system and support mental clarity and emotional balance.

• Avoid Stimulants: Avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, and sugary foods as they can increase Pitta (leading to irritability) and aggravate Vata (causing restlessness).

• Foods to Reduce Ama: Incorporate cleansing foods such as pomegranate, apple cider vinegar, lemon, and green leafy vegetables to detoxify the body and reduce Ama.

2. Herbal Remedies for OCD

Ayurveda offers a variety of herbs that can help manage the symptoms of OCD, reduce anxiety, and support emotional balance:

• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Known as a nervine tonic, Brahmi helps calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve mental clarity. It is one of the best herbs for soothing the Vata and Pitta doshas. Brahmi helps with cognitive function and emotional stability, making it beneficial for managing OCD symptoms.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress and anxiety. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps balance the Vata dosha. Ashwagandha can be particularly useful in reducing the hyperactive mind seen in OCD.

• Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Jatamansi is known for its calming and grounding properties. It helps alleviate anxiety, reduce mental restlessness, and promote relaxation. This herb is particularly useful for individuals with OCD who experience racing thoughts and restlessness.

• Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Shankhpushpi is a powerful herb that promotes mental calmness and supports cognitive function. It is often used in Ayurveda to treat stress, anxiety, and obsessive thinking.

• Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica): Gotu Kola has a calming effect on the nervous system and is believed to enhance mental clarity. It supports emotional health and helps balance both Vata and Pitta.

• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is an herb renowned for its stress-reducing properties. It helps soothe the mind, reduce anxiety, and restore balance to the nervous system.

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It helps reduce the inflammation in the brain and nervous system, which may be associated with anxiety and compulsive behaviors.

• Guggulu (Commiphora wightii): Guggulu is a cleansing herb used in Ayurveda for its detoxifying properties. It helps balance Kapha and Vata, and is often used to reduce mental rigidity, which may contribute to the compulsive behaviors in OCD.

3. Ayurvedic Treatments for Mental Wellness

• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic therapeutic massage using warm medicated oils. Regular Abhyanga helps calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and balance the doshas. It is particularly effective for soothing Vata and improving emotional well-being.

• Shirodhara (Oil Pouring Therapy): Shirodhara involves pouring warm herbal oils or buttermilk over the forehead in a continuous stream. It is considered one of the most effective treatments for calming the mind, reducing anxiety, and promoting mental clarity. It has a soothing effect on the Vata dosha, helping to alleviate restlessness and obsessive thinking.

• Panchakarma Detoxification: Panchakarma is a comprehensive Ayurvedic detoxification process that helps eliminate Ama (toxins) and restore balance to the body and mind. Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas) can be beneficial in cleansing the body and calming the mind, thus improving mental health and addressing the root causes of OCD.

4. Yoga and Meditation

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between body and mind. Regular yoga and meditation practices can help soothe the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote mental stability. Here are some practices that can be beneficial for individuals with OCD:

• Yoga Asanas: Specific yoga poses such as Supta Baddha Konasana, Viparita Karani, and Balasana can help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote a state of relaxation.

• Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Breathing exercises such as Anulom Vilom (Nadi Shodhana) and Bhastrika can help balance Vata and calm obsessive thoughts. Deep, slow breathing also helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

• Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness and Vipassana meditation are powerful tools to help individuals with OCD observe their thoughts without attachment or judgment. This practice encourages awareness of the present moment, which can break the cycle of obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors.

5. Lifestyle Modifications

• Regular Routine: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a daily routine (Dinacharya) to balance the doshas and provide stability to the mind. Regularity in eating, sleeping, and working helps reduce Vata imbalance, which is a key contributor to OCD symptoms.

• Sleep: Proper sleep is essential for mental health. Ayurveda suggests that one should aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep every night. Avoid stimulants