Symptoms & Treatments Of Schizophrenia According To Ayurveda

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder. The word Schizophrenia means split mind. This disease is marked by the considerable disturbances in thoughts which affects perceptual, emotional and social processes. The patient is detached from the real world and lives in his own imaginary world. It mostly arises in the first half of life and the progression of the disease may be sudden or gradual.

Patients may develop symptoms either acutely or insidiously. The progressive decline in performance is associated with overt behaviour that disturbs the thoughts and perception. These patients are socially less sensitive and social cognition deficit negatively influences the functioning.

Some of the symptoms of Schizophrenia are:

• Strange suspiciousness
• Forgetfulness
• Depression
• Unnecessary hostility
• Excessive sleep or insomnia

The ancient Indian system of medicine Ayurveda is a compendium of various health related practices and explained the abnormal state of mind, i.e., psychopathology in various contexts.

Ayurveda is not merely herbal tradition but it is a science with a comprehensive approach to lifelong fundamental principles of diagnosis and treatment.

Concept of Mind (Manas) in Ayurveda:

According to Master Charak, manas (mind) is the entity responsible for thinking and observation. The mind is achetan (inactive) by itself but gets activated by the atman or atma (soul). Although beyond sensory perception, it is dravya (matter), since it has guna (quality) and karm (action).

Schizophrenia according to Ayurveda:

According to Sushrut Samhita, sadhak pitta (one of the 5 types of Pitta dosha) is responsible for the higher faculties and emotional states. Sadhak Pitta is located in Hridya and is responsible for the feelings such as shourya (valor), bhaya (fear), medha (intelligence), harsha (happiness), swabhimaan (self – esteem), krodha (anger) etc.

Sadhak Pitta performs its functions by dispelling the Kapha which is responsible for dullness and tamas (ignorance) of the heart and thus enables the mind to perceive things clearly.

What is the treatment of Schizophrenia according to Ayurveda?

Our ancient Indian medical system of medicine emphasized on the unity of both body and mind and explained how to deal with mental health problems by psychosomatic approach.

Ayurvedic treatment of Schizophrenia by Yamuna Pharmacy:

1. Sery Capsule
2. Sery Oil
3. Brahmi Capsule
4. Ashwagandha Capsule
5. Sery Capsule: Sery Capsule manufactured by Yamuna Pharmacy is a proprietary Ayurvedic medicine that contains the goodness of herbs useful that are extremely beneficial for schizophrenia.

• It is a polyherbal formulation that helps in stabilizing the mind, improving concentration and alertness, promoting good sleep by calming the brain and nerves.
• Sery capsule contains powders and extracts of Brahmi, Tagar, Jatamansi and Ashwagandha.
• These capsules are also free from artificial colours, flavours, starch, yeast and chemicals.

Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules twice a day or as directed by the physician.

2. Sery Oil: Sery Oil by Yamuna Pharmacy is an Ayurvedic formulation which is extremely beneficial for brain and nervous system as it contains herbs that work in a synergistic manner to calm the brain and improve brain functioning and relieve stress, anxiety, insomnia associated with schizophrenia.

Composition of Sery Oil:

Each 10 ml contains:

Sr. No.	Herb	Botanical Name	Quantity
1.	Brahmi	Bacopa monnieri	1250 mg
2.	Jatamansi	Nardostachys jatamansi	625 mg
3.	Tagar	Valeriana wallichli	625 mg
4.	Ashwagandha	Withania somnifera	625 mg
5.	Til tel	Sesamum indicum	5 ml
6.	Ksheerbala Tel	Classical Ayur. Med.	5 ml

Mode of Use: For external application only.

Apply 2-5 ml on the forehead and scalp and massage till absorption.

3. Brahmi Capsule: Brahmi Capsule by Yamuna Pharmacy is prepared from Bacopa monnieri

• Brahmi is a nervine and rejuvenating herb that quiets the nervous excitement.
• It has been described as tridoshanashaka (suppressing excess of all the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha), especially Vata and Pitta abating attributes.
• Brahmi Capsule by Yamuna Pharmacy is useful in managing symptoms such as agitation, anxiety and depression associated with schizophrenia.

Dose: Take 1-2 capsules twice a day or as directed by the physician.

4. Capsule Ashwagandha: Capsule Ashwagandha by Yamuna Pharmacy contains the standardized extract of the herb Withania somnifera.

• Ashwagandha is one of the Rasayana herbs mentioned in Ayurveda.
• It enhances the function of brain and nervous system and improves memory as well.
• Being a powerful adaptogen, it enhances the body’s resilience to stress and normalizes the physiological functions of the endocrine system.

Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules twice a day or as directed by the physician.

Diet and Lifestyle:

• Take vegetarian and freshly prepared food.
• Take proper rest and avoid keeping awake at night.
• Do physical exercises such as yoga, pranayama or walking on regular basis.
• Avoid eating non-vegetarian food and consumption of tea and coffee.
• Whole body massage is recommended.

Schizophrenia: Symptoms & Treatments According to Ayurveda

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that affects a person’s thinking, emotions, and behavior. It is characterized by symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired social and occupational functioning. While schizophrenia is typically managed with modern medicine, Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India, offers a holistic approach to managing mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, by focusing on balancing the mind, body, and spirit.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Schizophrenia

In Ayurveda, mental health disorders like schizophrenia are often linked to imbalances in the Sattva (mind), Rajas (emotions), and Tamas (behavior) qualities of the mind. Mental disorders, including schizophrenia, are believed to arise when the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas are disturbed, particularly Vata and Pitta, which are associated with the nervous system and mental functions.

• Vata Dosha: It governs movement, and when imbalanced, it can lead to mental instability, anxiety, and restlessness, contributing to conditions like paranoia and hallucinations, which are common in schizophrenia.

• Pitta Dosha: It controls transformation, metabolism, and mental sharpness. When aggravated, Pitta can lead to irritability, anger, and aggressive behavior, which may manifest in the delusional aspects of schizophrenia.

• Kapha Dosha: It governs structure and stability. If Kapha is imbalanced, it may cause emotional numbness, lack of motivation, and depression, which can lead to social withdrawal, a common symptom in schizophrenia.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia According to Ayurveda

Schizophrenia’s symptoms in Ayurvedic terms are typically understood through the lens of imbalanced doshas and disturbed mental states. These symptoms may include:

1. Hallucinations (Auditory/Visual): The experience of hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t present is often related to aggravated Vata and Pitta doshas. Vata imbalance causes excessive mental activity, while Pitta imbalance results in distorted perceptions and sensory overload.

2. Delusions: False beliefs that are not grounded in reality, such as persecution delusions or delusions of grandeur, can be linked to Pitta imbalance, which can lead to an overactive or distorted perception of reality.

3. Disorganized Thinking: Mental confusion and the inability to think logically or coherently are often a result of Vata imbalance. Vata governs the nervous system and when disturbed, it can cause fragmented thought processes.

4. Social Withdrawal and Lack of Motivation: Kapha dosha may contribute to these symptoms, as it is associated with lethargy, apathy, and depression.

5. Mood Swings: Intense emotional fluctuations, often shifting between irritability, anger, and sadness, can be associated with Pitta imbalances.

6. Paranoia and Anxiety: Vata is closely linked to the nervous system, and when out of balance, it can lead to heightened fear, anxiety, and paranoia.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Schizophrenia

Ayurveda treats schizophrenia through a combination of herbal remedies, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and mental health practices that work together to restore balance to the mind and body.

1. Herbal Remedies for Schizophrenia

Herbs play a crucial role in Ayurvedic treatment for mental disorders by calming the mind, balancing doshas, and promoting mental clarity. Below are some key herbs used in Ayurveda to treat schizophrenia:

• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi is one of the most effective herbs for mental health. It calms the nervous system, improves concentration, and helps clear mental fog. It is beneficial in cases of anxiety, paranoia, and memory loss.

  • How to Use: Take Brahmi powder (1/2 tsp) mixed with honey or warm milk daily, or use Brahmi capsules as prescribed.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Known for its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha helps the body cope with stress and enhances mental clarity. It helps restore emotional balance and calmness, which is vital in schizophrenia treatment.

  • How to Use: Take Ashwagandha powder (1/2 tsp) mixed with warm water or milk twice a day, or use Ashwagandha capsules as recommended.

• Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Jatamansi is known for its calming and anti-anxiety effects. It helps treat agitation, fear, and restlessness associated with schizophrenia.

  • How to Use: Jatamansi can be consumed as a powder (1/4 tsp) with honey or warm water.

• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi helps in balancing the mind and stabilizing emotions. It is also useful for calming anxiety and improving mental clarity.

  • How to Use: Boil Tulsi leaves in water and consume the tea daily, or take Tulsi capsules as per the dosage instructions.

• Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Shankhpushpi is an excellent herb for improving cognitive function and mental clarity. It calms the nervous system, alleviates stress, and enhances brain function.

  • How to Use: You can take Shankhpushpi powder or syrup, or as per the Ayurvedic practitioner’s recommendation.

• Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica): Gotu Kola is known for its ability to enhance memory, cognition, and mental clarity. It is also known to improve circulation to the brain and reduce anxiety.

  • How to Use: Gotu Kola can be taken as a capsule, tablet, or powder.

2. Panchakarma (Detoxification)

Ayurvedic detoxification therapies like Panchakarma help eliminate Ama (toxins) from the body, restore dosha balance, and rejuvenate the nervous system. The following Panchakarma therapies may be beneficial for schizophrenia:

• Shirodhara: A treatment where warm herbal oil is poured onto the forehead in a steady stream. It calms the mind, reduces mental tension, and promotes deep relaxation, which can be helpful in managing anxiety and emotional instability associated with schizophrenia.

• Nasya: This involves the administration of medicated oils through the nostrils to clear blockages in the head region. It helps treat mental fog, clear the mind, and relieve stress.

• Abhyanga: A full-body oil massage that balances Vata and Pitta, calms the nervous system, and relaxes the body.

• Basti: Medicated enema therapy that is especially effective in balancing Vata dosha and addressing conditions like anxiety, restlessness, and other nervous disorders.

3. Dietary Recommendations for Schizophrenia

• Warm, Nourishing Foods: Ayurvedic diets for schizophrenia emphasize warm, nourishing, and easy-to-digest foods. Avoid cold, raw, and heavy foods, which may exacerbate Vata and Kapha imbalances.

• Spices: Use digestive spices like turmeric, cumin, ginger, fennel, and black pepper to enhance digestion and balance the doshas.

• Light, Easily Digestible Foods: Focus on foods that are light and nourishing, such as soups, stews, and porridge. Foods like kitchari (a traditional Ayurvedic dish made with rice and lentils) are great for promoting mental and digestive health.

• Reduce Toxins (Ama): Avoid processed and junk foods, which can increase the formation of Ama, or toxins, that burden the mind and body.

4. Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

• Regular Meditation and Pranayama: Meditation, especially mindfulness and guided meditations, helps calm the mind and stabilize emotions. Techniques like Pranayama (breathing exercises) are excellent for reducing anxiety, promoting mental clarity, and balancing the doshas.

• Yoga: Yoga helps in restoring mental peace and physical stability. Regular practice can reduce symptoms of schizophrenia such as stress, anxiety, and agitation. Focus on grounding poses and slow, meditative movements.

• Adequate Rest: Ensuring adequate rest and sleep is vital in managing schizophrenia. Ayurvedic treatments often focus on improving sleep quality, as mental health is deeply tied to restful sleep.

• Counseling: In Ayurveda, mental health is not just treated with herbs and therapies but also through emotional and spiritual healing. Speaking with a therapist or an Ayurvedic counselor can provide deeper emotional support.

5. Monitoring and Support

• Monitor Progress: It is important to monitor the symptoms regularly and consult an Ayurvedic practitioner who can adjust treatment plans based on progress.

• Integrate with Modern Medicine: While Ayurveda offers a holistic approach, schizophrenia is a complex condition that often requires a combination of Ayurvedic and conventional medical treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatments.

Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic mental health disorder characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, emotional instability, and impaired functioning in daily life. Ayurveda views mental health disorders like schizophrenia through the lens of imbalanced doshas (primarily Vata and Pitta) and a disturbed mind (referred to as Manas). The treatment approach in Ayurveda aims to restore balance to the mind, body, and spirit, focusing on mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall wellness.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia According to Ayurveda:

In Ayurveda, schizophrenia can be attributed to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta doshas, which affect the mind and nervous system. Specific symptoms may include:

1. Mental Disturbances (Vichitratva):

   • Disorganized thinking, confusion, and difficulty in concentrating.

   • Unusual thoughts and belief systems (e.g., delusions).

2. Hallucinations (Maya, Bhaya):

   • Auditory and visual hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there).

   • Disturbance in sensory perceptions, such as heightened or distorted sensory experiences.

3. Emotional Instability (Chitta Vikara):

   • Extreme mood swings, ranging from elevated states to deep depression.

   • Irritability, anger, or feelings of emotional detachment.

4. Loss of Reality (Pratyaksha-Vibhrama):

   • Disconnect from reality, such as inability to differentiate between what is real and what is imagined.

   • Disorganized or irrational speech.

5. Social Withdrawal (Vyarthata, Sattva-Daurbalyam):

   • Lack of interest in social interactions, self-isolation.

   • Inability to perform daily activities and maintain relationships.

Causes of Schizophrenia in Ayurveda:

According to Ayurveda, schizophrenia is believed to be caused by several factors, including:

1. Vata-Pitta Imbalance:

   • The primary cause is an imbalance in Vata and Pitta doshas, which affects the mind (Manas). Vata dosha controls the mental processes of thought, communication, and action, while Pitta dosha governs intelligence and insight. When these doshas are disturbed, mental clarity is compromised, leading to symptoms like those seen in schizophrenia.

2. Imbalance of the Three Gunas (Qualities):

   • Tamas (inertia or dullness) is often in excess, leading to confusion, lethargy, and delusional thinking.

   • Rajas (activity and desire) can become excessive, contributing to mental agitation, emotional instability, and erratic thinking.

3. Poor Diet and Lifestyle Choices:

   • Eating foods that are too heavy, spicy, intoxicating, or difficult to digest can aggravate the doshas and contribute to mental imbalance.

   • Stress, trauma, or emotional disturbance from life events can also trigger an episode or increase the severity of symptoms.

4. Genetic Factors:

   • Family history and hereditary factors can increase the likelihood of developing mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Ayurveda acknowledges the impact of genetics but believes that lifestyle and dietary habits have a significant role in modulating the expression of such genetic predispositions.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Schizophrenia:

Ayurvedic treatment for schizophrenia is focused on rebalancing the doshas, calming the mind, and promoting overall well-being. The key components of treatment typically include herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, panchakarma therapies, and lifestyle changes. Here are some common Ayurvedic approaches to managing schizophrenia:

1. Herbal Remedies:

Ayurveda offers several herbs that are known to balance the Vata and Pitta doshas, calm the mind, and improve cognitive function.

• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Known as a nervine tonic, Brahmi improves cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity. It calms Vata and Pitta, making it a key herb for treating mental disorders such as schizophrenia.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): An adaptogenic herb that helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are often triggers for schizophrenia symptoms. It also promotes mental clarity, stability, and physical vitality.

• Vacha (Acorus calamus): A herb that stimulates mental function and improves communication. It is often used to treat mental confusion and disorganized thinking.

• Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Known for its calming effects on the nervous system, Jatamansi helps reduce anxiety, insomnia, and mental agitation. It can help ease the stress-related symptoms of schizophrenia.

• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): An adaptogen that reduces mental and emotional stress, Tulsi helps soothe the mind, promoting clarity and stability.

• Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): A calming herb that supports mental clarity, enhances memory, and reduces feelings of confusion and mental agitation.

2. Panchakarma Therapies:

Panchakarma, a set of Ayurvedic detoxification therapies, can help cleanse the body and mind, remove toxins (ama), and restore balance. Common Panchakarma therapies used in treating schizophrenia include:

• Basti (Enemas): A cleansing therapy to detoxify the body and balance Vata dosha. It helps in treating mental disorders by cleansing the digestive and elimination systems.

• Shirodhara (Oil pouring on the forehead): A soothing therapy that involves pouring warm oil on the forehead to calm the mind and relieve mental tension and stress. This therapy is very effective for calming Vata and Pitta imbalances.

• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Regular Abhyanga with warm herbal oils can balance the Vata dosha, calm the nervous system, and improve blood circulation, which helps in managing mental disorders like schizophrenia.

3. Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations:

• Diet:

  • Consume light, easily digestible foods that are rich in nutrients. Avoid spicy, heavy, or processed foods that can aggravate Vata and Pitta.

  • A diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats such as ghee can nourish the body and support mental clarity.

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other intoxicants, as they can increase mental confusion and agitation.

  • Include cooling foods like cucumbers, leafy greens, and fresh fruit juices to balance Pitta and soothe the mind.

• Regular Meditation and Yoga:

  • Meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity and emotional stability.

  • Yoga poses such as Savasana, Uttanasana, and Balasana can relieve stress, improve focus, and help with relaxation and grounding.

• Sleep and Stress Management:

  • Adequate rest is essential for mental well-being. Ensure 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall recovery.

  • Avoid excessive stress and engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as walking in nature, deep breathing, or listening to soothing music.

4. Emotional and Social Support:

• Seek support from family and loved ones to help manage the emotional challenges of schizophrenia.

• Engage in group therapy or counseling to improve social interaction, reduce isolation, and promote emotional well-being.

Conclusion:

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder that requires a holistic treatment approach. Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on the condition by addressing the root cause of imbalances in the Vata and Pitta doshas and aiming to restore harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. Through a combination of herbal remedies, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle modifications, and emotional support, Ayurveda provides a comprehensive framework for managing schizophrenia and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by it.

As always, it is important to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized treatment recommendations and to work in conjunction with conventional treatments when necessary.