Ayurveda is a sister science of Yoga that takes a holistic approach to mental health. Uncertainty, emotional stress, and worries can cause a ‘dosha' imbalance which in turn can lead to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Focusing on diet, lifestyle, herbal medicine, and Yoga Therapy enables people to regain and maintain their energy levels, equilibrium, and quality of life.
In Ayurveda, the mind is directly linked to the three Gunas (universal energies) Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas which have a profound effect on the physical behaviour, mental outlook, and emotional balance of every individual. Ayurveda classifies food as sattvic, rajas, and tamasic according to the effect it produces on the mind. Sattvic foods include fresh organic fruit and vegetables, certain grains and nuts, oils, and spices.
The mind itself is called Sattva, which is naturally clear and pure but may be darkened by negative emotions and thoughts. Sattvic qualities of the mind are clarity, alertness, attentiveness, love, compassion, and cooperativeness. Through sattva, awareness is manifested as happiness, joy, bliss, and contentment. A sattvic mind is cheerful, has a great memory, concentration, and patience. Anyone can benefit from following a sattvic lifestyle and a person with a sattvic mind embodies profound wisdom, a great deal of enthusiasm, skill, creativeness, courage, confidence, and vitality.
Ayurvedic lifestyle principles are generally of a sattvic harmonious nature and there are various treatments and practices that support this lifestyle. For example, a daily self-massage (Abhyanga) with a medicated ayurvedic oil is nurturing for the nervous system and calming for the mind. The Sattva Botanicals™ Vata oil is particularly suitable for mental health support. The Sattva Botanicals Mental Health formula is a nourishing tonic for the nervous system that supports a healthy response to everyday stress and the pressures of modern life.
This formula is particularly supportive for the mind, enhancing concentration, alertness, emotional balance, clarity, and memory.
All the Sattva Botanicals™ products are sourced from India and certified organic by USDA Organic.
If you like to find out more about your ayurvedic constitution and get specific diet, lifestyle, and herbal medicine recommendations for your mental and physical health, you can book a consultation with Ayurveda practitioner Sarita Blankenburg (sarita@ayurvedanz.com)
Written by Sarita Blankenburg, Founder of Ayurveda New Zealand and Sattva Botanicals.
