Ayurvedic approach to manage OCD and Depression

Ayurvedic approach to manage OCD and Depression

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a specific type of anxiety disorder, affects up to 3% of the adult population. It is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or obsessions, and repetitive behaviors’ or compulsions that are performed in an attempt to relieve anxiety.

It is estimated that in Australia today, over 1 million adults suffer from depression and/or anxiety. That staggering figure has been attributed to a variety of factors many of which are linked to our modern day, highly stressful lifestyles.

Western medicine has found that OCD usually develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India and has been practiced for thousands of years. Ayurveda is based on the concept of balance between mind, body and spirit. In Ayurvedic medicine, conditions like OCD are linked to an imbalance within the bodies’ delicate biochemistry. According to Ayurveda, mental health concerns develop when one of the primary doshas is out of balance. Ayurveda attributes anxiety disorder to aggravated prana vata, a subsidiary of vata dosha which is associated with OCD. The aggravated vata dosha weakens the nervous system and triggers mental imbalance. It also weakens the neuro-hormonal system and nerve impulses.

Signs and Symptoms:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms usually include both obsessions and compulsions. But it’s possible to have only obsession signs & symptoms or compulsive signs & symptoms.

Signs of obsession include:

Repeated unwanted ideas

Fear of contamination

Aggressive impulses

Persistent sexual thoughts

Images of hurting someone you love

Thoughts that might cause others harm

Thoughts that you might be harmed

Signs of compulsion include:

Constant checking

Constant counting

The repeated cleaning of one or more items

Repeatedly washing your hands

Arranging items to face a certain way

Ayurvedic treatment for OCD and related anxiety conditions seeks to re-balance your biochemistry through the removal of toxins and restoration of healthy physiological functioning. This multifaceted approach for OCD and depression treatment often involves herbs, diet and lifestyle changes for ocd and depression.

Diet – According to Ayurveda, a healthy diet can help balance the body and mind. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein is recommended. It is advised to avoid processed foods, caffeine and alcohol. Consult with our highly experienced Ayurvedic practitioners to get a personalized diet for your aggravated dosha and bring balance to your mind-body constitution

Exercise – Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for OCD symptoms. Ayurveda recommends gentle exercise such as yoga, swimming, walks etc.

Meditation – Ayurveda recommends meditation as a tool to calm the mind and reduce stress. A regular practice of meditation can help manage the symptoms of OCD

Panchakarma or Ayurvedic detox – Panchakarma is a complete cleansing process used to rid the body of toxic build up and restore balance to the entire system. It is often referred to as the ultimate healing experience for both body and mind due to its rebalancing, detoxifying effects.

Herbs – Ayurvedic medicines for ocd and depression include herbs such as ashwagandha, Brahmi etc are known for their calming and stress reducing properties. It is important to consult with our Ayurvedic practitioners before using any herbs and to know what is the best medication for OCD and depression according to your dosha type

Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Udvartana and Nasya can help manage OCD symptoms by reducing stress, promoting relaxation and balancing the body

Abhyanga – Abhyanga or ‘herbal oil massage treatment’, which involves herbal oils being massaged into the body to penetrate deeply through the skin into the tissue and muscles. It encourages the elimination of stagnant waste and allows nutrients to reach starved cells. The result is an increased state of awareness, directing the body’s internal healing system.

Shirodhara or the ‘rebalancing treatment’, which involves a continuous flow of herbal oil being poured gently across the forehead to calm the mind and spirit.

Udvartana involves a healing warm oil massage to encourage the elimination of toxins deep within the body and tissues followed by an exfoliation treatment with an Ayurvedic herbal paste to enliven and revitalize the skin.

Nasya involves applying herbal oil in the nasal cavity. Ayurveda explains that nose is the ‘doorway to the brain’ and the root of consciousness. This treatment is used to enhance mental clarity and helps treat nervous system disorders like OCD.

For a more tailored approach to treat nervous system related disorders like postpartum depression and ocd or postnatal depression and OCD call the Ayurvedic Wellness Centre, Sydney and book an appointment with our highly experienced ayurveda doctors.