From Chaos to Clarity: An Ayurvedic Approach to Mental Health
One rainy morning, Arin, a young IT professional, found himself unable to get out of bed. Despite a successful career, his mind felt heavy, thoughts tangled, and motivation lost. A visit to his Ayurvedic practitioner revealed not just burnout, but a disconnection from Dinacharya (daily routine), mental chaos and a lack of mindful Ahara (diet). That was the turning point in Arin’s journey toward mental clarity and balance.
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, it’s a timely reminder that tending to our inner world is just as important as caring for our bodies.
Mental health often goes unspoken, yet it deeply influences every aspect of life. Ayurveda emphasizes that a stable mind is nurtured through rhythm and nourishment. Two essential pillars—Dinacharya and Ahara—are foundational in maintaining Sattva (mental clarity and balance).
Dinacharya, or daily routine, brings order to the chaos of life. Waking up before sunrise, practicing oil massage (Abhyanga), meditation, and mindful breathing align the body and mind with nature’s cycle. These rituals stabilize the doshas and reduce mental restlessness.
Equally vital is Ahara. A Sattvic diet—fresh, seasonal, and prepared with care—nourishes not just the body but the manas (mind). Avoiding overly processed, stale, or excessively spicy foods helps maintain emotional equilibrium.
Ayurveda also teaches the importance of controlling Dharaniya Vega—the urges and emotions that must be held back, such as anger, greed, and envy. Suppressing natural physical urges is discouraged, but restraining harmful mental impulses supports psychological balance and spiritual growth. As Charaka Samhita states:
“मनसो वेगं न चरेत्” — “Do not act on the impulse of the mind.”
As the Bhagavad Gita (6.5) beautifully reminds us:
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मन:॥
“Let a person lift himself by his own mind, and let him not degrade himself. The mind alone is the friend of the self, and the mind alone is the enemy of the self.”
By aligning our lives through Dinacharya, nourishing ourselves through mindful Ahara, and mastering Dharaniya Vega, we not only build physical strength but invite lasting peace into our minds.