Role of mano-chikitsa (psychological counseling) in the management of modern day’s manovikara

Abstract

The ayurveda recommended specific dinacharya and ritucharya along with ahara and vyayam to control mental illness. Abhyanga removes toxins and maintain normal mental status of body. Ayurveda treatment of manovikara involves approaches like; shirodhara, manasamitravataka, nidanaparivarjana, shodhana, shirovasti, tailam, shiroabhyangam, shaman and healing through senses shabda, sparsha, roopa, rasa, gandha. The treatment of mental disorder seeks Jnana-Vijnana, Dhairya and Samadhi. The normal functioning of mana can be best achieved by sadvritta and achar-rasayan which overall develops Sattvapravriti and help in brian restoration process. The current population suffers from many psychological disorders due to the disturb life style and mental stress; ayurveda suggests mano-chikitsa including psychological counseling (satwavajay) for the treatment of such psychological problems of today’s time, this article summarizes role of mano-chikitsa in modern manovikara.