Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Ayurveda

Bipolar disease is also known as manic-depressive illness which is a brain disorder that causes unusual shift in mood, energy levels, activity levels and the ability to carry out day to day tasks.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes from time to time.

It includes depression which involves sad or hopeless or loss of interest in most of the activities. When the mood of the patient shifts to mania, patient may feel euphoric, irritable or full of energy. These mood swings can affect person's day to day activities such as lack of sleep, judgment, behaviour, ability of the person to think clearly etc.

This condition is mainly seen in individuals who have low strength or energy, weak immune system, excess dryness in brain and nervous system, lack of managerial abilities etc.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF BIPOLAR DISORDER ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA?

In Ayurveda, the description of mental disorders fall under the category Unmada.

According to Ayurveda, Bipolar manifests due to imbalances in all the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha that govern the body as well as mind.

1. But, more specifically, the cause is vitiated Vata (samanavayu) as in the mind, the role of samanavayu is to balance and stable the other types of Vata and when it is disrupted, a person loses his control over thoughts and feelings.
2. The Vatadosha also affects sensory impressions and circulation in the nervous system which hamper mental properties of the mind such as satva, rajas and tamas.
3. In susceptible individuals, bipolar disorder is amplified by low ojas and high Vatadosha in the mind and nervous system.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Depending on the types of bipolar disorder, symptoms can vary which can cause unpredictable changes in the mood and behaviour and results in significant distress and difficulty.

Some Of The Symptoms Are:

• Increased activity, energy or agitation
• Abnormal upbeat, jumpy or wired
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unusual talkativeness
• Distractibility
• Racing thoughts
• Poor decision making

Bipolar Disorder also includes a major depressive episode that includes symptoms that are severe enough to cause noticeable difficulty in day to day activities.

Some Of The Symptoms Are:

• Marked loss of interest in almost all the activities.
• Sleeping too much or insomnia
• Slow behaviour or restlessness
• Feelings of inappropriate guilt
• Loss of energy
• Significant weight loss

Symptoms Of Bipolar Disorder In Children:

Children and teenagers may have distinct major depressive or hypomanic episodes.

The most prominent signs of bipolar disorder in children and teenagers include severe mood swings that are different from usual mood swings.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF BIPOLAR DISORDER?

The modern treatment for bipolar disorder includes the prescription of mood stabilizers and anti-depressants but these medications have countless side effects and not enough research is available on how they affect the mind and body in the long term.

HOW AYURVEDA CAN HELP IN BIPOLAR DISORDER?

Ayurveda is reckoned for its potential to regulate the mood swings. The Ayurvedic treatment for bipolar disorder includes increasing the ojas and reducing the stressors.

Planet Ayurveda has wide range of herbal remedies to balance the doshas, reducing stress, enhancing immunity and building stability in activities. These remedies are natural which prevent the patient's need to depend on habit forming medications.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER INCLUDE

1. Brahmi Capsules
2. Stress Support Capsules
3. Medhya Churna

Bipolar Care Pack

1. Brahmi Capsules

Planet Ayurveda's Brahmi Capsules are prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri. Brahmi works well in bipolar disorder by enhancing memory power and balancing mood swings because of its sedative and stimulant properties.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Stress Support

As the name suggests, these capsules help individuals to deal with stress, depression and anxiety. Stress Support Capsules are a unique product of Planet Ayurveda that builds up ojas and balance the Vata dosha responsible for bipolar disorder. These capsules are also useful in boosting memory, concentration etc.

Ingredients Of Stress Support Capsules Are:

Sr. No.	Herb Used	Botanical Name	Quantity
1.	Ashwagandha	Withaniasomnifera	200 mg
2.	Tagar	Valerianawallichii	200 mg
3.	Brahmi	Bacopamonnieri	100 mg

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Medhya Churna

Medhya Churna is a wonderful product of Planet Ayurveda which is prepared from the herbs that are rich in anti-oxidants and useful in memory loss, insomnia, nervousness, uncontrolled thoughts etc. This churna also builds up the immunity and rejuvenates brain and nervous system.

Ingredients Of Medhya Churna Are:

Sr. No.	Botanical Name	Common Name	Parts	Quantity
1.	Acorus calamus	Vacha	Roots	50 gm
2.	Withania somnifera	Ashwagandha	Roots	5 gm
3.	Carum roxburghianum	Ajmoda	Seeds	5 gm
4.	Cuminum cyminum	ShwetJeerak	Seeds	5 gm
5.	Carum carvi	Krishna Jeerak	Seeds	5 gm
6.	Zingiber officinale	Sonth	Rhizome	5 gm
7.	Piper nigrum	Marich	Fruits	5 gm
8.	Piper longum	Pippali	Fruits	5 gm
9.	Cissampelos pareira	Patha	Whole	5 gm
10.	Convolvulus pluricaulis	Shankhpushpi	Whole	5 gm
11.	Bacopa monnieri	Brahmi	Whole	5 gm

Dose: Half to 1 tsf, twice a day with plain water after meals

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

1. Avoid stimulants such as intake of recreational drugs, caffeine, smoking etc.
2. Intake of warm water is recommended.
3. Vata pacifying foods such as whole grains, oils, cooked vegetables, sweet and salty foods are advised.
4. Oil massage with warm oil such as sesame oil is recommended. A gentle head massage helps to relax the mind.
5. Meditation for 15-20 minutes on regular basis is recommended.
6. Breathing Exercise is also recommended as mind has a very close relation with breathing.
7. Intake of coffee, tea, white flour products, chocolates, deep fried foods, white sugar products are not recommended.

Hence, Ayurveda offers a multitude of holistic ways of approaching the bipolar disease in a healthy and natural way.