Depression (Unmada)

उन्मादंपुनर्मनोबुद्धिसञ्ज्ञाज्ञानस्मृतिभक्तिशीलचेष्टाचारविभ्रमंविद्यात्||५|| (च.चि.१/५)

Depression-Unmada

Depression is a common mental disorder in children characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self -worth disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness and poor concentration. Major depressive disorder is one of the most commonly encountered psychiatric disorder. According to World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability. Things that increase the risk of depression in children include,family difficulties, bullying, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, a family history of depression or other mental health problems.

In Ayurveda the condition can be correlated to Unmada., In Unmada the disruption of Manas (mind) and other higher faculties like buddhi (intellect), samjnajnana (con- sciousness), smrithi (memory), bhakti (desire), sheela (manner), cheshta (behavior) and achara (conduct) takes place. Kaphaja Unmada, one among the four types of Nija Unmada explained in the Samhitas, gives lot of similarities with Depression.

Dr.Gupta’s IAFA has a separate pediatric wing, with a team to provide safe and high-quality medical care for children and adolescents. Evidence-based clinical ayurvedic practice is the highlight of IAFA pediatric wing.

Causes of Depression

Rather than cause, the most common risk factors for major depression in childhood include,

Family history of depression (especially if a parent experienced depression as a child or adolescent)
Excessive stress
Abuse or neglect
Trauma (physical and/or emotional)
Other psychiatric disorders
Loss of a parent, caregiver, or other loved one
Cigarette smoking
Loss of a relationship (for example, moving away, loss of boyfriend or girlfriend)
Other chronic illnesses
Other developmental, learning, or conduct disorders

In Ayurveda, the causes include,

Bhiruta (timidity)
Upaklishtasatva (agitated/disturbed mental status)
Alpasatva (feeble minded)
Vyadhivegasamusamudbhrama (perturbation due to the severity of disease)

Ayurvedic reference of Depression-Unmada

Symptoms of Depression

Symptoms of depression in children often include:

sadness, or a low mood that does not go away
being irritable or grumpy all the time
not being interested in things they used to enjoy
feeling tired and exhausted a lot of the time
have trouble sleeping or sleep more than usual
not be able to concentrate
interact less with friends and family
be indecisive
not have much confidence
eat less than usual or overeat
have big changes in weight
seem unable to relax or be more lethargic than usual
talk about feeling guilty or worthless

In Ayurveda, the symptoms include

Sthanamekadeshe: Inactive /dull/likes to be alone
Alpachankraman/Alpacheshta/cheshta manda: Reduced Psychomotor activity
Alpa kathanam /mandavak /Tooshnibhava: Sadness of mood
Rahasyakamata /vivikta priyata: Prefer or love for Solitude
Bhibhatsatva /saucha dvesha: Ignoring personal hygien, hating Cleanliness
Sadana: Fatigue

“Dr.Gupta’s IAFA offers effective Ayurvedic Management for Depression in children. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® is committed towards providing the outstanding service for all the health problems of your children through Ayurveda”.

Better health of children, Better future!!! Think aboutDr.Gupta’s IAFA!!!

-Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFAⓇ

Diet in Depression

Do’s (Pathya) in Depression

Wheat Dadima (Pomegranate) Butter Dhatri (Gooseberry) Kushmanda(ash gourd)
Freshly prepared food, clean and hygienic food,Whole grain food
Consume fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables everyday to supply fiber, micro and macro nutrients for the well-being of body and mind Regular and timely intake of balanced meal in the right quantity
For people habituated to non-vegetarian food 33 Fish (omega 3 containing fish such as sardine, mackerel)
Proper & sound sleep (7-8 hrs on an average)
Waking up at Brahma Muhurta(4.30 am to 5.30 am) Following Dinacharya, Rtucharya (lifestyle regime mentioned as per Ayurveda) Regular exercise (Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, and dancing has a positive effect on mood)
Recite hymns(as per individual religious preferences, if you are spiritually inclined) Read holy scriptures
Spend time with family and relax Relax with hobbies that take your mind off day to day stress like reading, singing, gardening, painting, listening to music
Control your mind from unnecessary indulgences

Don’ts (Apathya) in Depression

Over indulgence in meat, fish, alcohol, sex, incompatible, heavy, hot and stale food articles,

Suppression of sleep, hunger, thirst, and natural urges

Excessive exercise, excessive strain

Leafy vegetables, bitter food items, bimbi

Rude acts, which are not in accordance with prescribed ethical code of conduct.

Yoga Therapy for Depression

The literal meaning of Yoga is ‘to join’, that is joining of Mind and Body. Therefor in all psychiatric illnesses, yoga plays a very prominent role.

Postures include,

Balasana (Child Pose)
Sethu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose)
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)
Halasana (Plow Pose)
Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold Pose)
Savasana (Corpse Pose)

Pranayama include,

Anulom vilom
Shitali
Bhramari

Ayurvedic Treatment for Depression

Ayurveda approach Unmada in a holistic approach with due importance to the logic -based pharmacotherapy, Panchakarma interventions and psychotherapy in the form of spiritual and psychological interventions

Internal Medicines for Depression

Ashwagandharishta
Saraswatharishta
Saraswatha churna
Manasamitra gutika
Dhanvantara Ghrita
Panchgavya Ghrita

Brahmi Ghrita
Mahakalyanaka Ghrita
Chetasa Ghrita
Mahapaishachika Ghrita
Lashunadya Ghrita

External Therapies for Depression

Nasya (nasal instillation)
Abhyanga (aneling)
Takradhara / Ksheeradhara / Tailadhara / Kashayadhara (Streaming of medicated buttermilk / milk / oil / decoction, on the forehead of the patient)
Mastishkya (application of medicated wet cakes on the vertex)
Shirolepa (application of medicated wet cakes on head)
Dhoopana (fumigation)
Anjana (collyrium)

Purificatory Therapies for Depression

Vamana (emesis)
Virechana (purgation)
Asthapanavasti (medicated enema)
Raktamokshana (blood-letting)

Single herbs used inEsophagitis

Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri)
Sankhapushpi(Convolvulus pluricalis)
Yastimadhu(Glycyrrhyza glabra)
Jyotishmati(Celastrus paniculatus)

Vacha(Acorus calamus)
Rasona(Allium sativum)
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is Depression?

Answer: Depression is a diseased condition in which the person’s mood is affected and suffers from depressed mood and pessimism, increased fatigability, reduced energy, loss of interest and enjoyment are present along with other symptoms

Question: What are the causes ofDepression?

Answer: Depressive disorders in children does not have one specific cause. Rather, people with these conditions tend to have a number of biological, psychological, and environmental contributors to its development

Question: What is the Ayurvedic treatment for Depression?

Answer: Treatment should be through logical use of medicines and modification of Ahara and Vihara to suit the needs of the person. The patient should be encouraged to follow proper dietary regimen, follow rules of Sadvrita,(good conduct code), to use Medhya Rasayana (medicines that boost psyche) and Doshahara Ousadha (medicines) to control the imbalanced mind.