Useful Ayurvedic Herbs and Other Treatment Methods

                                               for Brain/Mind Imbalances

 

                                                                                    by Pramada dasi

 

First I will give a very abbreviated summary of the Ayurvedic view of personal identity, as this helps to understand the foundation underlying treatment methods and goals.  Even just theoretically grasping some of the “hows” and “whys” of treatment methods is beneficial, as it is always good to know why one is doing something. 

 

The individual’s identity in Ayurveda is considered to be the atma, or eternal spiritual self or soul.  The soul in the world is “wearing” a physical body like a person riding in a vehicle; in our case our vehicle is made of flesh and blood.  We also have a more subtle body of mind and intelligence (discrimination or will) which is intimately connected with the physical body.  So healing or bringing balance to the emotions and mind involves helping balance the physical brain as well as bringing harmony to the more subtle mind and intelligence.

 

Naturally, when one is riding in a vehicle, not only is the condition of the vehicle important, but the destination.   The larger Vedic literatures, of which the Ayurvedic shastras are a small part, all agree that spiritual enlightenment is the ultimate desirable destination of all sentient beings, and to that end proper maintenance and care of one’s “vehicle” is a necessity, as well as for having a happy life here and now.  Therefore, intrinsic to Ayurveda are not only beneficial daily routines, proper diet and herbs and other cleansing and strengthening measures, but also ethical and moral behavior.  A life is only considered successful if one develops not only a healthy body and mind (as much as is possible within our limitations), but also develops spiritually in relationship to the Supreme, all other living beings and all creation.  So right behavior is considered as important to health as  exercise, good diet, and proper therapeutic herbs and practices.

 

 

 

 *Ayurvedic Herbs

 

*Some Considerations  for Bringing Equanimity to the Mind

 

*Subtle Nutrition or Sensory Impressions

 

*Spiritual Nutrition

 

*Yoga, Qigong

 

 

 

 

 

AYURVEDIC HEALING: