Ayurvedic Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a psychological condition characterised by mood swings between depressions and mania. The symptoms of this mental disorder differ from case to case depending upon factors such as origin, individual inequalities and the surrounding environment. It is mainly augmented in individuals either by low strength or energy, weak immune system, lack of managerial abilities and adaptability or by excess of dryness in brain and nervous system. Ayurveda is reckoned for its potential to regulate mood swings by alleviating its disposition and temper. It has a wide range of herbal remedies for Bipolar Disorder, methods and approaches for controlling this critical mental condition without having to depend on heavy medication and complicated treatments. The most important point to be kept in consideration is that ayurvedic treatment for Bipolar Disorder must not be undertaken without consulting the doctor. Moreover, the Ayurvedic remedies for Bipolar Disorder need to be kept under close scrutiny and observation by the specialists. Some of the most useful ayurvedic treatments for Bipolar Disorderinclude the following:

Use of the herb St. Johns Wort asa herbal remedy for Bipolar Disorder naturally provides the patient with chemicals such ashyperforin, hypericin and flaynoids which are antidepressants and ensure that the brain chemicals-namely dopamine and serotonin, are made available to the brain. The root of Black Cohosh is a natural sedative that placates the nervous system of the patient by calming down the feeling of anxiety. Ginkgo Biloba oil, extracted from the Ginkgo tree, is one of the most popular ayurvedic treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Asian countries. It improves assimilation of vitamins, oxygen and nutrients by increasing blood circulation to the brain. Another ayurvedic remedy for Bipolar Disorder includes aromatic oil massage by ayurvedic oils. Shirodhara is a treatment where buttermilk, sesame oil or coconut water is applied on the forehead of the patient to improve blood flow and thus relieve him from Bipolar Disorder Mustard, another herbal remedy for Bipolar Disorder, is helpful in managing anxiety and exhaustion caused by the disease. VachaRasayana, a natural dietary supplement and Tinospor aCordifolia also prove to be very effective in curing Bipolar Disorder. This herbal remedy for Bipolar Disorder also prevents further infliction.

Apart from implementing the above ayurvedic treatment for Bipolar Disorder, it is utmost essential to maintain a balance between three things-air or oxygen, phlegm and bile. This condition is achievable only by way of a balanced diet comprising of healthy vegetables and

fruits, milk, honey, and various nuts. Along with pursuing ayurvedic remedies for Bipolar Disorder, refrain from sugar, chocolates, spicy food and meat is also advisable. Yoga and deep breathing sessions can also do wonders to relax the body.

Bipolar disorder is a long term condition that requires life-long treatment, even during periods of remission. The Ayurvedic treatment of this condition is aimed at treating the presenting symptoms and preventing recurrence of the condition. In order to treat the manic phase of this condition, medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), Jyotishmati (Celastrus panniculatus) and Kushmand (Benincasa hispida) are used. A special procedure called 'Shirodhara' is also quite useful in reducing agitation, aggression and sleeplessness. To treat the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Vacha, Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shilajit (Purified bitumen), Tankan (Purified borax) and Makardhwaj are used. In order to prevent recurrence of this condition, medicines like Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki, Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Vacha, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Suvarna-Bhasma, Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma and Suvarna -Parpati are used in small doses for prolonged periods. It is important to adapt a healthy life style; and avoid self medication and known conditions which can precipitate symptoms of bipolar disorder. Family therapy, group therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can help in considerably reducing symptoms of this condition. Left untreated, bipolar disorder can result in severe emotional, legal and financial problems and can even result in suicide. Regular treatment and supervision by a Psychiatrist is therefore very important in this condition.