Depression is a unique mental and emotional condition. Unlike many other emotional disturbances, it is abstract, shadowing our perception like a pervasive darkness that rises and falls without warning.
People dealing with depression tend to experience it in waves or cycles, and find that their overall ability to think clearly and creatively is obstructed. With time, depression adds layer upon layer of abstract heaviness that slows down the forward-moving, creative energy that is natural to human life. Why do we experience depression? While most imbalances have a clear cause, the source of depression can be difficult to understand.
I have had clients with depression express to me, “I wish I had a digestive problem or a skin issue—something physical—at least that way I could see it and deal with it.” Mental conditions of all types, but particularly depression, are harder to understand clinically. Is the cause undigested childhood trauma? Is it the lack of a fulfilling life path? Is it purely neurological? With depression, it’s a very wise choice to seek guidance. Experienced as a literal darkness by those who have had it for years, it can take a skilled clinician to take you by the hand and help you leave the shadows.
What is Depression according to Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, depression is a condition of the mind where the natural purity, creativity, and vitality (called Sattva in Sanskrit) is overshadowed by the natural stability, inertia, and slowness of the mind (Tamas in Sanskrit). Taking this Ayurvedic concept further, we see that certain experiences, traumas, and mental and emotional stresses can build up in the mind as this inertia. This leads to an accumulation of darkness and heaviness in the mind.
In Ayurveda, the mind is its own physiology, called Mano Maya Kosha (see article - link). Like the physical body, the mind needs processes of strengthening and detox. So on a more energetic level, Ayurveda views depression as a condition of the mental body not detoxing and becoming overwhelmed with this value of Tamas (darkness).
What is the Ayurvedic Cure for Depression?
Like many other conditions, Ayurveda approaches depression with a multi-dimensional approach. Purifying and clearing the mind, balancing the neurochemistry, and cleansing the gut are all valuable in the treatment of depression. Many of my clients who have had depression were also seeing a therapist and perhaps a few other specialists. This is something I definitely encourage. The therapeutic value of modern psychotherapy is highly useful, and Ayurveda adds a very compatible set of tools and natural medicines to support that process.
For every client, the means of purifying the mind is different, and this is a very personal experience that stays between practitioner and client. At the same time, supporting the physical body is essential for deep and true healing of depression. I sometimes find that people have made tremendous progress in resolving the causes of their depression, and the body simply needs to be tended to so that it can catch up with the improvements in the mind.
Regardless of where you are with your depression, there are some key Ayurvedic remedies that can help to relieve you of this condition:
1. Favor quality of sleep over the quantity of sleep.
The key here is when we sleep, and not for how long. Many people with depression sleep too much, snoozing late into the morning and long hours during the day. Getting sound sleep between 10 pm - 2 am is more valuable than at any other time. You might be surprised at what a difference this can make!
2. Use your cardiovascular system.
This is to say: exercise. What kind of exercise is best? And how often? This all depends on your prakriti/constitution. Getting the cardiovascular system pumping regularly is an effective way to help uproot the biochemical factors of depression in the body. The difficulty is that those suffering from depression can often lack motivation to exercise, which is why I recommend working personally with a practitioner to help determine the right path to a regular exercise routine.
3. Avoid foods, people, and habits that are “Tamasic” (promoting Tamas in the mind).
This is a unique dance for each individual. How do we avoid the elements in our life that contribute to the Tamas value of the mind? It depends, and often has to be addressed in increments (unless you’re ready for a big life switch!). With food, we want to avoid heavily processed substances, red meats, cheeses, and fried foods. Instead, we should favor Prana-rich foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Similarly, Tamasic habits are those that increase lethargy, inertia, and dullness in the mind and body. These types of habits can intensify cycles of depression! Common Tamasic habits are over-consumption of media, excessive sleep, and engaging in repetitive menial tasks that are not purposeful or fulfilling.
Ideally, we want to look at the big picture of your life path and see what action steps we can take to further align you with your purpose. Dharma, your life’s most meaningful purpose and expression, is truly the ultimate “cure” for depression, and aligning more with that lifepath is usually a step-by-step journey.
Every Step Takes You in the Right Direction
If you or someone you know is dealing with depression, I always first recommend seeking modern medical care, therapy, and if needed, medication. If you’re also interested in exploring natural alternatives, I encourage you to send me a message so that we can personally discuss your situation and see what we can do to alleviate your symptoms.
