Panchakarma, A Formidable Tool in the Management of Kaphaja Unmada w.s.r Clinical Depression

Abstract

Status of mind is a mirror that reflects the status of health of an individual. In the recent years, the prevalence of mental disorders has greatly escalated, and clinical depression is one of the most common of them all. It is characterized by symptoms such as social isolation, lowered mood, lack of pleasure, feeling of worthlessness etc and it interferes with the normal functioning of an individual. Contemporary treatment protocols comprise mostly of psychotherapy in addition to anti-depressants. Psychotherapy plays an inevitable part of treatment, but anti-depressants come with the risk of side-effects and dependency. Panchakarma plays a key role in reinstatement of normal metabolism, and restores normal functions of the mind. Specifically, Vamana and Virechana in Kapha-pitta pradhanya, Avapeedaka or Navana Nasya, and Shirodhara have proven action in psychosomatic conditions. The following article focuses on exploration of treatment in two cases of Kaphaja unmada or clinical depression approached through two different protocols based on the Avastha.