Fundamentals of Psychiatry in Ayurveda

"Fundamentals of Psychiatry in Ayurveda" is an honest effort to explore the con cept of mind in Ayurveda along with importance of mind and body relationship in Ayurveda.

The concepts of Psycho-somatic constitution, role of psychological factors on health, psychosomatic diseases are extensively discussed in the book.

The book is an endeavour to explore the etiology and pathology of psychiatric dis- cases in accordance with Ayurvedic fundamentals of Dosa-Dhätu-Prakṛti-Sattva- Indriya.

Preventive and curative aspects of psychiatric illnesses in Ayurveda are explained in easy way. A conclusive list of useful Ayurvedic drugs for psychiatric diseases is included in the book.

The wholesome and unwholesome diets and regimens beneficial for maintaining a healthy mind and body are illustrated.

A comprehensive and conceptual review of Nidana-Sampräpti-Laksana-Cikitsa of different psychiatric diseases described in Ayurveda is included in the book. Relevant quotations from literature are added in foot notes for ready reference.

Illustrative tables and flowcharts are used for better and easy understanding of topics

Dr. Ankita is University Gold Medalist in her B.A.M.S. degree from Shri Krishna Govt. Ayurvedic College, Kurukshetra in 2007.

She completed her Masters from the pioneer institute of country National Institute of Ayuveda (NIA) Jaipur in Department of Samhita in 2010. She secured 2 position in the merit list for the post of HPSC Ayurveda Medical Officer, Govt. of Haryana in 2011.

She secured 1" position in JKPSC ment list of Medical Officer in J & K AYUSH Department in 2012.

Dr Ankita joined as Assistant Professor in the Department of Samhita & Siddhanta in the newly established Govt. Ayurvedic Medical College of U.T of Jammu & Kashmir in 2017 She has command & expertise in teaching various subjects of BAMS curriculum like Padartha Vijñāna & History of Ayurveda, Astanga Hrdaya, Caraka Samhita and Research Methodology & Medical Statistics.

She has published twenty-four scientific papers and review articles in renowned national and international peer reviewed journals of Ayurveda and Alternative medi- cine.

She writes regular columns on Ayurveda in popular newspapers.

She has keen interest in exploring Manasa Roga Vijñana i.e. Psychiatry in Ayurveda since her Postgraduation days. Her P.G. dissertation was focussed on to explore the impact of psychiatric factors on patients suffering from physical ailments.

George Bernard Shaw has beautifully summed up the importance of mental health along with physical health in the above quote. The concept of health has changed a lot in modern world. Health today is not merely absence of physical diseases but it is a multi dimensional aspect including mental health, social health and spiritual health along with physical health. Mind is the most effective influencer of human life. A person with a strong mind can easily over come physical obstacles. Life of Stephen Hawking, the famous theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author is the best example of power of mind. Although his body was struggling with degenerative motor neurone disease since the age of 21 years, yet his strong and intelligent mind gave world's greatest theories and he authored world's best-selling books. There are many such examples to prove the importance of mental strength above physical health. On the other hand, we can find several examples of physically strong person who struggle with their mind and emotions. A famous Indian celebrity died by suicide in 2020 while struggling with mental health issues.

Mind and body are an essential component of human life. A person with healthy mind and body can only enjoy virtues of health. Thousands of years ago, Ayurveda highlighted the importance of mind i.e.sattva/manasa along with body and spirit.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages