Literary review on Principles of Ayurvedic Psychiatry in Caraka Samhita
Abstract
Ayurveda is only medical science which is known as science of life (Ayu). The
concept of
hitaayu, ahitaayu, sukhaayu and dukhaayu refers its unique wholesome approach for
healthy
life of a personIty focuses not only personal physical health but also gives more
emphasis on mental health. Caraka Samhita covers all the aspects of life like personal
(both
physical and mental values), social, occupational, emotional, and spiritual values with its
principles of ahaar, vihaar, achaar, indriyopkramniya and sadvritta. It describes a general
healthy and universal outlook especially for mental health with the help of its
philosophical approach of both mind and body. This article assembles basic principles of
Caraka Samhita related to Ayurvedic psychiatry. There is description about Basic
principles of Caraka Samhita related to maintain normal state of mental health as well as
categorization of mental symptoms of DSM IV-TR according to eight vibhramas.
Keywords
Ayurvedic psychiatry, Principles, mental faculties, eight vibramas.