Ayurvedic Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness in which there are alternating emotional highs and lows in mood.

In this state, one either feels high, when they feel uplifted and have pleasant thoughts, or low, when they feel sad and negative thoughts come into their mind.

The disease often begins between the ages of 14 and 19 years. Both men and women are equally susceptible to this disease. The disease rarely begins after 40 years of age.

Forms of Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar one

In this type of condition, on at least one occasion, the patient experiences a period of excessive speed, excessive energy, excessive agitation, and excessive talkativeness. This phase lasts about 3-6 months. Even if left untreated, the patient can recover on his own. Another form of this type of disease can manifest as sadness at any time. It’s called depression when sadness lasts for more than two weeks at a time.

Bipolar two

With this condition the patient experiences a depressive effect. Occasionally there may be a slight surge of strength.

Fast cycling

In this condition, the patient suffers from depression or excessive energy at least four times a year.

Signs of Bipolar Disorder:

Depression;

Excessive sadness in the patient’s mind;

Anorexia;

Irritability, nervousness;

Self-injury;

Despair about the future;

Lack of energy in the body;

Self-hatred;

Lack of self-confidence.

If such gloom lasts more than two weeks, counseling should be sought.

Mania form

With this form, the patient’s symptoms intensify so many times that the patient’s connection with reality is disrupted.

The patient begins to hear tinnitus for no reason.

The patient constantly runs back and forth due to the excessive speed of the mind. Sleep and appetite decrease.

Between two forms

The patient often returns to normal life after depression and/or mania.

The patient may remain normal for a long time, for years, and suddenly they may become depressed or quickly become ill.

Western treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Typically, treatment includes a combination of at least one mood-stabilizing drug and/or atypical antipsychotic, plus psychotherapy.

Psychological education

This type of therapy is aimed at expanding the patient’s mental capabilities and filling them with self-confidence. In this way, their mental health improves and they begin to return to normal life.

Family therapy

Attempts are made to resolve differences by gathering the patient’s family members and friends as they wish.

This therapy builds a new foundation between the family and the patient and allows the family to understand the patient’s needs.

Psychotherapy

It is a talk therapy that focuses specifically on the patient’s mental and behavioral disorders. The goal is to divert the patient’s attention from negative thoughts, negative reactions, emotional reactions and behavior.

An Ayurvedic perspective on bipolar disorder
Although there are recognizable elements of Pitta in mania and Kapha in depression, all mental disorders express at least some Vata aggravation.

Vata dosha manifests itself as movement, expansion, changeability, instability, coldness, subtlety, dryness, roughness and lightness.

Vata imbalances can manifest as insomnia, fear, fluctuating thoughts and feelings, anxiety, weight loss, tremors, hopelessness, and overexcitability. All these symptoms are governed by the qualities of air and ether: instability, ungroundedness and scatteredness.

The doshas also govern the seasons and certain times of the day. Vata dosha rules the end of summer and the beginning of fall. During this time of year, it is especially important to stay grounded to eliminate Vata aggravation. During the day, Vata time is from 2:00 to 6:00 in the morning and in the afternoon. During this time, you should avoid activities that can unbalance Vata.

Maintain a daily routine, including regular light exercise, rest, and bedtime.

Avoid stimulants whenever possible, including but not limited to loud music, drugs, caffeine and cigarettes.

Take time to express gratitude before each meal. After each meal, sit or lie on your left side for five minutes to integrate the experience.

Avoid cold temperatures, including drinks and ice cream. Drink warm water.

Food pacifies Vata, and your diet should focus on whole grains, cooked vegetables, mung beans, fresh dairy, nuts and oils to ground your energy. In general, sweet, sour, and salty flavors should be emphasized, as well as the qualities of warm, moist, and heavy foods such as stews, soups, and one-pot dishes. Use sesame oil or ghee generously. See: The Food List for Vata.

Color therapy and aromatherapy can impact mental health throughout the year. These means are subtle but powerful.

Essential oils of rose, frankincense and basil balance all doshas.

TODAY’S TIP: During Vata aggravation, avoid travel and change in general.
Excitability can affect the symptoms of bipolar disorder, especially in fall. If change cannot be avoided, practice other vata-pacifying techniques to compensate.
Make sure you don’t skip meals. Avoid complete fasting.