Mental Health: A Yogic Perspective

Mental Health: A Yogic Perspective

Mental Health: A Yogic Perspective 

Mental health is a necessity for every person, irrespective of age, occupation, or background. While physical ailments are visible and often quickly addressed, mental health often remains in the shadows. The mind governs everything. How we feel, react, relate to others, and even how we perceive life stems from our mental state. To maintain mental health, we must go beyond short-term coping techniques and follow holistic and preventive and inclusive strategies such as a yogic lifestyle.

Mental health is not just the absence of disease—it is a state of balance and harmony. Maharshi Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras , provides profound insights into the causes and solutions of mental disturbances. Rather than simply labelling conditions, yoga explores the root causes such as unsteady prana, excessive rajas/tamas, unresolved samskaras, and disconnection from one's true self.

Let us understand some of the most common modern mental health challenges through the yogic perspective and explore time-tested yoga therapy solutions for each.

1. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Yogic Understanding:

ADHD is a manifestation of excessive rajas or agitation and movement and unsteady prana. The mind repeatedly flits from one thought to another.

Yogic Solutions:

• Slow, mindful asanas like Yogendra Talasana, Yogendra Ekpadasana, and Yogendra Sukhasana to stabilize the hyperactive energy.
• Anulom Vilom and Bhramari Pranayama to bring balance in the left and right brain and to calm the nervous system.
• Trataka (Candle Gazing) to improve concentration and reduce restlessness.
• Practicing Tapa and Karma Yoga to help channel excess energy purposefully.

2. Depression

Yogic Understanding:

Depression arises from tamas or inertia and a deep disconnection from Dharma—one's purpose and duties in life.

Yogic Solutions:

• Surya Namaskar to activate energy and remove sluggishness.
• Backbends like Yogendra Bhujangasana and Yogendra Ushtrasana to cultivate Aishwarya Bhava and develop confidence in oneself.
• Kriyas such as Yogendra Kapalarandhra Dhouti, Jal neti and Jeevha Moola Shodhan to soothe the nervous system and to stimulate the parasympathetic response.
• Practicing Bhakti Yoga by devotional singing, surrender, and faith in a Higher Power to reduce self-centered suffering.
• Daily Reflection and journaling to reconnect with one’s purpose in life.

3. Anxiety

Yogic Understanding:

Anxiety is due to an overstimulated mind, excessive rajas, and unstable prana. There is fear of the future and loss of control.

Yogic Solutions:

• Yogendra Pranayama IV or Diaphragmatic breathing and Chandra Bhedana Pranayama to cool down the nervous system.
• Forward bends like Yogendra Paschimottanasana and Yogendra Shashankasana to soothe mental activity.
• Yogendra Shavasana to retrain the mind to stay calm while relaxing the body completely.
• Chanting or Japa to keep the mind engaged and to rewire mental patterns.
• Satsang and Karma Yoga to reduce isolation and self-absorption.

4. Procrastination

Yogic Understanding:

It is a result of mental resistance, often due to fear, Avidya or ignorance, or tamas. The will is weak, and the mind avoids discipline.

Yogic Solutions:

• Kriyas like Yogendra Jal neti and Kapalabhati to awaken mental alertness and remove mental laziness.
• Begin each day with a meditation and the firm intention to do one’s duties perfectly.
• Practice Reflection and try to ask oneself, “Why am I avoiding this task?”
• Set small daily disciplines like waking up at the same time and doing a fixed routine.
• Learn about the Gunas and observe when tamas creeps in. Consciously try to rise toward sattva.

5. Bipolar Disorder

Yogic Understanding:

This condition is characterized by fluctuation between high rajas (obsession) and deep tamas (depression). The mind lacks balance due to this oscillation between the two extreme states.

Yogic Solutions:

• Chandra Bhedana (during highs) and Surya Bhedana (during lows) to balance the rajasic and tamasic states.
• Emphasis on Trataka, Anuloma Viloma, and meditation.
• Fresh, non-stimulating, sattvik vegetarian meals.
• Avoid heat-generating asanas during rajasic phases.
• Regularity and repetition in practice. No over-excitement, no extreme practices.

6. Schizophrenia

Yogic Understanding:

A disconnect between the intellect and the mind. The person loses stability in the present and may experience distorted realities. Breath may be unsteady and the mind may lose its anchoring or concentration.

Yogic Solutions:

• Centering asanas such as Yogendra Padmasana to be done under supervision of a qualified Yoga Therapist.
• Chanting and repetition of a mantra can help to bring some mental order.
• Pranayama such as Anulom Vilom can be practiced under trained guidance.
• Relaxation techniques like Yogendra Makarasana and practices like Mauna for cultivating awareness without judgment.
• Joining therapeutic yoga support groups for positive social connection.

7. Psychosis

Yogic Understanding:

The individual’s Manomaya Kosha is disturbed or overwhelmed. Vrittis or thought patterns are too strong, and the person may lose grip over inner and outer reality.

Yogic Solutions:

• Sattvic lifestyle and stable routine. Especially wake-sleep cycles must be well maintained.
• Focus on body awareness with simple asanas like Yogendra Parvatasana.
• Bhakti Yoga for using devotion to still the wandering mind.
• Regular supervision is important—yoga is supportive, not a replacement for psychiatric care.
  

Yoga examines the gunas, doshas, koshas, and karmic patterns affecting each person and does not categorise people as fortunate or unfortunate when it comes to mental disorders. The goal is not just to ‘fix’ the mind, but to transcend it and move towards a higher level of awareness.

Some mental health conditions discussed here may need medical attention. Here at The Yoga Institute, we have a free yoga OPD called Samattvam every Saturday. Expert doctors with a strong background in Yoga techniques provide guidance to patients for physical and mental health disorders. You may come to Samattvam or meet an expert in the field.

The yogic path is one that requires patience, a gentle guide, and regular practice. Through yoga, even the most disturbed mind can find moments of peace and joy.

Suggested Daily Routine for Mental Wellbeing:

• 5 mins: Conditioning by just becoming conscious of the body and mind.
• 2 mins: Prayer, sankalpa, or positive affirmation
• 10 mins: Gentle asanas (according to the requirements of the patient)
• 5 mins: Anulom Vilom and Bhramari Pranayama
• 5 mins: Trataka or Om Chanting
• 5 mins: Relaxation techniques

Whether through meditation for mental health, practicing yoga for mental health, learning emotional resilience via value education, or receiving timely help for conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, every person deserves care and dignity. True progress as a society comes only when we see mental health as the right of everyone – even those who are born with genetic mental disorders and those who suffer silently. Yoga can create a world where all kinds of minds are nurtured, emotions are respected, and healing is holistic. Mental health wellness is a birthright of all.