Ayurvedic Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Types

There are three types of bipolar disorder ranging from periods of extremely “up” to down or hopelessness. The less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

Bipolar I Disorder— It is characterised by episodes that last 7 days or signs so intense that the person needs immediate medical care. Usually, depressive signs last more than 14 days. Most often, people experience maniac and depression all at the same time.

Bipolar II disorder-It is defined by periods of depression and hypomanic but not intense manic episodes as that in bipolar I disorder.

Cyclothymic Disorder (also called Cyclothymia): Imputed to the periods of hypomania and depressive symptoms that last for around two years.

Causes

Bipolar is a common mental health disorder. But researchers still do not know about the causes that are linked to it.

Possible causes of bipolar disorder include:

Genetics

If your parents or sibling has had bipolar disorder, likely you are going to have this condition. However, this happens very rarely.

Your brain

Abnormalities in the brain structure may also raise your risk of bipolar disorder.

Environmental factors

It is not always internal factors that link to bipolar disorder. Likely, environmental factors also relate to the signs of bipolar disorder. These may include:

• extreme stress
• traumatic experiences
• physical illness

This disorder is mostly diagnosed during late adolescence or early adulthood. Rarely, the signs may appear during childhood.

In women, it may occur during pregnancy or post-childbirth. Although the signs may vary in people or as the condition progresses, treatment is required.

Signs

The signs of bipolar disorder are divided into categories of mania and depression.

Signs of mania

Episodes of mania may show signs of bipolar disorder, such as:

• feeling overly happy or euphoria for long periods of time
• decreased need for sleep than usual
• talking very fast
• feeling extremely restless
• becoming easily distracted
• engaging in risky behaviour, such as having impulsive sex, suicidal thoughts, etc.
• having overconfidence

Signs of depression

• Feeling sad or hopeless for days
• Social withdrawal
• losing interest in activities that enjoy otherwise
• change in appetite
• feeling severe fatigue
• having problems with memory, concentration, and decision making
• having a preoccupation with death

Ayurvedic treatment for bipolar disorder

Ayurveda believes that

As per Ayurveda, a healthy body is a key to proper mental health. The ayurvedic medicines for bipolar are adaptogenic in nature which means the same medicines are used for physical, chemical, or biological processes in the body. The intent is to relieve the signs linked to bipolar disorder by balancing the doshas and stabilising the production of neurotransmitters.

It is the soul, senses, and mind that results in a healthy body. So, it is important that the mind should be relaxed in order for the body to work properly and vice-versa.

Vata dosha imbalance is the main reason for bipolar disorder to show up signs. Additionally, there are elements of Pitta in manic episodes and Kapha in depression. Almost all sorts of mental health issues are characterised by Vata aggravation.

Aggravation of Vata dosha manifests as changeability, coldness, dryness, roughness, lightness, expansion. The result could be fear, changing thoughts and feelings, fear, weight loss, tremors, over-stimulation, hopelessness, restlessness, etc.

All these signs are related to air and ether- unstable, ungrounded, etc.

At AyuKarma, we have procedures and therapies to help cope with various mental disorders,seven including bipolar. The therapies are mostly based on the mechanism of realising toxins from teh body so as to calm the doshas and rejuvenate the cells and tissues. This boosts your overall health at the same time.