ABSTRACT
The causes of mental disturbances are multifaceted and highly complex, but it is clear that the modern medical approach to mental health is limited and largely ineffective judging by the increasing numbers of people suffering from mental disturbances, and the prolific use of psychotropic drugs. There is more violence, suicide, depression, anxiety, addiction than ever before in recent history.
Modern culture, where money is God, is a breeding ground for mental disturbance. Industrialized food available to most people is mass produced, contaminated by chemicals and low in nutritional value, loneliness and isolation is the curse of our time with the dissolution of family and community, to say nothing of toxic media constantly bombarding the mind.
It is known that the prolific use of medications for mental illness causes dependency and adverse side-effects, but no alternative, comprehensive approach has been suggested. It is clear that a new, innovative system is needed. This article looks to Vedic philosophy and the principles of Ayurveda and Yoga for a long-term solution to mental health issues in modern society.
The Vedas recognized mental illness thousands of years ago by understanding the connection between the mind and spirit. Ayurveda and Yoga addresses body, mind, and spirit, gets to the root cause of disease. According to Ayurveda, mental illness is an imbalance of all aspects of 128being, each one affecting the other. Ayurveda the science of life, with its understanding of the mind through spirituality is very effective and a permanent solution to the mental health issues of today.
