Relationships among classifications of ayurvedic medicine diagnostics for imbalances and western measures of psychological states: An exploratory study

Abstract

BackgroundAccording to Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, doshas are a combination of characteristics based on a five-element philosophy that drive our mental and physical tendencies. When the doshas, or functional principles, are out of balance in quality or quantity, wellbeing is adversely affected and symptoms manifest.ObjectiveThis study examined relationships among imbalances in the doshas (termed Vikruti) reported via questionnaire and Western measures of psychological states.Materials and methodsStudy participants were 101 women (n = 81) and men (n = 20), mean age 53.9 years (SD = 11.7; range 32–80). Participants completed questionnaires to categorize their Vikruti type and psychological states, which included depressed mood (CESD), anxiety (PROMIS), rumination & reflection (RRQ), mindfulness (MAAS), stress (PSS), and quality of life (Ryff).ResultsMultivariate general linear modeling, controlling for age, gender and body mass index (BMI), showed that Vata imbalance was associated with more anxiety (p ≤ 0.05), more rumination (p ≤ 0.01), less mindfulness (p ≤ 0.05), and lower overall quality of life (p ≤ 0.01). Pitta imbalance was associated with poorer mood (p ≤ 0.01) and less mindfulness (p ≤ 0.05), more anxiety (p ≤ 0.05) and stress (p ≤ 0.05). Kapha imbalance was associated with more stress (p ≤ 0.05), more rumination (p ≤ 0.05) and less reflection (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionThese findings suggest that symptoms of mind-body imbalances in Ayurveda are differentially associated with western assessments of psychological states. Ayurvedic dosha assessment may be an effective way to assess physical as well as emotional wellbeing in research and clinical settings.

Characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case Report Investigating the Role of Kapha and Pitta Doshas

“…Ayurvedic analysis found an excess of Kapha and Pitta doshas, indicating a connection between their imbalance and the development of PCOS. Kapha dosha, weight gain, insulin resistance, and hormonal abnormalities are all common in PCOS patients when they worsen [ 8 ]. Pitta dosha, on the other hand, when imbalanced, can cause inflammation and disrupt metabolic processes, further exacerbating the symptoms of PCOS.…”

An Ayurvedic approach to sustaining and pampering the feet of healthcare workers

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“… 32 , 43 Imbalances in, or vitiation of, elements away from the natural doshic presentation in a physical, mental, spiritual, ethical, or environmental context move one away from their Prakriti (sometimes Prakuti) , or natural doshic state, causing illness. 18 , 32 , 37 , 40 Therefore, daily attention to how one's mind, body, and spirit are affected by their environment should be applied, with intentional effort to remain in balance. 43 …”

A Theory-driven Research Model to prove that Electrohomeopathic Medicines are Nanoparticles and to validate the Mechanisms of Electrohomeopathic Remedy Actions in a Complex Human System

“…According to Ayurveda, all ailments, mental or physical, are caused by the imbalance of the three doshas like Kapha, Vata and Pitta.. Endogenous causes of the disease due to internal variations of the doshas, and exogenous causes due to factors from outside. The Ayurvedic treatment is based on balancing the functions or doshas [1]. As per the Homeopathic concept, "the disease is nothing more than an alteration in the state of health of an individual.…”