Ayurvedic Approach to Manage OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a specific type of anxiety disorder, affects up to 3% of the adult population. It is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts or obsessions, and repetitive behaviours or compulsions that are performed to relieve anxiety.

It is estimated that in Australia today, over 1 million adults suffer from depression and/or anxiety. That staggering figure has been attributed to a variety of factors many of which are linked to our modern day, highly stressful lifestyles.

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. In Ayurveda, OCD is understood as an imbalance primarily involving Vata and Tamas (mental inertia/darkness). Excess Vata leads to anxious, racing thoughts, while aggravated Tamas clouds judgment and causes repetitive behaviours. Sometimes, Pitta imbalance can contribute, increasing perfectionism and obsessive tendencies.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms usually include both obsessions and compulsions. But it’s possible to have only obsession signs & symptoms or compulsive signs & symptoms.

Symptoms of obsession include-

• Repeated unwanted ideas
• Fear of contamination
• Aggressive impulses
• Images of hurting someone you love
• Thoughts that might cause others harm
• Thoughts that you might be harmed

Symptoms of compulsion include:

• Constant checking
• Constant counting
• The repeated cleaning of one or more items
• Repeatedly washing your hands
• Arranging items to face a certain way

OCD Ayurvedic Treatment :

Ayurvedic treatment for OCD and related anxiety conditions seeks to re-balance your doshas through the removal of toxins or ama and restoration of healthy physiological functioning. This multifaceted approach for OCD and depression treatment often involves herbs, diet and lifestyle changes for OCD and depression.

• Diet- According to Ayurveda, a healthy diet can help balance the body and mind. Include Satvik & Ojas-boosting foods as satvik foods promote a calm and clear mind, while Ojas-boosting foods enhance mental strength and resilience. Fresh fruits like mangoes, dates, figs, soaked almonds and walnuts, Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, healthy fats like ghee, coconut oil, sesame seeds and warm herbal teas (ashwagandha tea, chamomile, brahmi tea). It is advised to avoid processed foods, caffeine and alcohol. Consult with our Ayurvedic practitioners to get a personalised diet for your aggravated dosha and bring balance to your mind-body constitution

• Exercise- Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for OCD symptoms. Ayurveda recommends gentle exercise such as yoga, swimming, walks etc

• Meditation- Ayurveda recommends meditation as a tool to calm the mind and reduce stress. A regular practice of meditation can help manage the symptoms of OCD

• Panchakarma or Ayurvedic detox- Panchakarma is a complete cleansing process used to rid the body of toxic build up and restore balance to the entire system

• Herbs- Ayurvedic medicines for ocd and depression such as ashwagandha, brahmi etc are known for their calming and stress reducing properties. It is important to consult with our Ayurvedic practitioners before using any herbs and to know what is the best medication for ocd and depression according to your dosha type

• Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and Nasya can help manage OCD symptoms by reducing stress, promoting relaxation and balancing the body

Abhyanga – Abhyanga or hot herbal oil massage, which involves herbal oils being massaged into the body to penetrate into the tissues so that the impurities are loosened and released. This is a gentle but firm Ayurvedic massage that promotes relaxation and circulation.

Relaxing Massage

Shirodhara- involves a continuous flow of herbal oil being poured gently across the forehead over the third eye to calm the mind, reduce stress and strengthens the nervous system.

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Nasya- Ayurveda explains that nose is the doorway to the brain and the root of consciousness. During this treatment ‘anu tailam’ a herbal blend containing over twenty different herbs is applied to the nasal cavity. This treatment is used to enhance mental clarity and helps treat nervous system disorders like OCD.

For a more tailored approach to treat nervous system related disorder like OCD, book an appointment with our highly experienced ayurvedic doctors.