Mind-Body Connection & Psychology Flashcards

In Ayurvedic psychology, what is 'Ahamkara' and how does its imbalance affect mental health?

Answer: The ego principle; its excess causes pride, separation, and suffering

Ahamkara is the principle of individual identity (ego); when excessively identified with the body-mind, it creates attachment, fear of death, and interpersonal conflict.

Which Ayurvedic treatment modality directly targets psychological trauma stored in the body through oil application and touch?

Answer: Abhyanga

Abhyanga (therapeutic oil massage) works through the skin's nerve endings to release stored tension, regulate the nervous system, and address somatized emotional trauma.

A patient with Kapha-predominant depression exhibits attachment and possessiveness. Which Sattvic quality does Ayurveda recommend cultivating as the antidote?

Answer: Equanimity and non-attachment (Vairagya)

Vairagya (non-attachment or dispassion) directly counters Kapha's psychological tendency toward clinging, hoarding, and excessive sentimentality.

According to Charaka Samhita, which type of Prajna-aparadha (crime against wisdom) contributes most directly to psychosomatic disease?

Answer: Failure of intellect to guide actions away from harmful choices

Prajna-aparadha specifically refers to the intellect's failure to discriminate right from wrong action; Charaka identifies it as the root cause of all disease including psychosomatic disorders.

What is the relationship between Prana Vayu and psychological disturbances in Ayurveda?

Answer: Prana Vayu governs inhalation and the mind; its disruption causes anxiety and mental instability

Prana Vayu, seated in the head and heart, governs sensory perception, inhalation, and mental functioning; its vitiation produces the core symptoms of anxiety, mental fragmentation, and neurological disorders.

Which Rasayana (rejuvenative) herb is classically prescribed in Ayurveda specifically for enhancing Sattva and treating mental illness (Unmada)?

Answer: Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

Brahmi is the premier Medhya Rasayana (brain tonic) indicated for Unmada (psychosis), enhancing memory, intelligence, and Sattvic qualities of the mind.

In Ayurvedic understanding, how does chronic Vata aggravation in the colon (Pakwashaya) relate to psychological symptoms?

Answer: The colon is the main seat of Vata; imbalance there directly disturbs Prana and creates anxiety and fear

The large intestine is Vata's primary seat; when aggravated there, Vata enters systemic circulation and disturbs Prana Vayu in the nervous system, producing fear, anxiety, and insomnia.