Depression: An Integrative Ayurvedic Approach at Dr. Sanjeev Kalra’s Brain Health Center, India
Introduction
Depression is a pervasive mental health disorder marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, low energy, and impaired functioning. It affects mood, cognition, behavior, sleep, appetite, and overall wellbeing. Depression is different from ordinary sadness—episodes last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, significantly impairing personal, social, and occupational functioning.
Global Prevalence
The global burden of depression is immense:
- • 280 million people worldwide live with depression.
- • Depression affects 3.8% of the world’s population and is 1.5 times more common in women than men.
- • WHO reports over 1 billion people globally live with mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression.
- • Depression is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide. These numbers highlight the urgent need for accessible, holistic, and long‑term support systems.
Symptoms & Signs
Common symptoms include:
- • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or irritability
- • Loss of interest in activities
- • Fatigue and low energy
- • Feelings of guilt or low self‑worth
- • Poor concentration and indecisiveness
- • Sleep disturbances
- • Changes in appetite or weight
- • Thoughts of death or suicide Depression often co‑occurs with anxiety, chronic pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other medical conditions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves:
- • Clinical evaluation using standardized tools such as PHQ‑9
- • Assessment of symptom duration (≥2 weeks)
- • Evaluation of functional impairment
- • Screening for medical conditions, substance use, and psychosocial stressors Both WHO and NIMH emphasize early identification, as many individuals remain untreated due to stigma, lack of access, or recognition.
Ayurveda’s Perspective on Depression (Kaphaja Unmada / Avasada)
Ayurveda describes depression as Kaphaja Unmada, involving imbalance of Kapha, Vata, and Tamas, leading to:
- • Emotional heaviness
- • Withdrawal
- • Loss of motivation
- • Cognitive dullness Ayurveda views mind–body imbalance, digestive strength (Agni), and nervous system stability as central to mental wellness.
Ayurvedic & Panchakarma Treatment at Dr. Kalra’s Center
Our integrative mental‑health approach blends Ayurveda, Panchakarma, and neuroscience to support deep emotional healing.
- • Panchakarma Therapies
A continuous warm‑oil therapy proven to reduce stress hormones, calm the HPA axis, and improve mood and sleep. - • Nasya (Medicated Nasal Therapy)
Supports brain nourishment, improves emotional regulation, and reduces anxiety. - • Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis)
Used selectively in Kapha‑dominant depression to remove emotional stagnation and improve clarity. - • Abhyanga & Swedana
Full‑body oil massage and steam therapy reduce stress, support parasympathetic activation, and promote grounding. - • Basti (Medicated Enemas)
Balances Vata and influences mood through gut–brain axis modulation.
multiple clinical studies report significant improvements in sitting balance, neck holding, spasticity, and GMFM scores with such integrative protocols.
Herbal & Internal Ayurvedic Therapies
Ayurvedic formulations that support emotional wellness include:
- • Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Jatamamsi, Ghrita preparations
- • Medhya Rasayana herbs supporting memory, clarity, and calmness These help regulate neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and stabilize mood.
Yoga, Diet & Lifestyle Integration
Depression‑supportive routines include:
- • Mindful breathing & meditation
- • Light movement and yoga
- • Warm, grounding, easy‑to‑digest foods
- • Regular sleep cycles These amplify the effects of Panchakarma and herbal therapy.
Why Choose Dr. Sanjeev Kalra’s Integrative Brain Health Center?
- • Personalized, evidence‑informed integrative depression care
- • Panchakarma programs tailored for emotional and neurological balance
- • Deep understanding of mind–body connection
- • Compassionate, holistic healing environment
- • Focus on long‑term recovery and emotional resilience Our mission is to help individuals rediscover joy, stability, and inner strength—naturally and sustainably.