Role of Manas Prakriti in Psychological Health According to Ayurveda and Modern Perspectives: A Critical Review

In Ayurveda, individual bodily physiology (Deha Prakriti) and mental and emotional traits i.e. Manas Prakriti are well defined and described. Manas Prakriti is governed by the 3 qualities of mind i.e. Trigunas—Sattva (purity/clarity), Rajas (action/passion), and Tamas (inertia/darkness). Manas Prakriti determines vulnerability to psychiatric conditions, stress coping mechanisms, and behavioural traits. Many scientific studies have documented the relationship between personality traits (Deha Prakriti), psychological traits (Manas Prakriti) and disorders. Among all these Manas Prakriti, Satvika Manas Prakriti individuals are less prone to psychological disorders than Rajasika & Tamsika individuals. According to WHO – health is a being state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.[20] We find references of Mana (mind) and Manas Vyadhi (psychological disorders) in our old literature like Atharva Veda, Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Vagbhata Samhita etc. Acharya Charaka described some psychological diseases like Unmada, Apsmara, Attvaabhinivesha as disorders affecting Manas. Along with these he also described Mada, Murccha and Sanyasa caused by involvement of raja. The word Pradnyaapradha has great influence in Manas Vikara (psychological disorders). The ‘Pradnya’ Means Buddhi or knowledge when get disturbed by Trividh Karma gives rise to Tridosha Prakopa and thus foremost to pathology. Ayurveda has highlighted on its treatment modalities like ‘Satvavajaya’. As human beings are combination of mixed emotions psychology is the medium for expression of these emotions which play an imp role in psychological health. This critical analysis brings together classical Ayurvedic concepts of Manas Prakriti and modern psychology, neurobiology, and psychopathology to measure its diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic relevance in present-day psychological health care.