ADHD: The Ayurvedic Perspective

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, is increasingly becoming a topic of conversation in both medical and social circles. While the modern world labels it as a neurodevelopmental disorder requiring medications, Ayurveda views it through a different lens.  Ayurveda has a simple definition to this condition – Vata imbalance. All symptoms of “ADHD” are a result of your Vata Dosha going off balance. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach involving diet, lifestyle practices and herbal medicines (if needed) to tackle Vata imbalance.      What is ADHD or Vata Imbalance?     ADHD symptoms often appear as early as between the ages of 3 and 6 and can persist into adulthood. Common symptoms include: Hyperactivity Impulsiveness Racing thoughts Easily distracted  Difficulty focusing Irritability Short attention span Absent-mindedness Bored of consistent routines Poor time management Losing or misplacing things Interestingly, these traits align closely with the qualities of Vata Dosha in Ayurveda. Vata governs movement, both in the body and mind. When it’s imbalanced, the mind becomes restless, unfocused, and impulsive.   Why Avoid Modern ADHD Medications?   Medicines such as Adderall and Ritalin are commonly prescribed for ADHD. While these drugs may offer temporary relief, they often come with significant side effects like addiction, gut issues and even heart problems.  Unfortunately, due to aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies, ADHD is now portrayed as a “serious disease” that requires medication. Most doctors overdiagnose ADHD due to this marketing pressure. But here’s a fact: ADHD symptoms exist on a spectrum and therefore, it is very difficult to  and are often manageable through lifestyle interventions.  From an Ayurvedic standpoint, balancing Vata through natural methods can bring remarkable improvements without harmful side effects.   Ayurvedic Remedies for ADHD    Managing a Vata mind is not about suppression but balance. Here are some Ayurvedic remedies and effective lifestyle tips:   1. Daily oil massages Daily oil massage, especially with organic black sesame oil, is a cornerstone of Vata management. Vata is dry You can do Abhyanga or self-oil massage on your whole body as a part of your daily routine and even a 5-minute foot massage before bed. It nourishes the body and calms the mind. Oiling the joints is particularly important.  Learn how to do Abhyanga at home here:   2. Incorporate healthy fats into diet Adding good fats, like ghee, to your meal can reduce internal dryness and support digestion. They help nourish the body but also ground the mind.   3. Stay warm Cold aggravates Vata. So, avoid cold and long showers. Use warm water for bathing, and always keep your feet warm. Therefore, wear socks and, as a result, protect yourself from cold winds and air conditioning.   4. Avoid over-exertion Exercise is essential, but over-exertion can worsen Vata. Stick to light to moderate activities like yoga, which promote balance without exhausting your body.   5. Embrace grounding practices Vata is light and the opposite of light is heavy, meaning Earth. So, do earthing and grounding practices. Go outside and connect with nature. Walk barefoot on soil, grass and sand. But, do not walk on cold surfaces as it may aggravate Vata.    Daily Lifestyle Tips for Vata Balance   Living with a Vata mind doesn’t have to be a challenge. These lifestyle tips can help you:   Organize your space: Start by cleaning your room or workspace.When the environment is clutter free, it helps the mind to focus. Plan your day: Write down a full day’s schedule before going to bed. Avoid fasting: Skipping meals can aggravate Vata. Eat regular, balanced meals. Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors, preferably barefoot in a park with greenery. Say no to stimulants: Avoid coffee, tea, and other stimulants that disturb the mind. Avoid cold foods: Stick to warm, freshly cooked meals. Cold and raw foods can imbalance Vata. Steam baths and saunas: Do this thrice a week to relax and ground yourself. Shift to yoga: If you’re into intense workouts, consider yoga for a more balanced routine. Avoid overexertion and honour your body’s need for rest.   You Aren’t Alone. I Am Like You!   Growing up with a Vata mind wasn’t easy for me. I’ve always had a short attention span, yet my focus, albeit brief, was razor-sharp. This allowed me to grasp concepts quickly and connect seemingly unrelated ideas to creative solutions. My impulsiveness? A double-edged sword—it made me seize opportunities, but it also led to challenges. Over time, I learned to channel my Vata energy into creative pursuits and balanced my lifestyle with Ayurveda. Today, I feel empowered, not hindered, by my Vata traits. I’ve always feared boredom, so I structure my day with a mix of activities – consultations, course preparation, overseeing medicine production, and creating content. For me, a Vata mind isn’t a weakness but a unique strength.   Channeling the Vata Mind   When people ask me how to “treat” a Vata mind, I laugh. You don’t need to treat it. You need to channel it. With the right balance of routines and lifestyle choices, a Vata mind can become your greatest asset. It’s about using its creativity and energy to your advantage. People with ADHD or Vata traits often excel in creativity; moreover, they demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills and, they are quick learners.  What’s important is effectively channeling this energy. By following Ayurvedic principles, you can transform your Vata mind into a powerful tool for innovation and success. So, if you or someone you know is popping pills for ADHD, think twice. Try these Ayurvedic tips. They’re simple, effective, and life-changing. And if you need more guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Let’s break free from the pharma-driven propaganda and embrace the natural, balanced life Ayurveda offers. Are you with me?   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you.… Continue reading ADHD: The Ayurvedic Perspective

Lord Dhanvantari: The God of Ayurveda

According to Indian mythology, Lord Dhanvantari is the God of medicine and the God of Ayurveda.   This divine physician is also thought to be the 13th avatar of Lord Vishnu.   Lord Dhanvantari is often considered a symbol of health, healing, and longevity, not just in Ayurveda but also in the broader spiritual and cultural traditions of India. His teachings have been passed down through generations, influencing various aspects of both medical and spiritual practices.   In this blog, let’s explore the legend of Lord Dhanvantari, his relevance in the field of Ayurveda, and how he shaped the path of healing and health.   The Origin Story     The story of Lord Dhanvantari originates in Hindu mythology, particularly the legend of Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean.   According to the legend, Gods and demons churned the ocean of milk (Kshira Sagara) to get Amrita, the nectar of immortality. After a wearing trial period, Dhanvantari emerged from the sea, bringing with him the potion of immortality.   In images, Lord Dhanvantari is often portrayed holding a conch in one hand and a pot full of Amrita in the second hand. His third hand has a book titled “Ayurveda,” and the fourth hand has medicinal herbs.   The depiction of Lord Dhanvantari holding Amrita isn’t just a divine image. It is a symbol of Ayurveda’s power to sustain life and health. Ayurveda, when followed the right way, isn’t just about curing diseases, but about creating lasting well-being and balance.   Therefore, Lord Dhanvantari’s role is not just to ensure physical well-being, but also the divine alignment of mind, body, and soul, which is the crux of Ayurvedic principles.   This balance is vital in Ayurveda, as it integrates the mind, body, and spirit in a way that promotes overall harmony and vitality. Ayurveda doesn’t just treat symptoms; it works on the root causes to restore balance in the individual’s entire being.   One can see his emergence from the Ksheersagar, the ocean of life, as a metaphor for revealing hidden knowledge related to medicine or healing.     Lord Dhanvantari – God of Medicine and Ayurveda     Many people believe that Lord Brahma was the first person to teach and propagate Ayurveda. However, Lord Dhanvantari is the one worshipped as the god of Ayurveda.   Ayurveda pays attention to both treating illness and preventive health care through lifestyle, food, and natural remedies.   Lord Dhanvantari’s teachings emphasize herbs, therapies, and surgical knowledge as tools for achieving optimal wellness.   Lord Dhanvantari is known for bringing Ayurveda to the world, teaching the use of herbs, therapies, and surgical techniques for better health. His wisdom about healing and nature still guides Ayurvedic treatments today.   Ayurvedic doctors often seek Lord Dhanvantari’s blessings before starting any auspicious works.     Dhanvantari and the Vedas     People revere Lord Dhanvantari for his divine knowledge of surgery, medicinal herbs, and the importance of a balanced lifestyle.   Atharva Veda mentions his teachings through hymns and rituals associated with health and healing.   These hymns often include prayers for long life, peace, and freedom from disease, which reflect the broader spiritual goals of Ayurveda in promoting holistic wellness.   Many people think that Dhanvantari blesses many herbs and treatments used in Ayurveda.     Dhanvantari — Patron of Ayurveda and Surgery     One of the unique aspects of Lord Dhanvantari’s teachings is his focus on surgery.   Sushruta Samhita – the classical text of Ayurveda authored by Acharya Sushruta talks about surgery in detail.   People believe that Lord Dhanvantari reincarnated on earth as Divodasa – the king of Kashi.   Divodasa Dhanvantari was the master of surgery. He passed the knowledge of surgery and Ayurveda to Acharya Sushruta.   This included anatomy, use of surgical instruments, constructive operations such as removal of cataract, open heart surgery, brain surgery, and rhinoplasty.     Benefits of Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari     Since ancient times, people have been worshipping Dhanvantari for both physical and spiritual healing.   Many perform Dhanvantari Puja invoking his blessings for good health, and energy, and to remain guarded against diseases.   Every year, Dhanvantari Jayanti is celebrated on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali. On this auspicious day, Ayurvedic doctors and followers pray to Lord Dhanvantari.   People also observe Dhanvantari Jayanti as International Ayurveda Day.   The celebration of Dhanvantari Jayanti serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of good health, proper nutrition, and lifestyle choices. It is a day to reflect on our own health practices and seek guidance from Ayurveda.     Role of Lord Dhanvantari in New Age Wellness     Modern-day Ayurveda heavily follows Sushruta Samhita authored by Acharya Sushruta. In Sushruta Samhita, people also refer to Dhanvantari as Divodasa and Kasi Raja. Today, as more people prefer natural treatments over medicine, the lessons and teachings of Lord Dhanvantari make even more sense.   Here, his philosophy of using natural means to achieve balance links well with contemporary approaches to health and wellness that focus on holistic prevention, healthy eating, and mind-body balance.   In an era where people are increasingly turning to organic, natural alternatives, Lord Dhanvantari’s teachings on sustainable and gentle healing practices resonate deeply. His wisdom is seen as a guide towards more conscious living.     Lord Dhanvantari — The Eternal Healer     Lord Dhanvantari’s profound knowledge of Ayurveda and healing arts is a source of inspiration for Ayurvedic doctors and those who follow Ayurveda.   For those seeking divine guidance regarding health, Lord Dhanvantari stands as the eternal symbol of hope, healing, and longevity.   Whether you follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle or just wish to live a healthier life, the teachings and insights from Lord Dhanvantari are relevant even today.   His eternal teachings inspire a life where physical health, mental peace, and spiritual growth are balanced, making his influence timeless.     Do you follow any Ayurvedic principles in your daily… Continue reading Lord Dhanvantari: The God of Ayurveda