Ayurveda views body and mind as interconnected entities that affect each other. An imbalance in the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha are responsible for many of the health conditions – both physical and emotional. This includes emotions like sadness, grief and depression. Ayurvedic POV of sadness, grief and depression Here’s how Ayurveda views sadness, grief and depression: Sadness According to Ayurveda, sadness is as an expression of Vata Dosha. Vata is responsible for the nervous system, and when this Dosha is imbalanced, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear and sadness. People with Vata-dominant constitution are more prone to feeling sad, especially during the winter months. To address sadness, Ayurveda recommends a warm, nourishing diet that includes healthy fats like ghee, nuts and seeds. Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, can also help balance the Vata Dosha and alleviate feelings of sadness. Grief According to Ayurveda, grief is an expression of Pitta Dosha. Pitta is responsible for metabolism, digestion and transformation, and when this Dosha is imbalanced, it can lead to intense emotions like anger, frustration and grief. People with a Pitta-dominant constitution are more prone to experiencing grief, especially when they feel a sense of loss or separation. To address grief, Ayurveda recommends cooling and soothing foods like cucumbers, watermelon and coconut water. Meditation, breathing exercises and gentle yoga can also help balance the Pitta Dosha and ease feelings of grief. Depression According to Ayurveda, depression is as an expression of Kapha Dosha. Kapha is responsible for stability, structure and growth, and when this Dosha is imbalanced, it can lead to feelings of lethargy, heaviness and depression. People with a Kapha-dominant constitution are more prone to experiencing depression, especially when they feel stuck or stagnant in their lives. To address depression, Ayurveda recommends a light, energizing diet that includes fruits, vegetables and spices like ginger and turmeric. Vigorous exercise, like running or dancing, can also help balance the Kapha Dosha and alleviate feelings of depression. Ayurveda also recognizes that emotions are part of the human experience and can be helpful in guiding us towards our true nature. However, when emotions become excessive or unmanageable, they can lead to physical and mental imbalances. Ayurveda believes that these imbalances can be corrected through a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, herbs and therapies. Ayurvedic therapies that can help Ayurveda offers several therapies to help address these imbalances. They include: Panchakarma A series of cleansing and rejuvenating therapies that help remove toxins from the body and restore balance to the Doshas. Shirodhara A therapy where warm oil is poured onto the forehead, which can help calm the mind and balance the nervous system. Abhyanga A self-massage with preferably organic black sesame oil. This can help nourish and balance the body and mind. Yoga and meditation Ayurveda recognizes the powerful connection between the body and mind and recommend practices like yoga and meditation to help balance the Doshas and promote overall health and well-being. Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on the relationship between emotions and the body. By understanding the Doshas and how they relate to different emotions, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to addressing sadness, grief and depression. By incorporating diet, lifestyle changes, herbs and therapies, Ayurveda can help restore balance to the body and mind and promote optimal health and well-being.