Bipolar Disorder — Ayurvedic View & Care Team

Overview

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by distinct episodes of mania/hypomania and depression, with periods of relative stability between episodes. A psychiatrist leads diagnosis and treatment (psychotherapy, mood stabilizers, and lifestyle supports).

Common Symptoms

Mania/hypomania: elevated/irritable mood, decreased need for sleep, rapid speech, racing thoughts, impulsivity, increased goal-directed activity.
Depression: low mood, loss of interest, sleep/appetite changes, fatigue, poor concentration, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of death.
Mixed states: symptoms of both poles at once; often high risk and distressing.

Ayurvedic View

Balance vata (variability, restlessness) and pitta (heat, intensity), cultivate sattva through routine, nourishment, and mind-body practices—with medical supervision.

Classical descriptions relate mood instability to aggravated vata and pitta influencing mind qualities (rajas/tamas). Care emphasizes steadiness, cooling where indicated, adequate sleep, and gradual nervous-system calming.

Diet & Lifestyle (general support)

Keep a consistent daily rhythm: fixed sleep/wake times; wind-down ritual; morning light exposure.
Favour warm, freshly cooked meals; include grounding foods (oats, rice, mung, ghee as appropriate), seasonal vegetables, soaked nuts/seeds; hydrate well.
Limit alcohol/recreational drugs; discuss caffeine with your clinician; avoid all-nighters.
Gentle exercise most days; breathwork, yoga nidra, or guided relaxation to settle the nervous system.
Track mood/sleep/meds with a simple journal or app; share with your care team.

These suggestions are supportive—not a substitute for professional care or prescribed medicines.

Supportive Therapies (with supervision)

Herbal

Calming & Rasayana

Brahmi (Bacopa), Shankhpushpi, Jatamansi, and adaptogens like Ashwagandha may be considered based on constitution and medications. Always consult your psychiatrist/vaidya for interactions.

Bodywork

Abhyanga / Shirodhara

Warm oil massage and head-focused therapies can be grounding for vata-aggravation when appropriate.

Mind-Body

Breath & Relaxation

Slow diaphragmatic breathing, alternate-nostril breathing (gentle), meditation, and nature time support steadiness.

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Safety & Crisis

If you have thoughts of self-harm or harming others, or cannot care for yourself, seek emergency help immediately.
Concerning symptoms include severe insomnia for days, psychosis, or rapidly escalating behaviour.
Share any supplements/herbs with your psychiatrist to avoid interactions with mood stabilizers/antipsychotics.