Ayurvedic
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Mind–Body • Ayurveda

“Hysteria” (historical)

Modern framing: functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion), dissociation, panic/anxiety. Ayurvedic framing: disturbance of Manovaha Srotas, aggravated Vāta, rise of Rajas–Tamas, depletion of Ojas.

Sanskrit terms are always shown.

Definition

“Hysteria” is an outdated, stigmatizing label once applied to stress-related episodes (fainting, tremor, voice loss). Modern care uses specific terms such as functional neurological symptom disorder (conversion), dissociative episodes, and panic attacks.

Ayurveda views these states as disturbance in Manovaha Srotas (mind channels) with Vāta aggravation, increased Rajas–Tamas, and depletion of Ojas due to weak Agni and unprocessed emotions.

Causes

  • Acute/chronic stress, trauma; anxiety/panic disorders; dissociation
  • Autonomic arousal (hyperventilation, palpitations)
  • Sleep debt, stimulants/substances; medical contributors (thyroid, anemia, meds)
  • Vāta ↑ from irregular routine, insufficient rest, sensory overload
  • Rajas–Tamas ↑ with Ojas depletion; Āma clogging srotas
  • Prajñāparādha (mistakes of the intellect), unresolved grief/fear/worry

Symptoms

  • Episodes of shaking, faintness, chest tightness, throat lump, breathlessness
  • Emotional surges (fear, weeping, irritability); dissociative “unreal” feelings
  • Functional weakness, tremor, or voice loss without structural damage
  • Sleep disturbance, poor concentration, social withdrawal

Seek urgent help for self-harm thoughts, severe confusion, or medical red flags.

Ayurvedic View

Calm Vāta, cultivate Sattva, protect Ojas, and clear Āma from Manovaha Srotas with Sātvavajaya Cikitsā (mind-care), gentle rasāyana, routine, and breath-led practices.

Modern therapies (CBT, trauma-informed care, physiotherapy for FND) blend well with Ayurvedic daily rhythm, breathwork, and grounding oils.

Modern ↔ Ayurvedic mapping

Modern concepts

  • Stress/trauma → anxiety/panic; dissociation; FND
  • Autonomic arousal, hyperventilation, palpitations
  • Stabilization via therapy, skills, sleep, routine

Ayurvedic correlates

  • Vāta ↑ in Manovaha Srotas; Rajas–Tamas ↑
  • Ojas depletion; weak Agni → Āma
  • Sātvavajaya, medhyā rasāyana, dinācāryā

Diet & Lifestyle

  • Warm, freshly cooked, sāttvic meals; reduce caffeine, alcohol, ultra-processed foods.
  • Steady routine: consistent sleep/wake and mealtimes; gentle daily movement.
  • Prāṇāyāma: Nādi Śodhana, Bhrāmarī 5–10 min, 2×/day.
  • Self-massage (abhyanga) with warm sesame oil; head oiling before bed.
  • “Digital sunset” to wind down stimulation in the evening.

Home Remedies

Breath

Nādi Śodhana

5–10 minutes of slow, even cycles. Calms Vāta and autonomic arousal.

Tea

Rose–Cardamom Calm

Steep 1 tsp dried rose petals + 2 lightly crushed cardamom pods for 7 minutes; sip warm.

Medhyā

Gentle Nerve Tonic

With practitioner guidance consider brahmī (Bacopa) or aśvagandhā (Withania).

Supportive, not a substitute for professional care. Coordinate herbs with your clinician.

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