Role of Brimhana nasya in psychosomatic disorders

Abstract

Psychosomatic means mind (psyche) and body (soma). The term “psychosomatic disorder†is mainly used to mean “a physical disease that is thought to be caused, or made worse, by mental factors.†The term is also used when mental factors cause physical symptoms but where there is no physical disease. For example, chest pain may be caused by stress and no physical disease can be found. The greed for wealth and our excessive efforts for it brings psychosomatic disorders. We find psychosomatic disorders as a result of modern lifestyle. The incidences of psychosomatic disorders are increasing due to changing lifestyle. These symptoms are due to increased activity of nervous impulses sent from the brain to various parts of the body. As per the Ayurvedic texts, the tridoshas are the main causative factors in the pathogenesis of any disease. In Ayurveda, detailed description is given about psychic (Manasika), somatic (Sharirika), and psychosomatic disorders (Manodaihika Vyadhi). Meanwhile, to overcome the root pathology involved in the manifestation of psychosomatic disorders, brimhana (nourishment) chikitsa occupies the prime seat in the line of treatment of psychosomatic disorder. Nasya karma is the main line of treatment in Jatru urdhwa vyadhi (diseases above the neck) which can be adopted in this disorder.