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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Satvavajaya [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|chikitsa]] is one of the fundamental treatment modalities among 3 modalities of treatment in Ayurveda ,the others being [[Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (दैवव्यपाश्रया चिकित्सा)|Daivavyapashraya]] and yuktivyapashraya chikitsa. This treatment approach is meant exclusively for the “[[Manas (मनः)|manas]]” or mind and its related attributes.

Satvavajaya [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|chikitsa]] is one of the fundamental treatment modalities among 3 modalities of treatment in Ayurveda ,the others being [[Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (दैवव्यपाश्रया चिकित्सा)|Daivavyapashraya]] and [[Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa (युक्तिव्यपाश्रया चिकित्सा)|Yuktivyapashraya chikitsa]]. This treatment approach is meant exclusively for the “[[Manas (मनः)|manas]]” or mind and its related attributes. The term 'Satvavajaya' is ade up of 2 parts and can be understood by knowing the emaning of these 2 parts as below,

The term “Satva” has been used to refer 2 different things in Ayurveda. [[Sattva (सत्त्वम्)|Sattva]]  is one of the [[Trigunas (त्रिगुणाः)|trigunas]] that are the qualities of mind. And also, Satva means mind.

# '''Satva''': The term “Satva” has been used to refer 2 different things in Ayurveda.  

## [[Sattva (सत्त्वम्)|Sattva]]  is one of the [[Trigunas (त्रिगुणाः)|'''trigunas''']] that refer to the qualities of mind.  

## And also, Satva means '''[[Manas (मनः)|manas]]''' or mind.

Thus literally, Satvavajaya means, to withdraw the mind from unwholesome objects or to overcome difficulties of mind. It also implies achievement of balance between [[Sattva (सत्त्वम्)|sattva]], [[Rajas (रजः)|rajas]] and [[Tamas (तमः)|tamas]] that are the controlling factors of mind. It also works with an objective to increase the satva guna by diminishing the other two doshas of [[Manas (मनः)|manas]].  In comparison with modern sciences, satvavajaya chikitsa is equivalent to cognitive behavior therapy and psychotherapy to some extent. Satva guna can be increased only if the person learns and understands what is right, what is wrong, what is true and what is not, why the certain situation is confronted and why not the other etc. This can be achieved only when he receives the right counselling. Thus Satvavajaya in Ayurveda encompasses CBT and Counselling/ psychotherapy.

 

Thus literally, Satvavajaya means, to withdraw the mind from unwholesome objects or to overcome difficulties of mind. finding a correct balance between [[Sattva (सत्त्वम्)|sattva]], [[Rajas (रजः)|rajas]] and [[Tamas (तमः)|tamas]], meaning to increase the satva guna by diminishing the other two doshas of [[Manas (मनः)|manas]].  In comparison with modern sciences, satvavajaya chikitsa is equivalent to cognitive behavior therapy and psychotherapy.  

== Definition ==

== Definition ==

* ''मनोनिग्रहः“Mano nigraha”'' refers to controlling the mind.  

* ''मनोनिग्रहः“Mano nigraha”'' refers to controlling the mind.  

Thus, the [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|chikitsa]] method that restraints the mind from the desires for unwholesome objects by increasing the [[Sattva (सत्त्वम्)|sattva]] guna (good quality of the mind) is known as the Satvaavajaya chikitsa.

Thus, the [[Chikitsa (चिकित्सा)|chikitsa]] method that restraints the mind from desires for unwholesome objects by increasing the [[Sattva (सत्त्वम्)|sattva]] [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|guna]] (good quality of the mind) is known as the Satvaavajaya chikitsa.

Sattva guna is of illuminating nature. Here illumination refers to the knowledge that help one to know the true and ultimate nature of the anything in this world. Therefore empowering the person with knowledge about certain things that are leading to distress and giving knowledge about methods to handle and cope with these events in offered in Satvavajaya chikitsa

Sattva guna is of illuminating nature. Here illumination refers to the knowledge that help one to know the true and ultimate nature of anything in this world. Therefore empowering the person with knowledge about certain things that are leading to distress and giving knowledge about methods to handle and cope with these events in done in Satvavajaya chikitsa

== Functions of mind and its role in health and well being ==

== Functions of mind and its role in health and well being ==

Manas is considered as the connecting link between [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]] and [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|indriyas]]. It is manas that that influences indriyas and initiate them into their activities. Therefore manas also has potential to control these indriyas and restrain their action. Along with that, manas itself performs few actions independently and those are called as karmas of manas or functions of mind. The functions are described as,<blockquote>इन्द्रियाभिग्रहः कर्म मनसः स्वस्य निग्रहः| ऊहो विचारश्च, ततः परं बुद्धिः प्रवर्तते||२१||</blockquote>

Manas is considered as the connecting link between [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]] and [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|indriyas]]. It is manas that influences indriyas and initiate them into their activities. Therefore manas also has potential to control these indriyas and restrain their action. Along with that, manas itself performs few actions independently and those are called as karmas of manas or functions of mind. The functions are described as,<blockquote>इन्द्रियाभिग्रहः कर्म मनसः स्वस्य निग्रहः| ऊहो विचारश्च, ततः परं बुद्धिः प्रवर्तते||२१||</blockquote>

# Indriyabhinighraha – Denotes control over one’s Jnanendriyas / sensory organs (Eyes, nose, ears, tongue, skin), Karmendriyas / motor organs (Hands, legs, speech, anus and reproductive organ).

# इन्द्रियाभिग्रहः Indriyabhighraha – Denotes control over one’s Jnanendriyas / sensory organs (Eyes, nose, ears, tongue, skin), Karmendriyas / motor organs (Hands, legs, speech, anus and reproductive organ).

# Svasya nigraha – having control over activity of mind itself or being self-restraint means svasya nigraha

# स्वस्य निग्रहः Svasya nigraha – having control over activity of mind itself or being self-restraint means svasya nigraha

# Uhya – the ability to analyze or being able to speculate.

# ऊहो  Uhya – the ability to analyze or being able to speculate.

# Vichara  - Thinking, decision making, or having a controlled thought process means vichara.

# विचारश्च Vichara  - Thinking, decision making, or having a controlled thought process means vichara.

It is clear from above that manas has the potential to generate and even control any action, thought, emotion of a person. Therefore when the any of these components ar eresponsible for causing any illness in a person, satvavajaya becomes an important modality of treatment along with other therapeutic aspects.  

It is clear from above that manas has the potential to generate and even control any action, thought, emotion of a person. Therefore when the any of these components ar eresponsible for causing any illness in a person, satvavajaya becomes an important modality of treatment along with other therapeutic aspects.  

ज्ञानम् अध्यात्मज्ञानं, विज्ञानं शास्त्रज्ञानं ^[१] , धैर्यम् अनुन्नतिश्चेतसः, स्मृतिः अनुभूतार्थस्मरणं, समाधिः विषयेभ्यो निवर्त्यात्मनि मनसो नियमनम्||५८||

ज्ञानम् अध्यात्मज्ञानं, विज्ञानं शास्त्रज्ञानं ^[१] , धैर्यम् अनुन्नतिश्चेतसः, स्मृतिः अनुभूतार्थस्मरणं, समाधिः विषयेभ्यो निवर्त्यात्मनि मनसो नियमनम्||५८||

# Jnana – here jnana denotes knowledge of self. It includes basic understanding of the concept of self that comprises of knowledge about having 3 different components of life body, mind and energy. It also includes the understanding of one being not just body or mind but something beyond that.  

# ज्ञानम् Jnana – Here jnana denotes knowledge of self. It includes basic understanding of the concept of self that comprises of knowledge about having 3 different components of life body, mind and energy. It also includes the understanding that a human being is not just a body or mind but something beyond that.

# Vijnana – vijnyaa denotes knowledge of shastras(doctrines)

# विज्ञानं Vijnana – Vijnana denotes knowledge of shastras (doctrines). Shastras refer to the Vedas, Upanishadas and other literature from [[Bharatiya Samskrtika Parampara (भारतीयसांस्कृतिकपरम्परा)|bharatiya samskrtik parampara]] that offer knowledge on important aspects about life and nature of self.

# Dhairya -  means courage/ strength/ steady conduct or patientce

# धैर्यम् Dhairya -  Dhairya means courage/ strength/ steady conduct or patience. It is that quality of a human being which make one strong and persistent despite failures or obstacles in the path of success. The one who possesses this quality can see the light beyond the obstacles in the path and this ultimately takes him to the desired destination, success and all that is wished for.

# Smriti – means memory or capacity to remember.

# स्मृतिः Smriti – Smrti means memory or capacity to remember. This makes one capable of understanding the association between cause and effect. This aids intellect to decide the right things, actions and thoughts. Ultimately careful decision making and problem solving can be achieved.

# Samadhi – denotes meditation

# समाधिः Samadhi – Samadhi denotes meditation. Samadhi is one of the highest order step in Ashtanga yoga. It indicates the state of being in unioson with the parabrahma or paramatman. It is that state in which the being realizes the true nature of life, its separate nature than mind and body and thus the pain disappears.

These methods convey the idea of basic principles of satvaavajaya chikitsa.

These methods convey the idea of basic principles of satvaavajaya chikitsa. Various methods of psychotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy along with these methods can be employed in Satvavajaya chikitsa to achieve these objectives and get cure from disturbing health issues.  

== Application of Satvaavajaya chikitsa concerning certain diseases ==

== Application of Satvaavajaya chikitsa concerning certain diseases ==

=== Jwara ===

=== Jwara ===

<blockquote>क्रोधप्रवातव्यायामान् कषायांश्च विवर्जयेत्|१३९|(cha.chi.3.139)</blockquote>Acharya Charaka explained in cases of nava jwara or the initial stages of fever, one must avoid anger or krodha, which is a dosha of manah or the mind.(cha.hi.3.320-324)

<blockquote>क्रोधप्रवातव्यायामान् कषायांश्च विवर्जयेत्|१३९|(cha.chi.3.139)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana Adhyaya 3 Sutra 139)</ref></blockquote>Acharya Charaka explained in cases of nava jwara or the initial stages of fever, one must avoid anger or krodha, which is a dosha of manah or the mind.<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana Adhyaya 3 Sutra 320-24)</ref> (cha.hi.3.320-324)

There are explanations of jwara caused due to excessive krodha, which is treated with sadvakya(good advise), kamya artha(giving desired object), manodnya artha(giving pleasing object). (cha.hi.3.320-324)

There are explanations of jwara caused due to excessive krodha, which is treated with sadvakya(good advise), kamya artha(giving desired object), manodnya artha(giving pleasing object). <ref name=":0" />(cha.hi.3.320-324)

Ashwasana chikitsa or assurance in cases of jwara caused due to bhaya(fear), shoka(grief). (cha.hi.3.320-324)<blockquote>विचित्रैश्च विषयैर्नाशयेत् स्मृतिम्| (cha.hi.3.324)</blockquote>When an individual suffers from jwara even by thinking about it, then it is managed by diverting the mind by rememebering about different and surprising incidents.

Ashwasana chikitsa or assurance in cases of jwara caused due to bhaya(fear), shoka(grief).<ref name=":0" /> (cha.hi.3.320-324)<blockquote>विचित्रैश्च विषयैर्नाशयेत् स्मृतिम्| (cha.hi.3.324)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>When an individual suffers from jwara even by thinking about it, then it is managed by diverting the mind by remembering about different and surprising incidents.

=== Rajayakshma ===

=== Rajayakshma ===

<blockquote>हर्षणाश्वासनै..( cha.chi.8.187)</blockquote>Harshana or inducig happiness and ashwasana (providing assurance) are mentioned as other treatment aspects in rajayakshma chikitsa.

<blockquote>हर्षणाश्वासनै..( cha.chi.8.187) <ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana Adhyaya 8 Sutra 187)</ref></blockquote>Harshana or inducing happiness and ashwasana (providing assurance) are mentioned as other treatment aspects in rajayakshma chikitsa.

=== Unmada ===

=== Unmada ===

(cha.chi.9.79-84)<blockquote>आश्वासयेत् सुहृद्वा तं वाक्यैर्धर्मार्थसंहितैः|</blockquote>Ashwasana(providing assurance) chikitsa by a friend is applied again in Unmada disease as well. (this type of treatment method can be associated with modern counseling methods)

(cha.chi.9.79-84)<blockquote>आश्वासयेत् सुहृद्वा तं वाक्यैर्धर्मार्थसंहितैः| <ref name=":1">Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana Adhyaya 9 Sutra 79-86)</ref></blockquote>Ashwasana(providing assurance) chikitsa by a friend is applied again in Unmada disease as well. (this type of treatment method can be associated with modern counseling methods)

Moral speech and virtuous words are used as well. appropriate guidance and suggestions are given.

Moral speech and virtuous words are used as well. appropriate guidance and suggestions are given.

Measures like inducing fear in the mind, by exhibiting surprising events or showing extraordinary things for distraction are used.<blockquote>कामशोकभयक्रोधहर्षेर्ष्यालोभसम्भवान्|

Measures like inducing fear in the mind, by exhibiting surprising events or showing extraordinary things for distraction are used.<blockquote>कामशोकभयक्रोधहर्षेर्ष्यालोभसम्भवान्|

परस्परप्रतिद्वन्द्वैरेभिरेव शमं नयेत्|| (cha.chi.9.86)</blockquote>If the cause of the disease is kama(passion). Shoka(grief), bhaya(fear), krodha(anger), etc then replacement by opposite emotions are performed.

परस्परप्रतिद्वन्द्वैरेभिरेव शमं नयेत्|| (cha.chi.9.86)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>If the cause of the disease is kama(passion). Shoka(grief), bhaya(fear), krodha(anger), etc then replacement by opposite emotions are performed.

=== Apasmara ===

=== Apasmara ===

<blockquote>सुहृदश्चानुकूलास्तं स्वाप्ता धर्मार्थवादिनः|

<blockquote>सुहृदश्चानुकूलास्तं स्वाप्ता धर्मार्थवादिनः|

संयोजयेयुर्विज्ञानधैर्यस्मृतिसमाधिभिः || (cha.chi.10.63)</blockquote>Vidnyana(wisdom), dhairya(courage), smriti(memory), samadhi(meditative knowledge) are values that are inculcated in apasmara disease by friends, well-wishers, religious sermons, etc.

संयोजयेयुर्विज्ञानधैर्यस्मृतिसमाधिभिः || (cha.chi.10.63)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana Adhyaya 10 Sutra 63)</ref></blockquote>Vidnyana(wisdom), dhairya(courage), smriti(memory), samadhi(meditative knowledge) are values that are inculcated in apasmara disease by friends, well-wishers, religious sermons, etc.

=== Hikka ===

=== Hikka ===

<blockquote>शीताम्बुसेकः सहसा त्रासो विस्मापनं भयम् |

<blockquote>शीताम्बुसेकः सहसा त्रासो विस्मापनं भयम् |

क्रोधहर्षप्रियोद्वेगा हिक्काप्रच्यावना मताः ||(cha.chi.17.137)</blockquote>There are certain measures explained by Acharya Charaka which alleviate Hikka, like the distraction from thoughts, inducing fear, anger, anxiety, and sudden happiness.

क्रोधहर्षप्रियोद्वेगा हिक्काप्रच्यावना मताः ||(cha.chi.17.137)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana Adhyaya 17 Sutra 137)</ref></blockquote>There are certain measures explained by Acharya Charaka which alleviate Hikka, like the distraction from thoughts, inducing fear, anger, anxiety, and sudden happiness.

Thus, here krodha(anger) and bhaya(fear) are used as treatment methods being dosha(morbidity) of manah or mind.

Thus, here krodha(anger) and bhaya(fear) are used as treatment methods being dosha(morbidity) of manah or mind.

=== Visarpa ===

=== Visarpa ===

As there are indications of satvavajaya chikitsa methods in certain diseases there are contraindications as well.<blockquote>क्रोधव्यायामसूर्याग्निप्रवातांश्च विवर्जयेत् ||(cha.ch.21.115)</blockquote>In Visarpa krodha(anger) is ''varja'' meaning contraindicated along with other lifestyle modulation.

As there are indications of satvavajaya chikitsa methods in certain diseases there are contraindications as well.<blockquote>क्रोधव्यायामसूर्याग्निप्रवातांश्च विवर्जयेत् ||(cha.ch.21.115)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana Adhyaya 21 Sutra 115)</ref></blockquote>In Visarpa krodha(anger) is ''varja'' meaning contraindicated along with other lifestyle modulation.

=== Madatyaya ===

=== Madatyaya ===