Understanding the Mental Health Crisis

Here's what many people do not realise: the current mental health crisis is not just psychological – it's neurophysiological. In the NHS, I see the statistics daily. We are investing record funding (nearly £22.5 billion in Scotland alone for 2026-27), building 250-300 Neighbourhood Health Centres across England, and expanding access to talking therapies. Yet, waiting lists grow longer, medication prescriptions rise, and people continue to struggle.

Why is this happening?

Because we are describing what people experience without adequately addressing how their nervous systems are functioning. Psychological models inform us about thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. However, they often miss the underlying reality: your body is stuck in threat mode, and no amount of cognitive reframing will help until you can regulate your physiology.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Mental Health

What Ayurveda Recognised 3,000 Years Ago

This is where my conversation with the University of Glasgow research team became particularly fascinating. Ayurveda never separated mind and body. There was no artificial division between "mental" and "physical" health. Mental well-being was understood as the quality of mind (sattva) and its ability to regulate perception, emotion, and behaviour.

What we are calling a mental health crisis today, Ayurveda would recognise as widespread disturbance of the *manas* (mind) and *prana* (vital energy), driven by chronic overstimulation and loss of internal regulation.

Satvavajaya Chikitsa: The Framework You've Never Heard Of (But Desperately Need)

When the Glasgow researchers asked how I describe mental health from an Ayurvedic perspective, I introduced them to Satvavajaya Chikitsa.

Breaking down the Sanskrit:

• Satva → mind, consciousness, mental strength
• Avajaya → mastery, regulation, victory

Translation: "Therapeutic methods aimed at restoring mastery over the mind."

What makes this approach revolutionary is that Satvavajaya is not about suppressing emotion or "thinking positively." It's about training the nervous system and mind to return to balance. In classical Ayurvedic texts, this is a systematic approach to strengthening mental resilience and regulation. In my clinic, it means:

1. Helping the nervous system settle first
2. Then guiding attention and emotional regulation
3. Establishing daily rhythms that support stability
4. Finally, building sustainable resilience

Notice the sequence? Regulation before reflection. Body before mind.

The Ayurvedic View: What's Really Happening When You're "Anxious"

The researchers were particularly interested in how I assess mental health concerns. Here's the framework I use:

Mental State is Influenced By:

1. The Gunas (Mental Qualities)

• Sattva: clarity, balance, peace
• Rajas: activity, agitation, overstimulation
• Tamas: heaviness, inertia, depression

2. Dosha Expression (Especially Vata)

• Vata governs movement, including thoughts.
• When disturbed: racing thoughts, anxiety, insomnia, fear.
• The nervous system becomes ungrounded.

3. Agni (Digestive Fire)

• Not just gut digestion – cellular metabolism.
• When weak: brain fog, low energy, toxic accumulation.
• There is a strong connection between gut health and mood.

4. Sleep Quality

• Depth, consistency, timing.
• Repair and regulation happen during sleep.

5. Sensory Load

• Screen time, noise, constant stimulation.
• Modern life = chronic sensory overload.

In Modern Terms?

Most of what people call anxiety, burnout, or low mood maps to:

• Nervous system dysregulation.
• Irregular daily rhythms.
• Sleep disruption.
• Chronic stress response.
• Sensory overwhelm.

The body is experiencing threat. The mind is responding accordingly.

My Clinical Approach: What Actually Happens in a Session

The Glasgow team asked detailed questions about my assessment process. Here's what sets an Ayurvedic mental health consultation apart:

Step 1: Safety and Scope

Step 2: Ayurvedic History

Step 3: Classical Examination

Step 4: Understanding Your Constitution

Step 5: Structured Questionnaire

Step 6: Clinical Formulation

Step 7: Treatment Plan Design

Step 8: Follow-Up Rhythm

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

In my practice, I emphasise the importance of a holistic approach to mental health. This means considering not just the mind, but the body and spirit as well. I encourage clients to explore various aspects of their lives, including diet, lifestyle, and emotional well-being.

The Role of Nutrition

Nutrition plays a vital role in mental health. Foods can either nourish or deplete our mental state. I often guide clients towards a balanced diet that supports their unique constitution. This includes foods that enhance sattva and reduce tamas and rajas.

The Power of Mindfulness and Meditation

Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into daily routines can significantly improve mental health. These practices help to calm the mind and regulate the nervous system. I encourage clients to find a practice that resonates with them, whether it's guided meditation, yoga, or simply spending time in nature.

Building a Supportive Community

Lastly, I stress the importance of community and support. Engaging with others who share similar experiences can foster a sense of belonging and understanding. I often recommend group sessions or workshops where individuals can connect and share their journeys.

About Akanksha Bhardwaj

I'm a BAMS-qualified Ayurvedic physician (graduated 2009), MBA-Hospital and Healthcare management, and NHS Healthcare Management Consultant based in the UK. My practice bridges rigorous clinical Ayurveda with modern healthcare frameworks, specialising in mental health, nervous system regulation, and women's well-being.

My journey into Ayurvedic mental health deepened through my own experience with post-partum depression, where I discovered the transformative power of nervous system medicine. Today, I work at the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary healthcare – translating Ayurveda's precision into language and practices that serve modern lives.

If you are interested in exploring these concepts further, I invite you to consider a Free Discovery Call.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes. Ayurvedic consultation does not replace medical or psychiatric care. Always consult qualified healthcare providers before making changes to your treatment plan. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your GP, call 111, or in an emergency dial 999.