CONCEPT OF MANAS IN AYURVEDA AND ITS ROLE IN PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL REGULATION: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy February 28, 2026 Rina Arun Jadhav, Manjunatha Adiga
Ayurveda describes health as a dynamic balance of body, sensory and motor systems, mind, and conscious self, with the mind central to disease origin and recovery. Classical texts identify hyperarousal (Rajas) and hypoarousal (Tamas) as mental regulatory patterns and impaired insight, unhealthy sensory exposure, and time-dependent biological change as fundamental disease factors. Modern research in psychoneuroimmunology, stress physiology, gut-brain interactions, and neuroplasticity helps explain how mental states influence neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic, and autonomic functions. The review explains key Ayurvedic concepts through established physiological mechanisms including HPA axis activity, limbic-prefrontal regulation, autonomic balance, inflammatory signaling, and microbiome-brain communication. Strengthening the mind through cognitive regulation, ethical conduct, daily routines, neurocognitive enhancers, and contemplative practices emerges as a biologically sound approach for managing stress-related disorders.