Role of Satvavajay and Dhyana as a preventive and therapeutic measure through Ayurveda and Yoga: A Review

Abstract

Satvavajay is an important Chikitsa to prevent and treat psychological diseases by avoiding unwholesome physical, psychological and verbal acts. Dhyana is a scientific technique of prolonged attention with awareness of mind as per Yoga. Ayurveda is a health science deals with the preventive and therapeutic knowledge to preserve longevity of healthy life. Guidelines in Ayurveda to prevent all type of diseases and to promote health are described at physical, psychological, social, intellectual and spiritual levels. Ayurveda has mentioned Pradnyaparadha as a route cause of all the diseases. Technique to control mind and Indriyas for avoidance of unwholesome practices are helpful to prevent diseases and promote the health status in healthy individual. Raja and Tama are responsible for Pradnyaparadha. Preventive and promotive measures to enhance Satva Guna is one of the objectives of Ayurveda, for mental, emotional health. Susruta has described criteria for Prasanna Manas which is in Satva Guna predominance and all regimens are advised for controlling Rajas and Tamas. Charaka has mentioned Chikitsa for psychological diseases as Jnana (spiritual knowledge), Vidnyana (scriptural knowledge), Dhairya (non-elevation of mind), Smriti (recollection of experienced thoughts) and Samadhi (concentration of a mind into a self by detaching it from senses. Meditation is useful for improving health and to treat diseases in integration. Ancient and modern literature review has been carried out and preventive and therapeutic application of Satvavajay and Dhyana is found helpful.