Yoga and mental health-a conceptual study

One of the most ancient systems of medicine, Ayurveda, the science of life, developed thousands of years ago, even today continues to stun the scientific faculties all over the world by its highly evolved concepts. Ayurveda and Yoga are ancient sciences having greater popularity in modern era. Both of them having a common philosophical platform. Both sciences serve the humanity for a healthy life. Both of them have a holistic approach. The prevalence of psychosomatic diseases is significantly increased now a days. Today, stress generated through the fast life plays the pivot role in this regard. Hence present generation is keen to preserve the mental health. Ayurveda and Yoga are having preventive and curative modality which can compliment in managing stress. Yoga is a practical science which can teach us how to control the mind and the emotions. Ayurveda recognizes yoga as its psychotherapy. Yoga helps to minimize Rajas and Thamas by uplifting Satva. Similarly Hatayoga works as an effective practice to provide adequate exercise to the body. The most important objective of Yoga is to attain liberation or Moksha. It is obtained through Jnana yoga, Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga and Raja yoga. Various practices of Yoga can certainly make changes in an individual at physical, mental, emotional and intellectual levels. Such changes will minimize the animal instincts and maximize the humane qualities. Ayurveda makes the body conducive to practice mind control. Yoga prepares the mind to transcend to the higher state of being.