Nomophobia in the Digital Era: An Ayurvedic Perspective on Mental Health and Holistic Management

Abstract Nomophobia, abbreviated as no-mobile phobia, is a developing behavioural and psychosocial disorder characterised by anxiety, discomfort, fear or nervousness due to a lack of access to mobile phones or digital devices. Rapid technological progress and the excessive dependence on smartphones have turned nomophobia into a growing public health problem, especially among adolescents and young adults. Excessive use of smartphones is associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, decreased academic performance, decreased concentration, social isolation and reduced self-confidence. Contemporary management strategies include behavioural interventions and digital detoxification, but sustainable holistic approaches are still insufficiently explored. Ayurveda provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the causes of psychosomatic disorders, through such concepts as pranayama, asatmya, and samyartha (disturbances of the rasa and tasa). Continuous sensory overload from digital devices can impair Vata Dosha, impair mental faculties including Dhi, Dhriti and Smriti, and disrupt the mental balance. Ayurvedic interventions such as Sattvajaya Chikitsa, Dinacharya, Sadrta Rasayana, Achara Rasayana, Medhya Rasayana, Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness practices offer promising preventive and curative options for digital addiction and Nomophobia. This review critically analyses Nomophobia from a modern and Ayurvedic perspective and explores the potential role of Ayurveda in digital health and mental health. Integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern psychological interventions can provide a safe, culturally acceptable and sustainable strategy to manage modern-day Nomophobia.