A REVIEW OF ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN MENTAL HEALTH

AYURVEDA, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a sacred approach to mental health that integrates the mind, body and soul. It describes mental health in *Atharvaveda* and in subsequent treatises by Charaka, Sushruta & Vagbhata, containing the details of etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, therapy for afflictions in humans and animals. Ayurveda gives prime importance to positive mental health. Grahachikitsa is one among the eight major branches of Ayurveda that deals with prevention and management of mental problems. Good mental health refers to a perfect linking of emotional, psychological, and social aspects in one's life. A person’s mind depends on three qualities like sattva, rajas, and tamas in which one's character is modulated, dynamic imbalance of doshas may upset the mental balance.