Mood Swings: Clue That Something Else is Happening in Your Body
In Ayurveda, Swasthya (Health) is considered a combination of a healthy body, mind, Indriyas, Atma. Mansik Vyadhi (Psychological disorders) are the result of (greed), Shoka (grief), Bhaya (fear), Krodh (anger), Moh (Excessive attachment), etc. which in turn lead to various Sharirik Vyadhis (physiological disorders). Although mood swings are a natural phenomenon but sometimes, mood swings are indication of underlying diseases, so it is always advised that one should always control their Manas Bhavas (emotions).
We hear the word mood swing by numerous people in our daily life, but we ignore it. Scientifically, mood swings are a state of bipolar disorder. This problem remains in individuals from few days to several weeks or even years. This rapid change in moods may lead to bipolar depression or major depression. Mood swings can be associated with various disorders like hormonal imbalance in thyroid conditions, Dementia, Menopause, Schizophrenia, etc.
Facts about mood swings:
- If you think that mood swing is “all in your head”, then you are wrong as it is associated with physical illness. This chemical imbalance in the brain is brought by some physical illnesses that affect the flow of oxygen and nutrition to the brain such as respiratory and cardiac disorders. These may lead to some serious physical illness like diabetes or cardiac disorders.
- Mood swing is not your and your family’s fault, it is just how the brain is wired.
- In the United States, approximately 4.4% adults experience mood swings at some point in their life.
- Women are more likely to experience mood swings than men are.
Causes of mood swings:
- Not being able to sleep or excessive sleep
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Feeling stressed
- Significant changes in life like changing jobs, shifting houses, relationship problems
- Incomplete desires
- Dissatisfaction in professional life
- Cyclothymic disorder
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Thyroid disorder
- Substance abuse
- Head injury
- Excessive dependence on television, mass media
- Intermittent explosive disorder
- Use of certain medications that impact mood or sleep
Symptoms of mood swings:
- Boredom in daily life
- Forgetfulness
- Inappropriate behavior
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Confusion
- Difficulty in talking, reading, and writing
- Rapid speech
- Urge to increase alcohol consumption
- Poor or excessive appetite
- Weight changes
- Missed periods
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Sensory changes
Mood Swings Ayurvedic point of view
According to Ayurveda, such mood changes are a part of ‘Mansik Rogas’ (disorders of mind) and are the result of not only the imbalance between the ‘Mansik Dosha’ (Mental Imbalance) i.e., Satva, Rajas, and Tamas but also the imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Besides this, mood swings occur because of lack of stability of ‘Ojas’ (vigor) i.e., essence of all the 7 Dhatus that are present in our body and signify immunity, strength, and vitality.
Causes (Nidana)
- Eating food while doing other activities
- Anxiety and anger
- Use of intoxicants such as alcohol (Madya Sevan)
- Suppression of emotions (Vega Dharana like Ashru (tears) Vega)
Pathology
Above mentioned Nidana (causes) disturb Vata Dosha mainly Samana Vayu, which helps to maintain the normalcy of other Doshas. When the Doshas are imbalanced, one finds it difficult to control emotions. The imbalance results in mood alteration.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary according to the imbalance in various doshas that are mentioned below:
Physical (Sharirik) Doshas imbalance:
- Vata imbalance: oversleep, racing thoughts, talkativeness, excitement, etc.
- Pitta imbalance: aggression, lack of sleep, overconfidence, irritability, etc.
- Kapha imbalance: lethargy, oversleep, less eating, lack of sexual desire, etc.
Mansik (Psychological) Doshas imbalance:
- Tamo Bhava imbalance: Lethargy, dullness of mood, heaviness, etc.
- Rajo Bhava imbalance: Physical tension, agitation, possessive, over excitement and all its forms, etc.
- Satva Bhava imbalance: Pureness, radiance, lightness of being, etc.
Ayurvedic treatment of Mood Swings:
The treatment is targeted to balance Doshas and normalize the production of neurotransmitters. Following treatments are advisable:
- Rasayana therapy
- Medhya drugs
- Snehapana
- Swedana
- Abhyanga
- Panchakarma therapy
Herbs:
Herbs that should be used in mood swings are that which nourish every cell of our body and maintain physical and mental balance. Herbs improve the immune system, ensure hormonal balance, and also improves the reproductive health of the human being. The list of such herbs are as follows:
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)
- Bhumi amalaki (Phyllanthus niruri)
- Munakka (Vitis vinifera)
- Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina)
- Brahmi (Bacopa monneri)
- Tagar (Valeriana wallichi)
- Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
- Haridra (Curcuma longa)
- Bala (Sida cordifolia)
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
- Ghritkumari (Aloe vera)
- Sudh Kuchla (purified Strychnos nux-vomica)
- Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
- Kapikachu (Mucuna pruriens)
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa)
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
- Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)
At Yukti Herbs, all these herbs are available in best quality available in a packing of 60 capsules, which means 1 full month of supply!!
Dos and Dont’s in Mood Swings
- Practice breathing exercises, yoga and meditation at least 4-5 times a week.
- Avoid intake of alcohol and drugs
- Sleep at least 8 hours a day at night
- Regularize sleep cycle
- Talk to your trustworthy partner or friend about whatever is disturbing you
- Do not overeat for comfort. Avoid comfort food and take healthy food.
- Limit the intake of white sugar and its products, white flour products, coffee, etc.
- Avoid junk and fried food as they imbalance Mansik Bhava like Rajas and Tamas.
- Include vegetables, dry fruits, sprouts, nuts, etc. in your diet.
- Include heavy fruits in your diet like banana, papaya, peaches, kiwi, coconut, etc.
- Talk positive and take up a hobby
- Include Ghee, almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil in your diet.
- Include food and spices in your diet that pacify Vata like cumin, mustard seeds, cardamom, ginger, cloves, asafetida, rice-wheat.
- Avoid food that aggravates Vata like barley, white flour, corn, etc.
When to see a doctor
If you experience severe shifts in moods like excessive worrying, excessive crying, disturbed sleep or insomnia, frequent nightmares, then you must see a doctor.
Conclusion
Mood swings are normal, but they should not be ignored as they can lead to serious illnesses. They may occur due to your associated health conditions or may be due to hormonal changes. But if you experience mood swings on a regular basis, then don’t panic and take the recommended herbs and visit a doctor if required.
At ‘Yukti Herbs’, all the recommended herbs are available in best quality available in capsules, powders, and syrups etc. which means they are ready to use!!
You can order the same through the website – www.yuktiherbs.com or email at yuktiherbs@gmail.com. You may also call or WhatsApp at +91 828-386-5637 and +91 752-786-9388.
You may also book an online doctor appointment to consult with experience MD Ayurveda doctors at Yukti Herbs.
