Effectiveness of Ushnodhakadhārā in the Management of Psychological Stress

Abstract

According to Ayurveda, Pragnāparādha (intellectual error), Parināma (time factor), Asātmēndriyārtasamyōga (unwholesome contact of senses with its objects) cause all physical and mental diseases. At the chronic decline of Satvaguna in the manas leads to the mind becoming stressed. Imbalances in, Rajas and Thamas Guna also leads to psychological stress. Dhārā karma at the Agnyā Chakra is known as effective in mental disturbances. The current research has been designed to study the efficacy of Ushnodhakadhārā against psychological stress with reference to Ayurveda Manōbhāva concepts. Ninety individuals with psychological stress were randomly selected and grouped in to 2. The study was conducted for 21 consecutive days with 45 minutes of Dhārā Karma and 30 minutes of supportive psychotherapy (SPT). Follow up period was 60 days. Study group (SG) were subjected to Ushnodhakadhārā and SPT. The control group was subjected only to SPT. The assessment was carried out before and at the end of treatment which was based on the relief of clinical signs and symptoms of psychological stress and manōbhāva according to a grading system. Data were statistically analyzed. SG was found highly significant in each manōbhāva, p<0.001. Ushnodhakadhārā elaborated better results in Manobhāva. Pacification of provoked Dōsha using Ushnodhakadhārā promoted the Mēdhya, Sthairya Mana, Harsha, Shraddhā and Smruti.