Role of Achara Rasayana in Emotional Resilience: A Critical Integrative Review
Abstract
Emotional resilience refers to the capacity to adapt effectively to stress, adversity, and psychological challenges while maintaining mental well-being. The increasing prevalence of stress-related disorders, anxiety, depression, and burnout has intensified interest in preventive and holistic approaches to mental health. Ayurveda describes Achara Rasayana as a code of ideal behavioral conduct promoting mental equilibrium, longevity, and psychosocial well-being. Unlike pharmacological rejuvenation, Achara Rasayana emphasizes ethical living, disciplined behavior, emotional regulation, and social harmony as determinants of psychological resilience. This review critically evaluates the role of Achara Rasayana in enhancing emotional resilience through literary analysis and modern psychophysiological correlations. A structured literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, along with modern databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Evidence suggests that principles of Achara Rasayana including truthfulness, emotional restraint, compassion, meditation, self-control, and positive social behavior may influence neuroendocrine regulation, stress adaptation, and psychological stability. Contemporary psychological research supports the beneficial role of mindfulness, behavioral discipline, and prosocial conduct in resilience building. However, scientific evaluation of Achara Rasayana remainslimited due to lack of standardized assessment tools and interdisciplinary clinical studies. Integrating Ayurvedic behavioral concepts with modern psychological interventions may provide a comprehensive framework for preventive mental healthcare and resilience enhancement.
Keywords
Achara Rasayana, emotional resilience, Ayurveda, mental health, behavioral rejuvenation, stress adaptation, psychosocial well-being