Abstract

Mental health and psychosomatic disorders are increasingly recognized as important contributors to morbidity and impaired quality of life. Anxiety, depressive symptoms, chronic stress, sleep disturbances and stress- related somatic complaints are associated with alterations in emotional regulation, autonomic function, neuroendocrine activity and cognitive processing. Ayurveda gives considerable importance to the equilibrium of Manas and describes Sattva, Rajas and Tamas as fundamental qualities influencing mental functioning. Rajas and Tamas are considered Manasika Dosha, and disturbance in mental equilibrium may contribute to various Manasika Vyadhi. Aim To review the Ayurvedic concept and contemporary physiological basis of meditation and to explore its possible relevance in various Manasika Vyadhi. Materials and Methods Relevant classical Ayurvedic concepts concerning Manas, Sattva, Rajas, Tamas, Sattvavajaya and mental health were reviewed. Contemporary literature concerning meditation, mindfulness, autonomic nervous system activity, heart rate variability, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis function, stress physiology, anxiety and depressive symptoms was reviewed using biomedical literature databases, particularly PubMed. Discussion Meditation involves systematic regulation of attention, awareness, breathing, cognitive reactivity and emotional responses. Physiologically, meditation may influence autonomic regulation, cardiovascular function, respiratory pattern, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis activity and stress-related biological markers. A systematic review of physiological stress markers reported reductions in several measures, including cortisol, blood pressure and heart rate, although effects differed according to meditation type and study population. Meta-analytic evidence has also investigated effects of mindfulness and meditation on vagally mediated heart-rate variability, an important measure related to autonomic regulation. Contemporary clinical research indicates potential benefits of meditation-based interventions for anxiety, depressive symptoms and psychological stress. A meta-review of randomized-trial meta-analyses found evidence supporting meditation-based mind-body interventions as complementary approaches in mental disorders, while emphasizing heterogeneity and limitations of the evidence. More recent evidence also suggests beneficial effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety and depressive disorders. Conclusion Meditation may be understood as a mind-body intervention capable of influencing psychological processes and physiological systems involved in stress regulation. From an Ayurvedic perspective, its potential role can be interpreted in relation to Manas, Sattva, Rajas, Tamas and Sattvavajaya. Although meditation should not be considered a replacement for established psychiatric treatment, it may have an important complementary role in promoting mental well-being and supporting the management of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms.