Randomized Comparative Clinical Evaluation Of Brahmi Taila Nasya And Yoga Module in Chittodvega (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that produces fear, worry and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It is characterized by excessive, persistent and unrealistic worry about everyday things. A wide range of psychiatric conditions have been described in Ayurveda. Ayurveda follows psychosomatic approach of health. According to Ayurveda psychic factors are involved in almost all the disease processes along with physical disturbance as both are interdependent. Mind is one of the substratums of diseases and having its own Doshas (Rajasa and Tamasa). Many psychological conditions caused by these Doshas like-Kama (passion), Krodha(anger), Lobha (greed), Moha (confusion), Irshya (envy), Mana (conceit), Mada (arrogance), Chittodvega (anxiety), Bhaya (fear), Harsha (exhilaration) etc. Chittodvega is a Manas Vikara mentioned by Charaka which is considered as a perfect word for highlighting the status of anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Chittodvega can exists as a separate disease or can be an etiological factor for other psychic and psychosomatic diseases.Being an alarming disease, it requires effective management. In recent years several synthetic drugs have been introduced for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Though these drugs have better results but one cannot avoid major side effects such as drug dependence, drug resistance, sedation etc. Nasya Karma is the main therapeutic measure of Urdhva Jatrugata Roga. Chittodvega is a Mansik Vikara. Mana is said to be located between Shirah and Talu. All organs, which are above the clavicle, are considered as Urdhvanga e.g., Nasa ,Mukha, Netra and Shirah, without Nasya Karma it is not possible to eliminate the vitiated Doshas, which are situated in the Shirah or Nasa etc.Hence Nasya therapy would have significant role in the treatment of the *Chittodvega.*Yoga reduces stress and anxiety by improving autonomic functions via triggering neurohormonal mechanisms that suppress sympathetic activity through downregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Hence Nasya and Yoga moduleare selected for the present study.