11 Integrative Medicine Practices from India Explained

6. Bhūta Vidyā — Mental Health and Spiritual Well-Being

Bhūta Vidyā addresses mental and emotional disorders, including stress, mood disturbances, and what classical texts describe as spirit-related distress. Treatment often blends counseling, lifestyle advice, herbal tonics, meditation, breathing exercises, and ritual where culturally appropriate. Families commonly use simple calming routines, breath work, and community support to help people recover from acute stress. Modern integrative care recognizes the value of mind-body practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and supportive counseling alongside psychiatric treatments when needed. Combining psychotherapy and chosen evidence-based Ayurvedic supports can be helpful, but decisions must be individualized. What the evidence says: Mind-body approaches including meditation and yoga show benefit for stress and mood disorders in numerous trials; specific herbal treatments require more rigorous testing (WHO; Nature Communications). When to consult a clinician: Seek a mental health professional for suicidal thoughts, severe mood or psychotic symptoms, or urgent behavioral risks; discuss complementary approaches with your psychiatrist or therapist first.