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Bhutvidya is one of the main but neglected branch or
subdivision of Ayurveda and mainly deals with the
management of psychic disorders of human beings
produced as a result of invasion by some evil spirits
such as :
- Deva- god
- Danava- demon
- Gandharva-engrossed in music and sex
- Yaksha- demi- god
- Raksasa-devil
- Pitra-forefathers
- Pishacha- ghost
- Naga - snake etc.
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Bhut-vidhya thus basically deals with
psychology and treats psychic disorders. Following are
the mental disorders usually seen |
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- Unmad (Insanity)
- Apsmar (Epilepsy)
- Mad (Psychoneurosis)
- Sanyas (Coma)
- Murchha (Giddiness)
- Bal-graha (vitiated grahas i.e. planets
affecting foetus due to some causative substances).
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| Etiology |
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Generally Ayurveda
believes, that the imbalance of tridoshas (vata, pitta,
kapha) or vitiated tridoshas are the causative factors
of disease but in Bhutvidhya the causes are unknown or
hidden. Some causes are as follows :
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| Pathogenesis |
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The humors in the body of the weak minded, get morbid
by the above causes or factors and thereby vitiate the
brain that is the seat of intelligence and become
localized in the channels of the nervous system,
deranging the function of the mind.
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| The main
symptoms |
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- Confusion of intellect.
- Extreme fickleness of mind.
- Nervousness in the eyes.
- Unsteadiness.
- Incoherence of speech.
- Feelings of blankness.
- Unable to identify feelings i.e. pleasure, pain
etc.
- Misbehaviour.
- Deprived of memory, understanding and
intelligence.
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| Treatment is
conducted using a variety of herbs |
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- Bramhi
- Hingu (Asafoetida)
- Kala namak (Rock-salt)
- Vishala (Colocynth)
- Triphala (Three myrobalans)
- Kaunti (Fragrant pepper)
- Devdaru (Deodar)
- Elwalukam (Cubeb pepper)
- Shalparni (Ticktrefoil)
- Haldi (Turmeric)
Apart from internal administration of herbs, other
treatments are also followed for keeping the mind
stable, calm, confident and having belief in all good
things.
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Mental Disorders
