How is physical and mental exhaustion treated in Ayurveda?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was a healthy, mentally sharp, and energized person before. But, for the past 12 years, my brain and body get tired very easily. I am having mental and physical exhaustion and the condition is gradually worsening. I feel drowsy after studying for some time. With this problem, my studies have dropped a lot. I get very easily fatigued by doing just 15 percent of normal work for this age. My physical work has dropped because of lower limb dragging while walking or standing for some time for the last 10 years.

I am also having neck muscle stiffness while seeing up or down and shortness of breath. I feel sore in my lower back muscles after standing for some time. My eyes get strained while reading or watching television or browsing the internet for very less time. I do get excessive sweating and there is a rise in my heart rate for below-moderate work for five years. I am unable to go to the gym. I fear doing yoga due to shortness of breath, weakness, and exhaustion. I also have decreased cognition.

Due to the mental and physical exhaustion, I am irritable sometimes. I went to all the best doctors in my place and no one was able to find the disease. Even the psychiatry doctors were also unable to find the cause of these irregular symptoms. As my previous doctors were unable to diagnose the cause of my symptoms, I used some over-the-counter Ayurveda medicines. Does any Ayurveda medicine cause these symptoms after using them for a long time? I am currently on Venlafaxine tablet 225 mg.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read all your problems and at first glance, it seemed to be some kind of muscular disorder. But, after going through all your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity), it was clarified that you do not have any muscular dystrophy or any other disease related to locomotor system. As you have a family history of psychosis from your maternal side, the root cause of your problem is anxiousness and overthinking. Your thinking affects your personality to a greater extent. If you are thinking that you are feeling tired or you are feeling drowsy, then your mind starts giving your body this type of signal that you actually get tired or drowsy.

You have also mentioned taking some Ayurvedic medicine in your complaint. Though you have not mentioned the name of the medicine, on the basis of the report, I can say that it has not caused any kind of damage as maximum values are within the normal range. You are already taking the Venlafaxine tablet, which is used to treat depression.

According to your symptoms, reports and your family history, I can say that you might be suffering from depression or anxiety disorder. You do not have to worry because depression is curable. All you need is determination and a strong will power to fight against it. You need regular counseling, which will help you to fight against the disease. Please visit a psychiatrist or counselor regularly.

You can also try other options, such as doing meditation regularly. Initially, you may find it very hard to meditate, but over time, you will find it relaxing and refreshing for the mind. Keep yourself busy with work or other activities to prevent negative thoughts.

Try Ayurvedic panchakarma procedures like Shirobasti, which involves oil therapy. It is a very beneficial procedure with no side effects. Many people who have undergone Shirobasti have found it helpful in combating depression and anxiety, and it can also improve your sleeping habits.

You can also take Mentat syrup (containing Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Madhukaparni), two teaspoons twice a day with water, or Mentat tablets, two tablets twice a day with water, along with your current medication. This medication is safe and will help you maintain concentration and calm your mind.

The most important thing is to be with family and friends. Spend as much time as possible with them, share your problems, and find happiness in small things. Try to be outgoing and avoid negative people. Surrounding yourself with positive people can act as therapy in itself.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.