Graha Chikitsa

Graha Chikitsa is a sub-branch of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine that has been practised for thousands of years. It is one of the eight principal branches of Ashtanga Ayurveda and is also known as Bhuta Vidya. This branch focuses on the psychological and psychiatric aspects of health and well-being. Ayurveda believes that the mind and body are interconnected and also mental health is essential for overall well-being. It offers a holistic approach to mental health and focuses on restoring the balance of the doshas in the body. With its focus on natural remedies and lifestyle modifications, Ayurvedic Psychiatry has a significant role in promoting mental health and well-being.

Meditation and Yoga: Meditation and yoga are an essential part of Ayurvedic Psychiatry. These practices help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. They also help to improve mental clarity and promote overall well-being.

There are different grahas by different Acharyas. Grahas are produced by lord Shiva for protection of his son.  According to different experts, the term “bhuta” has various explanations. While some experts believe that “bhuta” means bad spirits and ghosts, who are the cause of abnormal psychological conditions, others are of the opinion that “bhuta” is actually the class of microbes like, bacteria and virus that cannot be viewed with the naked eyes. Modern people often call this disease idiopathic as the exact cause of the problem is not known.

This “bhuta” is, however, different from the five bhutas or panchabhutas, which are the 5 elements of nature.

• Bhoomi (earth)
• Akash (ether or void)
• Vayu (air)
• Jal (water)
• Agni (fire)

Ayurveda also believes that your actions in the past life impact your present life and your deeds in the past life are the causes of your diseases in your current life. In Bhuta Vidya, the causes are not directly visible and hardly have any direct explanation in reference to “tridosha”. As per the experts of Ayurveda treatment in India, in most cases, a disturbance of mind is the main cause behind the diseases, in which tamas (ignorance) and rajas (passion) are contributing factors. The ancient people believed in supernatural powers. Therefore, this branch of Ayurveda was named Bhuta Vidya or Graha Chikitsa. This category of Ayurveda majorly deals with epilepsy and the like. With knowledge about Bhuta Vidya, the practitioners make sure that Ayurveda treatment in India can address psychiatric problems. You may consult one such practitioner in case you have a friend or relative suffering from such a disorder. They will surely address the issue and make your close ones safe from psychiatric problems.

In some cases, Grahas plays an important role in some events in our life. In Ayurveda, past life’s sins, karma (good / bad deeds) are also a reason for diseased life. Like in Kushtha rog taken as Leprosy Acharya Charak has mentioned as “Purva janmkrut paap” as an etiological factor for Kushtha. Hence Gragha Chitkitsa is the on which cannot be ignored.