Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas as tools for understanding psychological disorders

Abstract

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life and medicine, offers a unique framework for understanding human psychology through the lens of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas - the three Gunas or fundamental qualities of the mind. These Gunas shape the mental, emotional, and behavioral tendencies of individuals, and their imbalance is believed to be the root cause of various psychological disorders. This review aims to explore the roles of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas in mental health, how their imbalances manifest in psychological disorders, and how Ayurvedic interventions can restore mental harmony. By integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern psychology, this paper seeks to offer a holistic approach to managing mental health issues.