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@article{182436,
        author = {Rudramani Deepak and Nimisha op and Ritika Sharma and Jay Prakash Dubey},
        title = {Effect of Panchakarma Procedures in the Management of Anxiety and Depression A Review},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {2},
        pages = {2097-2103},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=182436},
        abstract = {Background: Anxiety and depression are among the most common neuropsychiatric disorders globally, affecting millions of individuals and significantly impacting quality of life, productivity, and physical health. Despite the availability of pharmacological and psychological treatments, many patients face challenges such as drug dependence, side effects, partial remission, and high relapse rates. There is an increasing demand for integrative and holistic approaches that address both the root cause and symptomatic relief. Objective: This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of Panchakarma, a core branch of Ayurvedic medicine, in the management of anxiety and depression. It focuses on the Ayurvedic understanding of these mental health disorders, the classical rationale behind Panchakarma interventions, their modern neurophysiological mechanisms, and supporting clinical evidence. Methods: Data for this review were gathered from classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya), modern peer-reviewed journals, and recent clinical trials indexed in databases such as PubMed, AYU, and J-AIM. Emphasis was placed on therapies including Shirodhara, Nasya, Abhyanga, Swedana, and Basti, and their mode of action from both Ayurvedic and biomedical perspectives. Results: The review revealed that Panchakarma procedures exert significant psychophysiological benefits through mechanisms such as HPA axis regulation, neurotransmitter modulation, gut-brain axis improvement, and autonomic nervous system balancing. Specific therapies like Shirodhara have been shown to reduce cortisol and anxiety scores, while Basti has demonstrated positive effects on mood via gut microbiota modulation. Abhyanga and Nasya support parasympathetic activation and limbic system balance. Clinical studies and case reports support improvements in sleep, mood, concentration, and emotional stability. Conclusion: Panchakarma presents a promising integrative therapy for anxiety and depression, offering a comprehensive and individualized approach by targeting systemic, neurological, and psychological dimensions of health. Its emphasis on detoxification, dosha balance, and mental rejuvenation makes it a valuable adjunct or alternative to conventional therapies. Further high-quality clinical research and standardization are essential to validate its global applicability in mental healthcare.},
        keywords = {Panchakarma, Anxiety, Depression, Ayurveda, Shirodhara, Basti, Sattvavajaya, Mind-Body Medicine},
        month = {July},
        }