Clinical depression is radically different from a passing feeling of sadness. It is a phase of low mood that lasts for more than three to four weeks at a stretch. Typical symptoms of depression are social withdrawal, insomnia, change in appetite, weight gain or loss, extreme pessimism and a feeling of worthlessness.

Passing phases of sadness can potentially lead to clinical depression if not attended to. It is imperative that you arm yourself with some protection to avoid such a situation. Some simple procedures including natural remedies for depression can prove very helpful in boosting energy levels and avoiding depressive moods.

According to the ancient Indian therapy Ayurveda, disease is caused by an imbalance of the three aspects. These aspects are the basis of the healthy functioning of a body. They are vata (wind), kapha (phlegm) and pitta (heat). Depression occurs when this imbalance is accompanied by “lack of awareness of one’s deeper, inner Self.”

Apart from targeting diet and lifestyle changes that restore this imbalance the main focus of Ayurveda in treating depression is on natural meditation and awareness of the inner Self. Ayurveda uses techniques like meditation and yoga to help in combating depression. One does not need to be a yogic expert to perform these basic exercises. These exercises can be performed in the comfort of your home. They can help in achieving inner bliss and can promote positive thinking.

The most significant aspect of Ayurvedic treatment is that it does not have any of the side effects that are associated with conventional medication. Ayurveda can be very helpful in treating depression naturally.

According to Ayurveda one should sleep before 10pm, which is the start of the “kapha” time. This ensures a sound sleep that is not disrupted by emotional distress and tossing in bed. Sleeping late makes you feel hungry. Eating at odd hours in the night puts an undue burden on the digestive system. The digestive system, therefore, does not get the rest and is unable to carry out the natural detoxification process effectively. Sleeping through late mornings leads to a choking of the system and causes dullness and reduced communication between the heart and mind.

Ayurveda proposes getting up early in the morning and performing some basic deep breathing exercises. Exercise is a great stress reliever and it also helps you remain in good shape. The early morning sun provides positive energy and uplifts moods. A walk in early sunlight also helps in easy bowel movement, which is necessary for the energy that you need to meet the challenges of the day.

Ayurveda recommends dietary changes that are easy on the digestive system for easy elimination. These are natural foods that help in creating stability in emotions, balance in the natural body systems and therefore aid in attaining a healthy body. Oily and fried foods should be avoided. Instead opt for healthy foods like milk, clove, walnut, pear and coconut. Fresh cheese, raisins, nuts and dates are natural sources of healthy proteins. Coffee is a stimulant that increases anxiety, a major cause behind depression. Homemade buttermilk prepared from fresh yogurt is a healthy substitute to coffee.

The diagnostic base of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian therapy, are the three aspects of body functioning – vata (wind), kapha (phlegm) and pitta (heat). According to Ayurvedic texts all disease is caused by either one or a combination of any two of the three. A combination of all three indicates an incurable condition.

Ayurveda perceives obesity as a cause of:

* Diet and lifestyle that results in accumulation of fat
* Lack of exercise and inactive lifestyle
* Sleeping in the afternoon
* High calorie intake or consumption of sweetened foods

Fat gets deposited in all living beings. Some amount of fat is necessary since it keeps the body moist, provides insulation from heat, protects bones from shock and stores energy. Excessive fat tends to accumulate mostly on the belly, hips and breasts. Left unattended, it leads to a vicious circle of inactivity. Obesity leads to further inactivity as obese individuals find it difficult to remain active.

Ayurveda has a four pronged treatment module for treating obesity:

* Herbs
* Diet
* Lifestyle
* Yoga

Ayurvedic herbs like Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) Punarnava(Boerhaavia diffusa) form a part of the herbal weight loss approach. These herbs improve the metabolic rate and help in faster burning of calories. An Ayurvedic physician may prescribe weight loss medications made from purely natural products and prepared according to the specific instructions mentioned in the ancient texts.

Ayurvedic diet for reducing weight takes into consideration the level of activity of the patient and then correlates it with basic nutritional requirements. The emphasis is on a balanced diet that includes food items from each of the groups, namely, milk, meat, fruit, vegetables and cereals. Avoid curds and prefer buttermilk instead. Allow an occasional treat but keep away from fatty and sweetened foods and drinks.

Small changes in lifestyles can go a long way in increasing physical activity. Climb stairs instead looking for the lift, walk down to buy groceries and bring children back home from school on foot. These provide healthy exercise without having to join a gym. Regular sexual activity too is a healthy exercise. Afternoon sleep is a big no-no in Ayurveda. It reduces the metabolic process of burning calories.

Yogic exercises are an integral part of ayurvedic weight loss solutions. Contrary to popular belief yoga is not an exercise program only. It is an age old system of establishing unison between the mind, spirit and body. Specific yogic postures for reducing weight go a long way in developing a positive attitude that can have a big impact on your efforts for combating obesity.