Mental well-being is a cardinal integrant of Ayurvedic definition of ‘Swasthya’ along with Physical and Spiritual well-being. Graha chitiksa is one among the eight branches of Ayurveda that deal with prevention and management of psychiatric illness. Depression and mental health disorders are now the leading cause of disability in the world. Stress is now known, through modern research, to be one of the main root causes of many mental health issues. In addition to stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, unhealthy habits (like drug and alcohol use and many other addictive behaviours), and lack of sufficient rest are additional risk factors for the exacerbation of mental health issues. Modern healthcare systems lack effective methodologies for reducing stress and finding ways to motivate patients to improve their diet, get more exercise and rest, and to reduce unhealthy habits.
To promote mental health and prevent illness, there is a need to create living conditions and environment that support mental health and allow people to adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle. The intake of healthy diet as prescribed and adhering to the principles of Dinacharya and Ritucharya-daily lifestyle and Ayuvedic medicine are the fundamental entities which play a pivotal role in attaining positive mental health.