| Anxiety disorder is primarily treated in the United States by allopathy employing medication and psychotherapy. However, there is evidence that consumers are increasingly seeking treatment by Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which refers to modalities that differ from allopathy. Ayurveda, extensively practiced in India, is considered alternative medicine in the United States and not well understood. The purpose of this study was to raise awareness of Ayurveda by explicating the process followed by U.S.-based Ayurvedic practitioners to treat anxiety disorder. Ayurvedic medicine defines an individual to be encased in five sheaths or kosas, highlighting aspects of body, mind, and spirit. Physical constitution is described in terms of doshas (vata, pitta, kapha), which can be roughly translated as force or fault. Force implies energy and fault implies an imbalance that leads to dis-ease. Mental constitution is defined in terms of gunas (sattva, rajas and tamas). Practitioners treat patients to restore balance rather than treat symptoms or medical conditions.;This dissertation study employed exploratory-descriptive case study research methods. One-on-one interviews with three Ayurvedic practitioners, using semi-structured questions, provided information on their background and perspectives on Ayurveda, anxiety disorder and clinical practice. Retrospective analysis of three past clients described the process employed to diagnose and treat anxiety disorders. Additionally, observation of a clinic session between a practitioner and a client enabled deeper understanding of the process. Data were analyzed and main themes elucidated using the long-table approach.;Results showed the three practitioners to have varied backgrounds but predominantly similar perspectives on Ayurveda and anxiety disorders. The three clients were diagnosed with doshic imbalances and prevalence of tamas and/or rajas gunas, resulting in anxiety. All three clients were treated with herbs, exercise, meditation and changes to diet and lifestyle. Additionally, one client was treated by panchakarma (therapeutic cleansing process), pranayama (breath exercises) and subtle therapies. As patients restored balance, they reported freedom from symptoms of anxiety.;This study is the first descriptive exploration of Ayurveda as practiced in the United States, specifically for the treatment of anxiety. It is groundbreaking because it provides a model for future research on Ayurveda practice in the United States. |
