Traditional Food and Psychological Behaviour: An Ayurvedic Perspective on Tri Guna and Tri Dosa

Pramila Ramani

Assistant Professor, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Email Id: pramilar@cutn.ac.in

Abstract:

This research lies at the confluence of Ayurvedic diet classifications (Tri Guna and Tri Dosa) and psychological well-being, with traditional food classifications believed to have an impact on the mental parameters of depression, anxiety, and stress. Although an integrated system has garnered worldwide attention, there is a real paucity of research that binds Ayurvedic concepts to modern-day psychological evaluations using standardized procedures. This study had in view bridging the gap between the Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic dietary types and their relationship with psychological states in adult populations. The sample was composed of 200 participants ranging from 18 to 50 years of age who were assessed through a combined battery incorporating Tri Guna and Tri Dosa questionnaires, DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales), and FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire) for Ayurvedic food categories. The descriptive analysis revealed that participants had 10.53 Sattvic, 4.52 Rajasic, and 6.28 Tamasic meals per week, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed inconclusive weak associations but in expected directions: anxiety was weakly negatively correlated with Sattvic food, stress was positively correlated with Rajasic food, and depressive symptoms with Tamasic-type food. There was, however, no evidence from the regression analyses to support a predictive relationship between the food types and DASS-21 scores (all p > 0.70). These thematic maps tied the quantitative analyses to classical Ayurvedic literature, the Bhagavad Gita and Thirukkural, among others, thus underpinning the conceptual congruence of food, mental states, and ethical living. By way of explanation, the present study aided the emerging models of integrative approaches to mental health by laying the foundation for Ayurvedic dietary psychology holistic, individualized intervention and suggesting pathways for larger longitudinal studies in the future.

    

Full Text:

Traditional Food and Psychological Behaviour: An Ayurvedic Perspective on Tri Guna and Tri Dosa

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