MANASIKA HETU: THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN DISEASE CAUSATION – A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW BASED ON AYURVEDIC CLASSICS

Ayurveda defines health as a state of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, going beyond the mere absence of disease. Among the causative factors of disease described in Ayurvedic classics, Manasika Hetu (psychological/mental causative factors) occupy a distinct and important place. Manas, governed by the Guna Satwa and the Doshas Raja and Tama, interacts intimately with the Sharirika Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), Dhatu, Agni and Strotas. When Raja and Tama become dominant, they vitiate the Tridosha and impair Dhi, Dhriti and Smriti, leading to Pragyaparadha a fundamental root cause of disease. Emotional states such as Krodha (anger), Bhaya (fear), Shoka (grief), Chinta (anxiety), Irshya (jealousy), Harsha (excessive joy), Sukha and Dukha are repeatedly cited across Brihatrayi as Nidana for a wide spectrum of somatic and psychosomatic disorders, ranging from Agnimandya, Atisara and Jwara to Unmada, Apasmara, Rajyakshma and Vatavyadhi. This article compiles and reviews classical references pertaining to Manasika Hetu from Charaka Samhita and allied texts, examines their relationship with Tridosha, Dhatu, Agni and Strotas, and discusses their applied clinical relevance, including the scope of Manochikitsa (Ashwasana, Harshana, Santwana and Satwavajaya Chikitsa) in the management of psychosomatic disease. The review underscores that a comprehensive understanding of Manasika Hetu is essential for holistic diagnosis and treatment in Ayurvedic clinical practice.