Aacharya Bhela has clearly indicated that, the place of Manovaha Srotasa is Mastishka (Brain).

Functions of Brain/Mind (Manas) are as follows:

• To consider whether an act to be done or not
• To deliberate whether it is reasonable or not
• To think about possible event
• To contemplate the knowledge
• To determine about merits and demerits

Pranavayu which is controller of Manas is also situated in Head.

Also, it is said that, All the sensory organs are situated in Head, and Mind is considered as controller of head (Atindriya).

Reasons behind mental illness:

• Vitiation and Imbalanced of dosha (Doshadushti)
  Rajas and Tamas are the Manasika dosha. These two get vitiated along with Sharirika dosha.
  
• Improper work or Wrong coordination of sensory organs (Asatmyendriyartha samyoga)
  No Thinking, Excess Thinking and Improper Thinking are Ayoga, Atiyoga and Mithyayoga of Manas
  
• Untruthful working of mind (Pradnyaparadh)
  Jealousy ( Irshya), Grief (shoka), Scared (bhaya), Anger (krodha) are due to Untruthful working of mind.
  
• Achievement of unwanted things and not achieving of wanted or most desirable things causes mental illness.
  

Symptoms of mental illness (Manovaha Srotodushti Laxanas):

Loss of confidence (Mano bhramsha) , Loss of intellectual (Buddhi bhramsha), Loss of consciousness (Samdya bhramsha), Loss of knowledge (Dyana bhramsha), Loss of memory (Smriti bhramsha), Loss of concentration (Bhakti bhramsha), Loss of character (Sheela bhramsha), Loss of activity (Cheshta bhramsha), Loss or confusion in day to day work (Aachara bhramsha).

Diseases (Vyadhis)

Delirium (Unmada), Epilepsy (Apasmara), Hallucination (Atatvabhinivesha), Intoxication (Mada), Fainting (Murccha), Coma (Sanyasa), Hypertension, Memory loss etc.

Our Solutions in Mental stress and illness:

• An Ayurvedic medicine plays an important role in mental stress and illness, especially in mind and brain disorders.
  
• Treatment like shirodhara, shiropichu, shirobasti, shiroabhyanga and medicated nasal drops (nasya) are more beneficial in these cases along with medication. It gives the patient immense soothing effect and relaxation. It improves the optimistic view of patient.
  
• In these problems virechan (Medicated Purgation) is said to be the one of the important treatment along with internal medicines.
  
• Basti (medicated enema) is also recommended in these problems.
  
• Detoxification is another procedure which helps us to clean the body and mind.
  
• Panchakarma is the only branch which purifies the body and mind. As per condition of patient we have to detox and give mental strength through ayurvedic medicines. It keeps body and mind calm and stable.
  
• Suggestions for Yoga and meditation etc.