Title : Effects of hybrid individualized Maharishi AyurVeda consultations on anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms: A pilot study
Abstract:
Background and objective: Anxiety, depression, and stress-related physical symptoms are major contributors to the global burden of disease, highlighting the need for accessible, integrative treatment approaches. Maharishi AyurVeda (MAV) is a traditional whole-systems approach that utilizes individualized dietary, lifestyle, herbal, and mind-body interventions. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of hybrid Maharishi AyurVeda consultations.
Method: A prospective single-arm pilot study enrolled 93 adults in the United States with mild to severe anxiety and/or depression. Participants received a 6-week individualized Maharishi AyurVeda program consisting of an initial in-person consultation followed by a structured online educational and support program. The intervention included individualized dietary and lifestyle recommendations, exercises, herbal preparations, detoxification procedures where indicated, external aroma oil applications, and motivational counseling. Primary outcomes were anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and physical symptoms (PHQ-15). Secondary outcomes included fatigue (PROMIS Fatigue), emotional distress (PROMIS Anger), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and body mass index (BMI). Assessments were completed at baseline and 6 weeks. Repeated-measures MANCOVA, adjusted for meditation practice, prior Ayurveda experience, vitamin and antidepressant use, and gender, was conducted to evaluate changes over time.
Results: Ninety participants (96.8%) completed follow-up. Significant improvements were observed in anxiety (37%; d = 0.85), depression (33%; d = 0.85), physical symptoms (34%; d = 1.15), fatigue (16%; d = 0.65), emotional distress (21%; d = 0.64), sleep disturbance (30%; d = 0.78), and BMI (1.1%; d = 0.44) (all p < 0.001). Improvements occurred across all treatment groups, with no significant between-group differences. The intervention was well tolerated, with only five participants reporting minor gastrointestinal side effects.
Conclusions: Online individualized Maharishi AyurVeda consultations were feasible, safe, and associated with clinically meaningful improvements in mental and physical health outcomes over six weeks. These findings support the potential of hybrid-delivered Maharishi AyurVeda care as a feasible integrative approach for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and related somatic symptoms. Randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm efficacy and investigate long-term outcomes.
