Disasters and mass emergencies—including cyclones, floods, earthquakes, pandemics, and industrial accidents—create not only physical injury but also profound psychological distress. Survivors commonly face acute stress reactions, anxiety, depression, grief, sleep disruption, and, in some cases, long-term post-traumatic stress disorder. While modern emergency medicine prioritizes life-saving and critical care interventions, growing public health frameworks emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to strengthen recovery and resilience.

In regions such as India, where traditional systems of medicine remain deeply rooted in community life, Ayurveda offers a complementary perspective grounded in holistic balance and preventive care. Classical concepts including Manas, Satva, Ojas, and Pragya Aparadha provide a theoretical lens to understand trauma-related psychological imbalance. Therapeutic modalities such as herbal adaptogens (e.g., Ashwagandha, Brahmi), yoga, pranayama, meditation, and lifestyle regulation through Dinacharya may support stress adaptation and long-term rehabilitation.

This review synthesizes classical knowledge and contemporary evidence to propose a structured framework for integrating Ayurveda into disaster preparedness and response policies. Emphasis is placed on safety, quality assurance, inter-system collaboration, training, and systematic research to ensure effective, sustainable implementation.