Dopamine, Addiction, and Rahu: Nuerocience X Jyotish

My interest in improving human performance is one of the driving forces behind my interest in Jyotish. My previous education in Biotechnology and jyotish gel together well here. I have started mixing the two domains together as a way towards my goal of building a system that uses all possible tools towards improving individual human existence.

On my blog I will continue to share my research on ways to bring the two together in application.

Dopamine functions by creating withdrawal discomfort from the very thing that triggered its release—it is not the item itself that holds power. This explains why, in lab experiments, even the anticipation of receiving a reward led to increased dopamine release. The brain learns to associate certain activities with pleasure, and when those activities stop, it craves the dopamine surge again. This mechanism fuels addiction, whether it’s smoking, drinking, watching entertainment, or any other habit that brings short-term pleasure.

The Dopamine Loop and Placebos

Because dopamine is linked to anticipation as much as to the reward itself, placebos can also be effective. It’s not always the chemical being ingested that creates the effect—often, the brain releases dopamine simply in response to expecting an experience. This is why people sometimes feel real relief or satisfaction even when given an inert substance.

How Do We Control Addiction-Causing Behaviors?

One way to regulate dopamine-driven behavior is by slowing down our consumption of pleasurable activities and, if these experiences are a reward, engaging in them sporadically. This prevents the brain from forming a strong association between the activity and a dopamine surge, allowing us to sustain enjoyment without falling into compulsive loops.

For example, instead of binge-watching an entire series in one sitting, spacing it out over several days allows for continued enjoyment without reinforcing an unhealthy craving. The same principle applies to food, social media, and other habitual behaviors.

The Jyotish Perspective: Rahu and Dopamine

In Jyotish, this pattern of craving and overconsumption falls under the domain of Rahu. Rahu represents bhoga—the force of indulgence and insatiable consumption. It grips the mind, urging it toward excess, making us believe that fulfillment lies in more.

A person ruled by an uncontrolled Rahu is constantly chasing external highs—be it through substances, experiences, or even ambition. However, a person in control of their Rahu enjoys life’s pleasures without being consumed by them. This is the difference between indulgence and mastery.

Rahu’s influence in a birth chart can indicate areas where a person is prone to excess. For example, a strong Rahu in certain houses may make someone more susceptible to addiction, while a well-placed Rahu can give a person the ability to break illusions and see reality clearly.

The Jyotish Approach to Overcoming Addiction

One of the most powerful tools in Jyotish is behavior modification, which is done through an astrologer suggesting specific behavior patterns to adopt when facing certain situations. By adjusting how one responds to triggers and temptations, a person can gradually rewire their habitual responses and gain control over their impulses.

Unlike modern medicine, which primarily addresses addiction through pharmaceuticals and therapy, Jyotish offers a complementary approach by emphasizing conscious behavioral adjustments. Rather than being a substitute for medical treatment, Jyotish can be used alongside conventional methods to enhance self-mastery and long-term behavioral change. Integrating Jyotish-guided strategies with medical interventions allows for a more holistic approach to overcoming addiction.

Bridging Science and Jyotish

Both modern neuroscience and Jyotish offer profound insights into addiction and behavioral control. While science explains the mechanics of dopamine and habit formation, Jyotish provides a structured way to reprogram behavior. By integrating both perspectives, we gain a more holistic understanding of how to break free from unhealthy patterns and cultivate true self-control.

Mastering Rahu—whether through Jyotish-guided behavior modification or scientific habit training—ultimately leads to the same goal: freedom from dopamine addiction and mastery over our own mind.

In the end, I am not advocating that Jyotish is a substitute for medical treatment. I am saying that Jyotish can also be a simultaneous tool for aiding those who are dealing with tough situations.

A very good source to learn more about this topic is this episode from the Huberman Podcast: https://youtu.be/OLQRAMZi--c?si=s3DSuoYB7xO_oSuZ