Concept Of Health According To Ayurveda
Ayurveda asserts that there is a definite connection between the universe and the human body. This basic principal forms the basis of its treatment of diseases. Any change that is occurring in the universe alters the structure and functioning of human body and plays a major role in the etiopathogenesis of the disease.
Air pollution is a classic example that comes to mind immediately. Humans have contributed to the unfortunate deterioration of air quality world over. Human activities have polluted the air enormously in many parts of the world. This has resulted in increased cases of respiratory diseases. We have given the nature enormous amount of pollutants and it is giving back in the form of respiratory diseases and distresses.
Another example is the flood situations in many parts of the world. Once the water recedes, one can see heaps of wastes especially plastics which we have thrown so callously into rivers and water bodies. This is one way of nature's revenge to such wanton actions of humans. You take back what you have given to the nature.
Ayurveda brilliantly defines Ayu (life) as an intelligent co-ordination of the soul, mind, the five senses and the body with the totality of nature and cosmos. One who has balanced doshas (primary life force), balanced agni (fire and digestion), properly formed dhatus (tissues), proper elimination of malas (metabolic wastes), well-functioning bodily processes and whose mind, soul and senses are in bliss is called a healthy person.
This is a very holistic definition of health and is very much in line with the definition of World Health Organization, where it states that “health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being and not alone the absence of disease”. This clearly shows how the principles of Ayurveda is totally in sync with the modern day definitions.
Health for healthy and cure for disease is the basic objective of Ayurveda. It defines practices to be followed on a routine level known as "dinacharya" and practices that have to be followed on a seasonal level known as "ritucharya". When you start to do all these practices on a regular basis, you are free from any diseases that happen in the seasonal period of the year. This practice ensures that you remain healthy in your life. In totality Ayurvedic medical concept is totally holistic in nature and defines total health for those who follow this method wholeheartedly.