Ayurveda & WHO

Ayurveda & WHO – Definition of Health

One of the main basic principles of Ayurveda and Yoga is that our Mind, Body and Consciousness are connected to each other in a Tripod Complex influencing every aspect (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual) of our health, well-being and ‘Dis – Ease’. Ayurveda states in detail that everything we interact with on a daily basis like our diet, climate, work, relationships, exercise levels and all other surrounding have a profound effect on our health and well-being.

Ayurvedic definitions of holistic health given thousands of years ago –

By Father of Ayurvedic Surgery – Sushruta

‘Samadosha samaagnischa samadhatu mala kriyaha |

Prasanna atma indriya manaha swaastya iti abhidhiyate ||’

According to Ayurveda health is symbolized by a balanced state of the following:

Brain, its nervous system and metabolic systems, various organs/glands etc. – their enzymes and secretions, all bodily tissues, normal excretion of urine, stool, sweat, etc., proper functioning of sensory organs (eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin), and cheerful state (or a state of bliss or happiness) of your consciousness / soul.

WHO (World Health Organization) has recently recognized in the following definition of health.

First definition by WHO: ‘Absence of diseases or infirmity.’

Second definition by WHO: ‘Health is a state of physical and mental wellbeing.’

Latest definition by WHO – ‘Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.’

While conventional Western medicine is still grounded in the paradigm of our mind-body separation, Ayurvedic medicine holds that health is more than the absence of disease; it is a dynamic state of balance which can be only achieved by having equilibrium between the body, mind, and spirit/ consciousness.

It could probably take some more time for Allopath medicine, quantum physics and other modern sciences to re-invent Ayurveda’s tried and tested ancient wheel.