Homeostasis is a state of dynamic equilibrium where the body and the mind work in perfect balance. This is the state when we feel at ease with ourselves without excitement, elation or depression. This ecosystem of human psychology ensures the most creative moments for taking critical and crucial decisions. In elated and depressive moods, what we decide is coloured and not wise. Homeostasis is the state of perfect health. The evolutionary scientists define homeostasis as any self-regulating process. As a result of this self-regulation, stability is attained by any organism while adapting to new and changing environmental conditions. It is the process of homeostasis that ensures the survival of any organism. In the field of ecology also the experts talk of homeostasis. This homeostasis refers to the equilibrium among different organisms of the physical ecosystem. Some of the environmentalists have extended the concept of homeostasis by covering non living things also. In mechanical devices the thermocontrol system is the best example of homeostasis. When heat rises in the human body, perspiration starts to lose heat and cools it down. On the contrary when body temperature comes down, there is shivering in the body to generate heat and maintain the required level of temperature.

 

In Ayurveda the definition of Swasthya is fantastically similar to the concept of homeostasis. Swasthya is defined as Samadoshah Samagnishcha Samadhatumalakriyah . Prasannatmendriyamanah Swasthya mityabhidhiyate. Healthy is one whose fluid systems, digestive fire, tissues, excretory function, etc are in perfect balance and whose body, mind and consciousness are cheerful. This is the best definition of homeostasis. Actually Swasthya is translated into English as health. But health is a condition after the healing of some disease. So the better word for Swasthya is homeostasis. Swasthya is the state where we are established in our own original nature of bliss and equilibrium. And this is homeostasis. In the Geeta Lord Krishna defines Yoga as Samatva meaning equilibrium. In other words we can say that Yoga is the science which establishes us in our equilibrium. When this yogic equilibrium is established, we are in a state of bliss and tranquillity. Yoga prescribes scientific techniques to achieve this state of equilibrium or homeostasis of body, mind and consciousness. The eight limbs of RajaYoga are the stepping stones to this state of equilibrium. Yama and Niyama prepare the background to go on the yogic path.

 

Asana synthesises our bodily energy. Pranayama controls our mind through breathing. Pratyahara withdraws us from the external clutter and din. Dharana enhances our concentration. Dhyana makes concentration more deep and penetrative. Samadhi is the absorption of the mind with bliss and tranquillity. After prolonged, continuous and dedicated practice of Yoga, the perfect state is achieved which is described as the Samya Awastha by Lord Krishna. It is the psychophysiological state of the human ecosystem when emotions do not rub us, mood swings have no impact on our mind and we are in perfect body-mind connect. In many Yoga books it is described that at the time of thisYogic state a natural sweetness is produced in our mouth. In scientific terms we can say that when our entire psychosomatic system works perfectly, there is secretion of pleasure hormones in the body producing sweetness on the tongue.