Swasthya is aSanskrit word which is generally translated as health.But the two words do not exactly carry the same meaning.Modernmedicine defines health as the absence of diseases and proper functioning of the body and the mind. But Swasthya goes deeper. It means being established in one’s ownself. It indicates astate of balance, integration and inner stability.Ayurveda gives aremarkable comprehensive understanding of Swasthya in the following waySama-Doshah Samagnishcha Sama-Dhatu- Mala- Kriyah Prasannatmendriya- Manah Swastha Ityabhidhiyate Ahealthy person is one whose Kafa, Pitta, Vata, digestive fire, tissues and elimination arebalanced. And his consciousness, senses and mind are in astate of pleasant equilibrium.Kafa is the cooling system of the body.Pitta is thesystemthatcontrols the heat of the body and Vata is the air flow monitoring system. In this way, Ayurveda does not reducehealth to the absence of diseases alone. Physiology, digestion, metabolism, sensoryfunctioning, elimination, and inner well being are all covered comprehensively by Ayurveda.

 

Modernmedicine now recognises the interconnectedness of all the physiological, mental and emotional factors of human health.Human body is not acollection of independent organs, but an integrated whole. In the research of modern medicine it is found that all the systems of the human body interact with one another. This fact has been found by modernmedicine that mental component has amajor role to play in the overall health spectrum. Chronic stress can influence sleep, blood pressure, glucose regulation, immunity and cardiovascular health.Mental health has asignificant relationship with physical health. Yoga takes the concept of this integrated health one step ahead. Yoga is not only aphysical exercise. Its basic purpose is to control the fluctuations of the mind to enjoy the inner bliss and freedom. From the neuroscientific perspective, Yogicpractices are deeply associated with stress regulation, attention, emotional processing and autonomic nervous system.

 

Chitta- Prasadanam or the clarity and tranquility of the mind is one of the basic purposes of Yoga. Experts are of the opinion that a good medical check up report is not acomplete blueprintofgood health. It has been found that with anormal medical report the concerned person may be suffering from anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and disconnection from life. Ayurveda provides apersonalised approach to lifestyle, nutrition, daily routine and balance.Yoga is aligned with Ayurveda as it provides practical methods for regulating the body, breath, energy, awareness and consciousness. Thus, we find thatthe deeper meaning of Swasthya is the alignment at the multiple levels, physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual levels.Health is a condition and Swasthya is away of life. The concept of integrated health is quite modernincontemporarymedicine, but Ayurveda and Yoga have discussed this comprehensive integration in their texts thousands of years ago.Indian philosophy has never understood the human system in parts.Both the body and the mind have been considered as the inseparable components of the same bigger existence. (The writer is Former DG Police &CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■