ACCORDING to Ayurveda, like all Indian philosophies, the purpose of life is attaining salvation or unity of the soul with the Absolute. Thus, in the deeper Indian perspective, health is not an end in itself. If the body is looked upon as a vehicle to realise the materialistic pursuits of wealth and ambition, it is the good health of the mind, body and soul which is considered the base for an accomplished and fulfilled life.
Though from time to time various scholars have explained health in their own way, the most popular definition is by the ancient sage and surgeon Sushruta. He describes health as a state of complete homeostasis encompassing a functional cohesiveness of three body humors, well balanced metabolism, the structural integrity of tissues, regularity of excretory functions and harmoniously interacting senses. It goes further to say that a healthy body should be joined by a pacified mind and transcending soul.
In fact, the concept of three “doshas” known as “vata”, “pitta” and “kapha” or the body humors is vital to the ayurvedic philosophy. The body, which is seen as a composite structure made of seven types of tissues called “dhatus”, is governed by these humors. The constant wear and tear of the body require it to be replenished and repaired within the system only. Many times in a short description, good health is correctly portrayed as the structural and functional equilibrium of these humors and tissues.
Ayurveda believes that all changes occurring in the body — from dense to more subtle — are controlled by “agni” or the fire. Of the 13 types of its forms, the main “agni” is the one located in the digestive system. Its functional equilibrium regulates other biochemical processes taking place in various tissues. If a balanced “agni” is vital for health, its vitiation leads to impaired digestion, improper metabolism and accumulation of toxins which ultimately become the reason for a chain of unhealthy reactions in the body.
A well regulated waste system is also equally essential for the total upkeep of a person. Urine, faeces and sweat have been described as the three main excretable products. A proper urinary output regulates the balance of water in the body and the sweat helps maintaining its temperature besides keeping the skin supple and moist. The correct formation of stool and its regular evacuation is believed to be an equally important milestone leading to good health.
The proper equipoise and coordination of the sense organs aiming to help the body to perform its other functions normally are also counted as an important constituent of the well-being of a person. We experience the world through one or more of our senses. As the sensory organs are an interface between the mind and the body and the body and the environment, all our positive or negative perceptions and experiences have good or bad effect on our health.
The psycho-somatic connection, though believed to be a modern concept, was known to the Indians thousands of years ago. Ayurveda considers total health to be much more than the physical health. It describes a healthy and a balanced mind and spiritual well-being as the ultimate standard for good health. “Svastha” the Sanskrit word for health, literally means “to be established in the self”. It denotes that the journey towards perfect health and a purposeful and righteous life includes treading through the same path.