Ayurvedic definition of health

“Prayojanam  chasya  swasthasya  swasthya  rakshanam  aturasya  vikaar  prashmanam  ch”

-Ch. Su 1

Ayurveda works on preventive as well as promotive aspects of health. Therefore, it not only deals with what is to be done when one falls ill but also what should be done to maintain one’s health and vigor to prevent illness.

Ayurveda is an amalgamation of science and philosophy, one which entails the physical, mental, emotional, and, spiritual components necessary for holistic health.

As per Ayurveda, health is a complex interaction between the body, mind, emotions, intellect, and the environment. A simple act such as a long  journey is enough to put your health off-balance.

So, Ayurveda defines health as a balance of our bodily functions, such as digestion, elimination, metabolism, and tissue functions, along with a happy, peaceful, and content mind.

In other words,

“Samadoshah   Samagnischa  Samadhatu  Mala Kriyah
Prasannatmendriya  Manah  Swastha  Ityabhidheeyate”

 – Su.  Su  15/41

One of the eminent scholars of Ayurveda, Sushruta defines health as a balance of the three fundamental energies  (dosha ; VATA, PITTA  and KAPHA), digestive fire and enzymes (AGNI), by-products and excretory functions (MALAS) and tissues (DHATUS). Therefore, One whose  soul (ATMA) and mind (MANAS) are also in a state of perfect harmony with  pleasant and contented mind, senses and spirit is called a healthy individual.

When the balance of any of these systems is disturbed, it marks the beginning of the disease process.