Definition of health

The concept of health is being described in a various qualitative and metaphysical domain.

The qualitative and metaphysical aspect of health is defined in ancient texts, Yoga, and other Indian systems of medicine.

Yoga Sutra focus on enabling the individual to attain and maintain a ‘sukha sthanam’ at the physical, mental, and spiritual level. Cessation of activity of mind “Chitta Vrittis” is a state of ultimate balance. The yogic concept of health is transcendence from the mind, self-realization, blissfulness, culmination of svasthya (positive wellbeing), when Sattva guna predominates – svasthya begins. Sattva mind is lively, equanimous, and pleasant; in Tamas and Rajas we remain consumers of happiness, whereas in Sattva we turn into producers of happiness.

As per our ancient seers and systems of medicine, our natural state is not even arogya (overall wellbeing), but svasthya (of which arogya is a part).

Bhagavad Gita defines Yoga refers to ‘samatvam’, maintains a state of balance at all levels of existence from physical to consciousness.

Definition of Svasthya in Ayurveda: Proper balance of the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha), agni (digestive fire and metabolism), dhatu (seven elements) and malakriya (excretion of wastes), and pleasantness of atma (self), indriya (sense organs) and manas (mind) constitutes a svastha (one who has svasthya). Susruta Samhita 15.38

Samadosh samagnisca samadhatu malakriyah |

Prasannatmendriya manah svastha ityadhibhiyate ||  

WHO defines Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In recent times WHO also suggested a fourth dimension of spiritual health but has fallen short of defining it.

• Physical well-being: This means the absence of diseases at the physical level and also the capacity to adjust and tolerate the various changes in the environment like cold, heat, pollution, germs, etc.
• Mental well-being: When a person is free from any mental tensions and illness, we can term it as mental well-being. Therefore, mastery over senses, ego, and emotions is necessary.
• Social well-being: When we can adapt, adjust ourselves with the people and surroundings, then it leads to social well-being. We should have acceptance and respect towards each other.
• Spiritual well-being: When a person can manifest divinity in his all aspects of life, it leads to spiritual well-being. It is a state where man realizes that he is universal consciousness.