Ayurveda is a natural and holistic life science from India dating back more than five thousand years with a history built on natural principles. Its antiquity dates back to the ancient Vedas, especially Atharva and Rig Vedas. Ayurveda emphasizes the philosophy Loka Purusha Samyavada, the principle that the entire universe and the human body are similar because both are made up of the Panchamahabhutas (Five Great Elements). Thus, whatever changes happen in the universe, the same are reflected in the body which manifests in different forms, giving rise to various diseases. Therefore this essential connection of the human body reflects environmental factors of the universe, such as seasons, sunrises, sunsets, herbs, and minerals, for example.
Ayurveda perceives life as a four-dimensional entity that is Ayu, the living entity, which is composed of Sharira (Body), Indriya (Senses), Manas (Mind) and Atma (Soul). Life is a constant harmonious blending of body, senses, mind, and soul. It is these four components of Ayu interplay that keep the human body functional.
According to Ayurveda, the health of a person is defined as the physiological functions (Doshas), metabolism (Agni), body tissues (Dhatus), and excretory functions (Malas) being in a state of equilibrium, along with a peaceful mind, clarity of intellect and sharp senses, and is said to be established in oneself (Swatha). Therefore, health or swasthya in Ayurveda is defined by the state of equilibrium of body and mind. It is a state of equilibrium of normal anatomical, biological, physiological, mental, and spiritual well-being. Hence, Sama (balanced) state of Dhatus, Dosha, Agni, and Mala is the reflection of homeostasis in Ayurveda.
Achieving optimal health includes two principles in Ayurveda: to conserve, protect, and maintain the health of the healthy, and resolve or relieve the illness of the diseased.
Symptoms free from disease are not considered health; it’s the state of enjoying uninterrupted physical, mental, and spiritual happiness that is considered to be health in the real sense. In Ayurveda, by achieving optimal health, one can enjoy the ultimate goals of life such as Virtue (Dharama), Wealth (Artha), Enjoyment (Karma) and Salvation (Moksha).
Health is not static, but a dynamic state that is continually changing as a person adapts oneself to the variations in the external and internal environments to maintain a state of physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being. The holistic approach in Ayurveda focuses on integrated well-being of an individual by addressing all dimensions of sustenance.