Ayurveda: Definition of Health

The Ayurvedic Definition of Health

Ayurveda defines health as a state of balance in both physical and psychological aspects. The verse from Sushruta Samhita, “samadosah samagnisca sama dhatu mala kriyah | prasanna atmendriya manah svastha abhidhiyate ||”, explains this concept. The first part of the verse refers to physical health, while the second part refers to psychological health.

Comparison with WHO's Definition

The World Health Organization (WHO) previously defined health solely as physical well-being. In 1948, WHO expanded its definition to include mental well-being. However, Ayurveda has recognized the importance of both physical and psychological aspects of health long before WHO's revised definition.

Components of Health in Ayurveda

• Samadosha: Balance in the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha).
• Samagnisca: Healthy digestive fire (jatharagni).
• Samadhatu: Balance in the seven tissues.
• Malakriyah: Proper functioning of excretory processes.
• Prasanna-atmendriya-manah: Pleasant state of the soul (atma), senses (indriya), and mind (manas).

When all these components are in harmony, a person is considered "Svastha" or healthy.