Well-being and health: A scientific look at Ayurveda's core concepts.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Subjective well-being and health: A potential field for scientific enquiry into the foundational concepts of Ayurveda
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
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P. Ram Manohar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Subjective well-being and health: A potential field for scientific enquiry into the foundational concepts of Ayurveda
Year: 2013
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ayurveda, as defined in the Caraka 厂补尘丑颈迟腻, represents a holistic discipline concerned with both favorable and unfavorable aspects of life, focusing on happiness, fulfillment, and the essence of human existence. It transcends the mere practice of medicine by examining broader definitions of health and well-being. Ayurveda sees health not merely as the absence of disease but as a harmonious state of happiness derived from a well-lived life. This intricate view encompasses a deep connection between emotional states, well-being, and physical health, illustrating that both mental and bodily health are intricately linked.
The Interconnection of Happiness and Health
One of the crucial concepts explored in Ayurveda is the relationship between happiness and health. The text elucidates the idea that personal happiness (`sukham 膩yu`) and a salutary life focused on higher meanings and universal well-being (`hitam. 膩yu`) are paramount for achieving holistic health. Emotional imbalances attributed to negative states such as sorrow, anger, or fear can adversely impact physical health by disturbing the body's elemental balance, while positive emotions enhance immunity and overall health. Contemporary research supports these ancient beliefs, demonstrating that higher levels of subjective well-being are correlated with improved health outcomes and reduced mortality. This comprehensive understanding of well-being, integrating hedonistic and eudaimonic approaches, underscores the profound impact of mental health on physical well-being and longevity.
Conclusion
The exploration of Ayurveda's approach to well-being and health illustrates a significant investment in understanding the complex connections between mental states, emotional health, and physical illness. By acknowledging the intertwined nature of mind and body, Ayurveda presents a framework for achieving holistic health that resonates with contemporary scientific findings. This interplay between emotional and physical health emphasizes the importance of psychological and spiritual factors in enhancing overall well-being. As such, Ayurveda offers a rich field for scientific inquiry, revealing insights that align with modern understandings of health and longevity.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of Ayurveda according to the Caraka 厂补尘丑颈迟腻?
Ayurveda is defined as knowledge of life, dealing with health, well-being, and the determinants of happiness versus sorrow, rather than merely a medical system.
How does Ayurveda define health and disease?
Ayurveda defines health as a state of happiness and fulfillment, while disease is viewed as a state of sorrow, highlighting the integral connection between emotional well-being and physical health.
What role do emotional imbalances play in Ayurveda?
Emotional imbalances such as fear or anger can disturb the balance of the body's energies (痴腻迟补, Pitta, Kapha), affecting overall health and immunity.
How does Ayurveda relate to modern research on happiness and health?
Studies have shown a strong correlation between subjective well-being and health outcomes, echoing Ayurveda's ancient recognition of the interplay between happiness and physical health.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淲ell-being and health: A scientific look at Ayurveda's core concepts.鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that emphasizes knowledge of life and well-being, incorporating elements like happiness and fulfillment. It defines health beyond mere absence of disease, integrating aspects of physical and mental health for overall wellness.
2) Hand:
[see source text or glossary: #Hand#]
3) Caraka:
The Caraka 厂补尘丑颈迟腻 is a foundational text in Ayurveda, defining its principles and outlining the connection between happiness, mental health, and the practice of medicine. It serves as an authority on the understanding of life and health across Ayurveda.
4) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee is often used in Ayurvedic practices, symbolizing the interplay between different elements of health. It exemplifies the intricate relationship between the body and mind, acting as a medium through which these interactions can be understood.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science, in relation to Ayurveda, refers to the systematic study of health and well-being as defined in Ayurvedic texts. It explores the underlying mechanisms connecting mental health and physical health outcomes as described in Ayurveda.
6) Mental health:
Mental health is a core aspect of Ayurveda, which posits that emotional well-being directly influences physical health. The Ayurvedic tradition emphasizes achieving mental balance for overall health and recognizes its role in disease prevention.
7) Knowledge:
Knowledge in Ayurveda encompasses understanding life, health, and the determinants of well-being. It is not merely academic knowledge but practical wisdom applied to enhance quality of life and health outcomes.
8) Medicine:
Ayurveda is not just a form of medicine; it encompasses a broader life science that includes health, happiness, and the balance between mental and physical well-being. It investigates the comprehensive nature of health.
9) Buddhi:
Buddhi refers to intellect in the Ayurvedic context, guiding individuals to make wise decisions concerning health and well-being. It aligns with the philosophical framework of Ayurveda that promotes a balanced approach to life.
10) Reason:
Reason is essential in Ayurveda as it emphasizes understanding the causes and effects of health and disease. Using reason, practitioners can evaluate health outcomes based on Ayurvedic principles and concepts.
11) Pitta:
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing the metabolic and transformative energies in the body. It is closely linked to emotions like anger and can influence both health and mental well-being.
12) Kapha:
Kapha is another dosha in Ayurveda, embodying stability and strength. It plays a vital role in nurturing immunity and supporting mental health, showing how Ayurvedic principles encompass both physical and emotional aspects.
13) Anger (Angry):
Anger is identified as an emotional imbalance in Ayurveda that affects the Pitta dosha and contributes to physical and mental illness. Hence, managing anger is crucial for achieving overall health and happiness according to Ayurvedic practice.
14) Vata:
痴腻迟补, one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, is linked to movement and communication within the body. Imbalances in 痴腻迟补 can lead to anxiety and fears, significantly impacting mental and physical health.
15) Fear:
Fear is an emotional condition discussed within Ayurveda that can lead to imbalances particularly in 痴腻迟补. It is recognized as detrimental to both mental health and overall well-being, calling for a holistic approach to manage it.
16) Lust:
Lust is viewed as a potential emotional disturbance in Ayurveda that can affect physical health by disrupting the doshas. Understanding and managing lust is essential to maintaining balance in life and health.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Well-being and health: A scientific look at Ayurveda's core concepts.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Caraka-samhita, Negative emotion, Psychological well-being, Health outcome, Subjective well-being.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.