Health can be measured in a number of ways but perfect health is defined as “a balance between body, mind, spirit and social well being”. Holistic health is often defined as a form of healing that works for the whole person's mind and spirit. While modern-day western medicine has brought many wonderful and life saving advancements but one of their downfalls is an isolated approach to health, which looks at the body in sections of individual symptoms and pieces rather than the whole system.

Introduction

The holistic word arises from the word “HOLISM" which means, treating the whole person, whereas taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease. Holistic healing is the practice of health and wellness that considers the entire person including all the internal and external factors affecting them. Now, Holistic health and Ayurveda can be directly connected as Ayurveda is the complete way of life. Whereas a holistic health system comprising diet, yoga, massage, detoxification, herbal remedies, meditation and daily lifestyle are actually the same. Moreover, Ayurveda is certainly not intended to replace modern medicine but rather it gives people the tools to treat their body according to its need, leading to emotional and mental well-being and good health.

Ayurveda Medicine And Holistic Healing

Ayurveda is the ancient traditional medicinal system that is practiced by the people of India and now worldwide. Ayurveda is based on five great elements of the universe:  air, water, space, fire and earth, 7 primary elements of the body, and three doshas (Vata, pitta, and Kapha).

Balance and interconnection of all these elements is the key to wellness. Ayurveda is organized into a system of 8 branches. The 8 branches are as follows:

  • Kayachikitsa (Internal medicine)
  • Shalya tantra (Surgery)
  • Shalakya tantra (ENT)
  • Kaumarbhritya (Pediatrics)
  • Agada tantra (Toxicology)
  • Bhuta Vidya (Psychiatry)
  • Rasayana (Rejuvenation)
  • Vajikarna (Branch deals with Reproduction and Aphrodisiac)

Ayurvedic practitioners achieve Holistic health by guiding their patients through these eight limbs towards balance.

All Things Are Interconnected

Ayurveda is a combination of ancient Indian health science that maintains the harmony of body, mind, and spirit. The central elements of Ayurveda are massage and Ayurveda cleansing techniques, dietetics, spiritual yoga practice and herbal medicine.

Ayurveda mainly focuses on increasing the well being and prevention of diseases, stress management, improvement of fitness, and most importantly nature plays an important role in the Ayurvedic philosophy. So by practicing Ayurveda in everyday life we can aim to achieve a holistic healthy lifestyle.

Three Doshas In Balance

The three doshas and associated elements are Vata (air and space), pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). It is thought that they give a person its unique constitution / individual constitution, and adjust its physical and spiritual functions.

If there is an imbalance in these three doshas then sickness arises and if these three will be in the balance state then the healthy state of a person is maintained. Accordingly, the individual constitution of the doshas is defined at the beginning of Ayurveda treatment in order to bring them in balance.

Tips To Maintain Holistic Health

Health is often confused with body structure. Some people think if a person is slim or an athlete means that he or she is a healthy person. In wider perspective health is more than that. Health cannot be measured by external appearance. A Holistic approach to health applies to our mind and body.

Due to lack of time in our busy day to day life, we don't pay enough attention to maintaining proper health. Below are some of the tips which can improve our physical mental and emotional health:

1. LEARN TO BREATHE:

Breathing is one of the best methods for relaxation which is used from ancient times. If we breathe in the right way then it helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are harmful to the cardiovascular system as they can put undue pressure on it. There are many techniques of breathing that one can use to encourage healthier breathing. One of the technique is explained below:

Abdominal technique: It involves taking 6 to 10 deep breaths every minute for up to 10 minutes.

2. EAT RIGHT:

Eating a balanced diet is the main step to achieve a healthy body, mind and soul. We should focus on eating healthy food including fruits and vegetables. One should totally avoid eating junks, artificial flavor and colors, etc. One should eat a diet which is balanced in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, etc.

3. MAINTAIN HIGH ENERGY IN BODY:

Energy is the key to a healthy life. To ensure your mind and body are both in top conditions, stay high on energy throughout the day. One can consume natural energy boosters such as green tea, berries, and other fruits that will keep you healthy and happy.

4. SET AIMS:

While we relate goals to weight loss, goals can be useful for other aspects of health. Set certain targets for things like how many hours a week you should spend on your hobbies, with family or friends or away from your cell phone or computer.

5. EXERCISE IN A RIGHT WAY:

Only doing exercise is not the right way to achieve health but exercise should be done in the right way with proper postures and timings. Start by calculating your BMI, which will help you to understand your position as well as help you to set your goal.

6. STAY HYDRATED:

Our body mostly consists of water so this makes it crucial to drink enough water. Most of the people stay dehydrated throughout the day which is the main root of many diseases. Before intake of water, make sure your water is pure because if it is impure, you are directly ingesting the toxins.

7. SOCIALIZE: 

Humans are social animals and socializing is very important for a human's mental and emotional health. Meeting with people and having a good time is very important.

Regular interactions are very important for staying healthy. It's all a fabulous way to get that connecting time that your soul needs.

8. GET OFFLINE:

So much of our time is spent sitting in front of mobile screens and computers which indirectly disconnect us from the real world and develop stress and depression. So, one should aim to get offline for particular hours in a day from technology.

9. MEDITATION:

Meditation is the link between mind and the health of the body. A regular meditation practice, even if it’s only 5 minutes every day, helps in maintaining the balance that is necessary for health and it also reduces stress.

10. SELF MASSAGE:

Self-massage is called Abhyanga, which uses high-quality organic oil, helps the body to get rid of waste by stimulating the lymphatic system and also reduces stress.

Conclusion

In a world where everyone is busy and has no time for his or her own health, a holistic approach to health is very important. As a sedentary lifestyle develops many mental diseases and physical diseases in human beings, So, it is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, doing the right exercises, doing yoga and pranayama for maintaining mental as well as physical health.

Holistic healing is the need of the hour to have a happy and healthy life.