True Wellness! There is an interesting trend has emerged – Health Shopping.
While we’re familiar with shopping for clothes, groceries, or cosmetics, this new phenomenon involves hopping between different health approaches, often without understanding the underlying philosophy of wellness.
Let’s understand what true health really means, especially through the lens of Ayurveda.
Many people start with a visit to an allopathic doctor for an ailment. When a new issue arises, they may turn to homoeopathy, and if relief is partial, they seek naturopathy. Eventually, when nothing seems to work, they reluctantly try Ayurveda as a last resort. This is where the misconception lies: Ayurveda is often perceived as slow, but the reality is, people approach it too late, when their condition has worsened over time.
Ayurveda doesn’t treat only symptoms; it addresses the root cause of diseases by understanding the stages and progression of illnesses. Early intervention makes healing faster, just like how it’s easier to uproot a small plant than a full-grown tree.
For example, a patient recently came to our clinic with a long list of ailments and a hefty file filled with medical records from various hospitals. Initially, they had indigestion and bloating, which led to irregular bowel movements, menstrual pain, migraines, breast pain, insomnia, and irritability. Despite treatments from different medical systems, the patient felt unsatisfied and wondered if Ayurveda could offer a solution.
This case reminded me of what Ayurveda calls shuddha chikitsa or pure treatment.
प्रयोगः शमयेद्व्याधिं योऽन्यमन्यमुदीरयेत्| नासौ विशुद्धः, शुद्धस्तु शमयेद्यो न कोपयेत्||
prayogaḥ śamayedvyādhiṃ yo’nyamanyamudīrayet| nāsau viśuddhaḥ, śuddhastu śamayedyo na kopayet||
According to Ayurveda, the right treatment is one that not only cures the disease but also prevents the emergence of new issues.
Health vs. Wellness: What’s the Difference?
Many healthcare professionals focus solely on “health,” which is merely the absence of disease. However, true wellness, or swasthya, goes beyond that. It’s the continued state of balance where the body, mind, and senses function harmoniously.
As per the ancient sage Sushruta, true wellness is described as:
समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलक्रियाः। प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनाः स्वस्थः इत्यभिधीयते ॥
samadoṣaḥ samāgniśca samadhātu malakriyāḥ| prasannātmendriyamanāḥ svasthaḥ ityabhidhīyate ||
This means a person is considered healthy when:
- The three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are in balance.
- The digestive fire (Agni) works optimally.
- The bodily tissues (Dhatus) and waste elimination (Malas) are functioning properly.
- The body ,mind and senses are in a state of contentment.
To better understand this, let’s take an analogy: Life is a long journey, and our body is the vehicle. The fuel for this vehicle is food, sleep and our daily activities, while the drivers are the three doshas . When all these elements work together, the body (vehicle) runs smoothly, and we achieve our life goals in peace and health.
Signs of True Wellness
Ayurveda offers a checklist for determining if you’re not just healthy, but truly well. Here are some signs:
- Relief from diseases without pain or discomfort.
- A natural, healthy skin tone and voice.
- Proper growth and nourishment of all bodily tissues.
- Adequate strength based on age, diet, and exercise.
- A timely, natural appetite.
- Optimum perception of taste.
- Proper digestion without discomfort.
- Restful sleep without disturbance.
- Balanced bodily functions like urination, defecation, and menstruation.
- Sharp mental faculties and sensory perception.
These symptoms are signs of true wellness. If they are compromised, it indicates the onset of illness. After treatment, it’s important to get back these symptoms to ensure you have returned to a state of wellness and not just disease-free health.
How to Maintain Wellness
Many patients ask why Ayurveda doesn’t always recommend extensive lab tests like other medical systems. The truth is, Ayurveda focuses on subtle bodily functions that can’t always be measured through tests. Instead, it relies on daily self-awareness and monitoring of key wellness signs mentioned above.
By paying attention to these signs and making adjustments as soon as there’s a disruption, we can prevent disease from taking hold. This practice helps us stay well day after day and year after year, which is the true secret of Ayurveda’s holistic approach to health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Health is simply the absence of disease, whereas wellness (swasthya) is a the next step of health which is a balanced state where your body, mind, and senses function harmoniously.
The three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) govern all physical and mental processes. Imbalances in these doshas can lead to illness, so Ayurveda seeks to restore balance to maintain health and prevent disease.
Signs of true wellness include having no physical pain, natural appetite, proper digestion, sound sleep, and mental clarity. If these are disrupted, it may indicate the onset of illness.
Ayurveda assesses subtle internal imbalances through self-awareness and observation of key bodily functions, rather than depending solely on lab tests. It prioritizes holistic understanding over isolated measurements.
Yes, Ayurveda treats chronic conditions by addressing the root cause rather than just the symptoms, restoring balance in the body to heal long-standing health issues effectively.
Conclusion
Wellness is a state of balance that can be maintained without the need for constant medical interventions or unnecessary lab tests. Instead of falling into the trap of Health Shopping, it’s time to adopt a mindful approach to health by nurturing all aspects of our body, mind, and spirit.
By doing so, we can ensure that we are not just living disease-free but thriving in a state of true wellness. This is the wisdom Ayurveda offers for a healthy and balanced life.
Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Sadhanashree P. BAMS, MD(Ayu)
Dr. Sadhanashree P., M.D. (Ayurveda), is a passionate Ayurvedic physician with expertise in Panchakarma and holistic wellness. As the founder of Arogyavardhini Ayurveda, she blends ancient Ayurvedic practices with modern lifestyle solutions. Dr. Sadhanashree is committed to spreading Ayurveda’s benefits through consultations, workshops, and rural health camps, empowering individuals and communities to achieve optimal health.
About Arogyavardhini Ayurveda
Arogyavardhini Ayurveda is dedicated to promoting holistic health through Ayurveda and Yoga. Led by Dr. Sadhanashree, the clinic offers personalized consultations, Panchakarma therapies, wellness retreats, and community outreach programs, including rural health camps and corporate wellness initiatives.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. This site may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. Arogyavardhini Ayurveda is not responsible for any adverse outcomes resulting from the application of information found here.
