Ayurveda
: Ancient Heritage in the Age of Globalisation
13
balance, the
agni
or digestive fire is working properly, the
dhaatu
are participating properly in the nutritive process
initiated by the
agni
and the
mala
or impurities are
eliminated naturally from the body. The holism of the
definition of health is complete when the pleasant states
of mind and consciousness are stressed
4
in the same
verse. It is a state of equilibrium or harmony – within and
without our own body. These normal states of body, mind
and consciousness occur together or separately to suit the
definition of absolute health and well-being respectively.
There are two benefits from Ayurveda – the
immediate and the ultimate. Immediate benefit is relief
from disease or maintenance of health. Ultimate benefit is
liberation from the cyclical afflictions of miseries. Though
this has a philosophical basis, it proves the impact of the
science in a human life.
As a medical system, Ayurveda has two purposes –
i. maintaining the health of a healthy person
through diet and lifestyle regimens.
ii. curing the disease of a diseased person mainly
through medicines and treatments.
These purposes are achieved only when they are
complete with the components of physical, mental and
spiritual health care.
All classical texts start with preventive aspects of
4
Susruta Samhita. Sutrasthanam. 15. 41
