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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

 

The aim of Ayurveda knowledge is to preserve and promote the health of healthy individual and cure the disorders of diseased individuals. It is therefore clear that, the knowledge offered in Ayurveda focuses not only on the treatment of various diseases but equal emphasis has also been given on preservation of health in the healthy individual. Preservation of health refers to prevention of diseases by boosting the immunity and also maintaining the fitness. Since Ayurveda considers life of any individual as the union of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)]], [[Manas (मनः)]], [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman (आत्मा)]] and [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)]]; health of an individual refers to the health of all these components of life. Thus, Svasthavrtta is also discussed with reference to the health and well-being of Shariram, Manas and Atman with Indriyas. When each and every component of life is given due importance, their union functions well and results in generation of good health and wellbeing of that individual.   

== Introduction ==

The aim of Ayurveda knowledge is to preserve and promote the health of healthy individual and cure the disorders of diseased individuals. It is therefore clear that, the knowledge offered in Ayurveda focuses not only on the treatment of various diseases but equal emphasis has also been given on preservation of health in the healthy individual. Preservation of health refers to prevention of diseases by boosting the immunity and also maintaining the fitness. Since Ayurveda considers life of any individual as the union of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Shariram]], [[Manas (मनः)|Manas]], [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]] and [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|Indriyas]]; health of an individual refers to the health of all these components of life. Thus, Svasthavrtta is also discussed with reference to the health and well-being of Shariram, Manas and Atman with Indriyas. When each and every component of life is given due importance, their union functions well and results in generation of good health and wellbeing of that individual.   

== आयुर्वेदस्य प्रयोजनम्॥ Prayojana of Ayurveda ==

== आयुर्वेदस्य प्रयोजनम्॥ Prayojana of Ayurveda ==

Acharya Charaka has frequently used the term Prakrti, Swasthya, Sukha, Arogya, Dhatusamya as synonyms of health. He stresses that disorder is disequilibrium of Dhatus and their equilibrium is health. Health is known as happiness while disorder is unhappiness.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 9 Sutra 4)</ref>  

Acharya Charaka has frequently used the term Prakrti, Swasthya, Sukha, Arogya, Dhatusamya as synonyms of health. He stresses that disorder is disequilibrium of Dhatus and their equilibrium is health. Health is known as happiness while disorder is unhappiness.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 9 Sutra 4)</ref>  

== Etymology ==

== निरुक्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

The term Svasthvrtta is composed of two parts viz. 'Svastha' and 'Vrttam'.

The term Svasthvrtta is composed of two parts viz. 'Svastha' (स्वस्थ) and 'Vrttam' (वृत्तम्).

=== Svastha ===

=== स्वस्थः ॥ Svastha ===

* Swa means - One's own, belonging to one self, innate, natural

* Swa (स्व) means - One's own, belonging to one self, innate, natural

* Stha means -To stand and live.  

* Stha (स्थ) means -To stand and live.

In total it means "Living one's own inherent life". Therefore, one who stands strong without any diseases and disequilibrium of Dhatus is called as svastha.  

In total it means "Living one's own inherent life". Therefore, one who stands strong without any diseases and disequilibrium of Dhatus is called as svastha.  

=== Vrtta ===

=== वृत्तम् ॥ Vrtta ===

Vrtta (वृत्तम्) means practice, action, mode of life, conduct, behavior. Therefore, mode of life or conduct to be followed by a healthy individual to remain healthy is discussed under Svasthavrtta.

Vrtta (वृत्तम्) means practice, action, mode of life, conduct, behavior. Therefore, mode of life or conduct to be followed by a healthy individual to remain healthy is discussed under Svasthavrtta.

== Definition of word 'Svastha' ==

== स्वस्थ परिभाषा ॥ Definition of word 'Svastha' ==

Ayurveda has defined the term Svastha and clearly explained what 'svasthya' means to Ayurveda. Ayurveda acharyas had recognized the importance of equilibrium of functional units like [[Doshas (दोषाः)|Doshas]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|Dhatus]], [[Malas (मलाः)|Malas]] and [[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni]] in maintaining the health. Thus, while defining the term 'svasthya' attention has been paid to all these factors. Acharya Sushruta has defined the term Svastha as below,<blockquote>समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः। प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थ इति अभिधीयते।। (Sushrut Samhita Sutrasthanam 15.48)</blockquote>Meaning: Svastha means the one who has equilibrium of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]], [[Agni (अग्निः)|agni]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] and well balanced mala activities (in body) along with energetic/well functioning [[Atman (आत्मन्)|atman]], [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|indriyas]] and [[Manas (मनः)|manas]] (all collectively).  

Ayurveda has defined the term Svastha and clearly explained what 'svasthya' means to Ayurveda. Ayurveda acharyas had recognized the importance of equilibrium of functional units like [[Doshas (दोषाः)]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)]], [[Malas (मलाः)]] and [[Agni (अग्निः)]] in maintaining the health. Thus, while defining the term 'svasthya' (स्वास्थ्यम्) attention has been paid to all these factors. Acharya Sushruta has defined the term Svastha as below,<blockquote>समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः। प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थ इति अभिधीयते।। (Sushrut Samhita Sutrasthanam 15.48)</blockquote>Meaning: Svastha means the one who has equilibrium of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]], [[Agni (अग्निः)|agni]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] and well balanced mala activities (in body) along with energetic/well functioning [[Atman (आत्मन्)|atman]], [[indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)]] and [[manas (मनः)]] (all collectively).  

In the above definition, physical, mental and adhyatmik (spiritual) health has been explained. Health does not mean only the absence of disease but it means that [[Manas (मनः)|manas]] and [[Atman (आत्मन्)|atman]] should also be Prasanna (energetic/active/happy). Complete psycho-somatic equilibrium is the key to Svasthya (health). Therefore Ayurveda recognizes svastha not just at the level of  physical body. Ayurveda considers individual as the union of body, mind and energy (Soul). Thus svasthya also depends on well functioning of all these components of one's life which has been stated clearly in the definition.

In the above definition, physical, mental and adhyatmik (spiritual) health has been explained. Health does not mean only the absence of disease but it means that [[Manas (मनः)|manas]] and [[Atman (आत्मन्)|atman]] should also be Prasanna (energetic/active/happy). Complete psycho-somatic equilibrium is the key to Svasthya (health). Therefore Ayurveda recognizes svastha not just at the level of  physical body. Ayurveda considers individual as the union of body, mind and energy (Soul). Thus svasthya also depends on well functioning of all these components of one's life which has been stated clearly in the definition.

=== Prashasta Purush characteristics ===

=== प्रशस्त पुरुष लक्षणानि ॥ Prashasta Purush characteristics ===

Along with the term svastha, acharya Charaka at one place described the features of a person which make him strong and immunocompetent. He has clearly mentioned that individuals who are too lean or obese are usually sick with some or the other ailment frequently. They are also intolerant towards many climatic factors like heat, cold etc. Further it is also seen that if the same disease affects lean and obese both at a time, the obese person is bound to suffer more than the leaner one. Thus both these states are not desirable. Therefore having appropriate amount of [[Mansa Dhatu (मांस धातु)|mansa]] and [[Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)|meda]] dhatu in body is one of the important criteria for immunity building in one's body. In this reference, the features of the person having appropriate amount of mamsa dhatu have also been described and the commentator Chakrapani of [[Charaka Samhita (चरक संहिता)|Charaka Samhita]] has called such individual 'Prashasta purusha'. Prashasta means admired and [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|purusha]] means an individual (human being). This refers to the state of optimum health or fitness of any individual due to optimum amount of mamsa dhatu and few other components critical for god health. Acharya Charaka has given features of such individual and revered him as 'Prashasta purusha'.   

Along with the term svastha, acharya Charaka at one place described the features of a person which make him strong and immunocompetent. He has clearly mentioned that individuals who are too lean or obese are usually sick with some or the other ailment frequently. They are also intolerant towards many climatic factors like heat, cold etc. Further it is also seen that if the same disease affects lean and obese both at a time, the obese person is bound to suffer more than the leaner one. Thus both these states are not desirable. Therefore having appropriate amount of [[Mansa Dhatu (मांस धातु)|mansa]] and [[Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)|meda]] dhatu in body is one of the important criteria for immunity building in one's body. In this reference, the features of the person having appropriate amount of mamsa dhatu have also been described and the commentator Chakrapani of [[Charaka Samhita (चरक संहिता)|Charaka Samhita]] has called such individual 'Prashasta purusha'. Prashasta means admired and [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|purusha]] means an individual (human being). This refers to the state of optimum health or fitness of any individual due to optimum amount of mamsa dhatu and few other components critical for god health. Acharya Charaka has given features of such individual and revered him as 'Prashasta purusha'.   

<blockquote>सममांसप्रमाणस्तु समसंहननो नरः| दृढेन्द्रियो विकाराणां न बलेनाभिभूयते||१८||  

<blockquote>सममांसप्रमाणस्तु समसंहननो नरः| दृढेन्द्रियो विकाराणां न बलेनाभिभूयते||१८|| क्षुत्पिपासातपसहः शीतव्यायामसंसहः| समपक्ता समजरः सममांसचयो मतः||१९||  (Char. Samh. 21.18-19)<ref>Charaka Samhita ([https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/?mod=read Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 18-19])</ref></blockquote>Meaning: A person with a balanced proportion as well as appropriate tone of the muscles and firmness in (sensory & motor) organs is not overcome by the onslaught of disorders. Such people can tolerate hunger, thirst, the heat of the sun, cold and physical exercise. Their agni (digestive fire), digestive function and muscle metabolism is in a state of equilibrium.

== चरक संहितायाम् स्वास्थ्यचतुष्कः ॥ Svasthya Chatushka of Charaka Samhita ==

 

== Svasthya Chatushka of Charaka Samhita ==

Acharya Charaka has named group of 4 adhayays as 'Swasthya chatushka'. All these 4 adhyayas are predominantly dedicated for describing the measures to prevent diseases, preserve and promote health of an healthy individual.

Acharya Charaka has named group of 4 adhayays as 'Swasthya chatushka'. All these 4 adhyayas are predominantly dedicated for describing the measures to prevent diseases, preserve and promote health of an healthy individual.

# Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya (The Disciplinary Protocol for Sense and Motor Organs)

# Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya (The Disciplinary Protocol for Sense and Motor Organs)

== Contents of Svasthvrtta ==

== स्वस्थवृत्तांतर्गताः विभिन्नाः विषयाः ॥ Contents of Svasthvrtta ==

Daily regimen (Dincharya)  

 

=== Daily regimen (Dincharya) ===

 

 

 

Seasonal Regimen (Ritucharya)  

=== General rules of conduct for the well being of society: Ethical Regimen ===

The 3 main causes for development of any diseases are considered as Prajnaparadha (प्रज्ञापराधः। intellectual errors and offense against wisdom), inappropriate exposure of sense organs to their objects and inappropriate occurrences of various seasons/ times of the year. Sadvrtta is a behavior that keeps individual from taking inappropriate actions that may result due to Intellectual blasphemy. Thus, Sadvrtta is considered as the preventive aspect of health.

Non suppression of natural urges

It is also believed that, by incorporating the ethical and moral values in daily activities one can avoid untoward consequences leading to stress, anxiety and emotional breakdowns and help prevent their negative impact on health. Good personal conduct provides good health and a control over individual senses and desires. Emotional imbalances caused due to Prajnaparadha, interrupt the social conduct of a person leading to psychosomatic disease. Thus, it is required that, each and every part of the society follows this conduct in order to maintain one's own health as well as to help maintain peace, safety, stability in the society which is important for the welfare of the entire human race.

 

 

 

Occasional Occupational duties  

Occasional Occupational duties  

Precautionary Observances in sexual activity  

Precautionary Observances in sexual activity  

Precautionary measures against untimely old age  

Precautionary measures against untimely old age