Holistic health means looking beyond the physical health of the body and addressing the emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health as well. All of these five aspects of holistic health are collectively the enablers of a truly happy and healthy life. If any one of aspect is compromised, it is most likely that other areas will be impacted as well. Holistic health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely an absence of disease or infirmity. 

_PHYSICAL

Physical well-being is what most people think about when they think of good health. This is mostly because it is our body that projects the signs and symptoms of ill-health and it is also because they are easier to track and measure compared to emotional, social, or other aspects.

To maintain your physical health, there are few key practices that may benefit everyone and make a huge difference in your overall well-being.​

• Sleep for 8 hours each night. This will allow your body to restore and repair from the day.
• Eat a nutrient-dense diet that is high in plant-based foods and organic/pastured animal products.
• Maintain a balanced blood sugar level by eating meals and snacks that contain fat, carbohydrates, and protein every 3-4 hours.
• Move your body for 30 minutes each day. While every person’s exercise routine can be different, everyone can benefit from at least 30 minutes of movement each day.
• Limit processed foods and hydrogenated oils which are highly inflammatory and can increase the chances of chronic disease.
• Do not smoke. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Ayurveda is unique in prescribing specific lifestyle changes and regimens according to the changing seasons (ritucharya) as well as according to the 24-hour day and night cycle (dinacharya).

• Exercise regimens should be followed only after due consideration for age, capacity, lifestyle, place, time, and food habits.
• Bath regimens help purify the body, promotes virility and longevity, eliminates fatigue, induces body strength, and is vitalizing.
• Food Regimens are explained in great details, in Ayurveda, as per their gunas (inherent properties), suitability for individual body types, and classifications based on the concept of pathya (desirable), apathya (undesirable), and virudha ahaar (incompatible) foods. 

_EMOTIONAL

While often overlooked, emotional health is just as important as physical health. Emotional ill-health, if not treated with priority, can easily affect our physical health. There are many ways in which you can support your emotional health.

• Practice mindfulness and stress reduction habits that can help you better manage day-to-day stress.
• Keep a journal to record your thoughts and feelings.
• List down things you are grateful for as it can help bring positivity and hope in times of stress.
• Seek out therapy when needed. It is an essential part of supporting our emotional health.

As per the teachings of Ayurveda, there is an intimate and complex correlation between the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and mental aspects (the five key aspects of holistic health) of our well-being. This relationship often rests upon a delicate balance amongst various internal or external factors ranging from genetics, hormonal, environmental, dietary, lifestyle related, and so on. These imbalances affect an individual’s ability to maintain the stability of the inner center (consciousness) and ability to combat stress. As a result, it diminishes the person’s ability to work, love, heal, pray, and live a truly holistic life.

Ayurveda combines several therapies as the solution such as sadhana (meditation), aromas, music, massage, herbal, diet, nutrition, exercise, and detoxification. Together, these healing therapies provide the balm that heals consciousness and help make the person feel whole again.

At the center of all the emotions we experience, is our heart and mind. Ayurveda recommends specific regimens to keep a healthy heart and mind. In addition, mother nature offers a bounty of powerful herbs like bramhi, ashwagangha, arjuna, and basil known to have adaptogenic properties which can be easily incorporated in our daily diet.

_SOCIAL

Research has shown that the happiest people on earth have deep connections with their friends, family, and community. This is often why festivals and religious ceremonies are associated with happiness as it can provide a deep sense of community and support, no matter what faith a person chooses. There are many ways in which you can support your social health.

• Make time for an in-person connection. While technology has allowed for us to feel connected more, research has shown that virtual connection still does not provide us with the same level of happiness as an in-person connection does.
• Get involved in your local community whether it is through your church, local volunteer organizations, clubs, or programs at your kids’ school. This is one of the best ways you can support your social health and improve happiness.
• Set boundaries with people in your life who may increase stress or bring toxic energy. Do not be afraid to walk away from friendships or relationships that are negatively affecting your health.

The basic principle of the Ayurvedic system of medicine is Swasthyasya Swasthya Rakshanam, which means to maintain the health of the healthy, and Aturasya Vikara Prashamanancha, means to cure the diseases of the diseased. Ayurveda emphasizes on Sadvritta (the rules of good conduct) and its effects on social and behavioral aspects of life.

One of the primary components of social cognitive theory, which is also established by modern research, is that the individual thoughts, believes and lifestyle behaviors are deeply rooted in the observational learning experiences constantly occurring in our environment. Individual good conduct and healthy regimen (Sadvritta) such as – healthy diet, thoughtful speech, meditation, clarity of thoughts, and conscience, practicing yoga, abstinence, helping through donations, being truthful, observing equality, penance – are behaviors that can help promote a disease-free society maintain a healthy environment.

_SPIRITUAL

Spiritual well-being does not necessarily mean you need to become religious, although it is often misunderstood due to overlapping principles and practices. Instead, spiritual health means connecting to your inner soul (Jeeva) and feeling the greater world around you. Spirituality means to have a sense of awareness and significance in your life. It involves nurturing positive morals and values that helps you show love, hope, and care for others as well as for yourself.

The ancient system of Ayurveda literally translates from Sanskrit to ‘knowledge of life’ or more precisely ‘systematic knowledge of the lifespan’. It is a science not only of the physical body, but it goes beyond into the understanding of consciousness itself. There are many ways in which you can experience and improve spiritual health.

• Spending time with nature.
• Practicing few minutes of meditation every day.
• Take time out to practice your faith (if you are religious).
• Share your feelings and care for others, and so on.

_MENTAL

Mental health overlaps with emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The big distinction is that while emotional health refers mostly to daily moods and how we think or feel, mental health refers to cognitive abilities that affect how our brain functions. It is a state of well-being which defines how we cope with stresses in life, work productively, and maintain social harmony.

In Ayurveda, traditional mental health promoting practices are described as Swasthavritta (healthy regimens), Sadvritta (code of conduct), and Yoga (practice that unites mind, body, and soul).

Mental illness, as explained by Caraka, can be corrected through Satvavajaya (Ayurvedic psychotherapy) in which one tries to bring the intellect, fortitude, and memory of the mind back to its healthy state. Often, this is achieved by assuring the mind of restoration of loss and inducing emotions opposite to those associated with mental distress.

Satvavajaya literally means “winning of the mind” by establishing the mental discipline and following regimens. It also involves removal of harmful sensory objects from the memory and constructing a self-awareness.

To bring about radical changes in our mental outlook and in physical health, modern day Psychotherapy and principles of Satvavajaya, emphasize on rediscovering the critical knowledge of the natural forces and rhythms that complement our human experience through:

•  delicious nutrition using natural herbs and spices,
• enhanced levels of self-awareness,
• developing an understanding of the psyche and our inner experiences,
• daily activities, and
• attention to our environment.

There are many ways in which you can support and enhance your mental health.

• Always keep your mind active by seeking out learning opportunities and problem-solving practices that challenge your brain.
• Consume nutrient-dense foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. This will help reduce overall inflammation and support cognitive function.
• Avoid excessive drinking, smoking, and consuming recreational drugs.
• Improve gut health with gut-healing foods like bone broth and prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods. Since the brain is directly connected to the gut, a healthy gut is essential for a healthy mind.