Swasthavritta is the branch of Ayurveda that deals with healthy living practices. It focuses on maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle to prevent diseases and promote overall well-being. Swasthavritta emphasizes the importance of diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to maintain good health. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of Swasthavritta using some of the references.
Sharangdhara on Swasthavritta
न जन्तुः कश्चिदमरः पृथिव्यां जायते क्वचित् |
अतो मृत्युरनिवर्या स्यात्किन्तु रोगन्निवारयेत् |
(शा.सं)
Sharangdhara quotes, “No creature in the universe is immortal. It is impossible to prevent death, but it is possible to prevent disease. So one should try for that which is preventable.”
Comparison between City and Body
नगरी नगरस्येव रथस्येव रथीयथा |
स्वशरीरस्य मेधावी कृतेश्ववहितो भवेत् ||
(च.सू. ५/१०३)
A wise person should perform such actions which are good for his body as the officer incharge of the city and charioteer incharge of the chariot protect city and the chariot respectively. The verse highlights the importance of the collective efforts of citizens for the smooth functioning of a city, just as the mind and body must work together for an individual’s well-being. It emphasizes the need for coordination and cooperation among citizens for the growth and development of a city.
In ancient times, the concept of the state was seen as an extension of the individual, with the king or ruler acting as the head of the body. Therefore, the health of the state was seen as dependent on the health of the individuals that comprised it. This shloka reflects this holistic approach to health and well-being, where the health of the body, mind, and community are seen as interconnected and interdependent.
Maintenance of health
सर्वमन्यं परित्यज्य शरीरमनुपालयेत् |
तदभावे हि भावनां सर्वाभावः शरीरिणाम् |
(च.नि.६/७)
Charaka further emphasizes on maintenance of health. One should take care of his body by neglecting all other things because if body is not healthy then nothing is existing. Word ‘Swastha’ comprises of ‘Swa’ meaning one’e own & ‘Stha’ means staying that is being in ones own natural state.