INTEGRATING YOGIC AND AYURVEDIC PRACTICES FOR HOLISTIC WELLNESS

Abstract

Wellness is a multidimensional state of being, describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality of life and a sense of wellbeing. [1] Wellness is not the same as physical fitness or is not the absence of disease or deformity. According to Oxford Dictionary ‘wellness’ is a state of being healthy, especially when you actively try to achieve this. ‘Well being’ on the other hand is considered ‘general health and happiness, a state of emotional/ physical/ psychological well-being’. [2] In understanding the difference between health and wellness, in short health is state of being, whereas wellness is the state of living a healthy lifestyle. Health refers to physical, mental and social well being; wellness aims to enhance well-being, Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that connects the body, mind and soul through controlled breathing, body postures and meditation. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root Yuj meaning to bind, join, attach and yoke, to direct and concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply. Regular & Sincere practice of Yoga will lead to Wellness as it is not merely on physical level. It will definitely help the individual to develop himself on physical, mental & spiritual level.