Healing the body, and the mind: The way forward

Pages: 1998-2001
Sangeeta Bhatia (Department of Psychology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi)

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease. As also is the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health as one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of economic or social condition. The pertinent issue here is what proportion of the population has access to quality health care, and what are the options for disease management. Poor health is a significant determiner of overall burden, and data show that life-style factors are a huge risk for impairment and future disabilities due to chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and/or even cancer. With limited access to modern methods of treatment in the remote areas or un-affordability of healthcare, and a lack of awareness for prevention creates significant challenges. So far the efforts of the government to provide healthcare services relying on the western model of disease and treatment are limited. The latter does not envisage mental and social resources of a patient as factors in effective treatment, nor considers a cultural perspective of illness. There has been resistance to immunization programs, and a lack of awareness for primary prevention to ward off infections or diseases. India, is known for its ancient medical traditions such as Ayurveda and Unani systems that treat an individual’s disease in a holistic manner where the physical body is assumed to be integrated to the mental and spiritual aspects. Therefore ‘health literacy’ becomes an essential tool for maintenance of health and well-being. The present article reiterates use of traditional knowledge systems for making holistic health the target through planned interventions. Skill development should especially focus on youth who can subsequently become peer facilitators for outreach programs and become productive future adults. Strategies for community participation can be implemented at the local level through panchayat systems, or in educational settings if the teacher-as-trainer model is incorporated. The way forward is self-empowerment through healing the mind and the body based on beliefs that are rooted in our culture, such as Yoga, mindfulness based interventions, balanced diet, stress management, self-regulation and an active daily life as part of a ‘Health Literacy’ program.