Paper Details

Health, often referred to as "Swa-Sthya" in our Indian Knowledge System, is a complete well-being that includes mental, physical, and spiritual balance. It is attained by a harmonious relationship between the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—and the body's three doshas—Pitta, Kapha, and Vata—through a healthy diet and lifestyle. Mindful practices, i.e., living in harmony with nature and one's inner self with prevention and equilibrium maintenance, were prioritised over merely treating illness. Our understanding of health has evolved with the World Health Organization's definition in 1948 as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” These two concepts are merely quite similar, but the idea of ‘Swasthya’ is rooted in the text of the Indian Knowledge System, such as in the Charak Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita. UNESCO proposed SDG-3 and its targets for achieving Good Health and Well-being by 2030. Realizing the importance of health, its knowledge, and associated lifestyle, the present research was taken. This qualitative research aims to unfold the concept of ‘Swasthya’ in IKS and its interconnections to ‘Health’ in the modern era with special reference to SDG 3. The content analysis and thematic analysis of the data provided by 20 participants were used to examine the concept of ‘Swasthya’ in IKS in parallel to ‘Health’ and aligned with SDG 3. The study showcases the potential of IKS to understand health in terms of ‘Swasthya’ in a broader aspect and promote the integration of the concept of ‘Swasthya’ in this modern healthcare system. This can provide a more holistic approach to achieving SDG- 3.

Indian Knowledge System, Swasthya, Health, SDG 3, Well-being.