meaning in life.
The sixth dimension, Dr Pandav explains, is all about personal satisfaction and enrichment we derive from work.
Similar to the occupational dimension, the financial dimension is about satisfaction derived from a sound financial standing.
Finally, the environmental dimension, which helps in the maintenance of health by occupying a pleasant and stimulating environment.
Only when the different dimensions of health are understood, can people work on the maintenance of holistic health. Dr Pandav says, “Creating a personal well-being plan, starting by categorising the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual spurts and choosing one activity that will serve you in that area in the most enjoyable and meaningful way is one of the best approaches to holistic health”. He gives examples to better explain the different activities that people can choose from:
Physical: A daily outdoor 30-minute walk.
Mental: Meditating every morning, or talking to plants.
Emotional: Making time to catch up with old friends.
Spiritual: Starting the day with prayers.
However, in a country like India, the problems towards a holistic approach to health are many, and it cannot be practised unless people are made aware of the challenges and solutions. Talking about this very problem, Dr Pandav says that lack of awareness, the burden of communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases, resistance to change in lifestyle and a lack of basic facilities are some of the key challenges to holistic health. To address these challenges, spreading awareness, and modifications in dietary and lifestyle behaviour are important, he adds.
Some of the areas that can be worked upon, he says are the integration of allopathic, ayurvedic, homoeopathic, dental and naturopathy to create integrated wellness clinics. He says, “The basic medical degree will need to combine all aspects of medical health, encouraging social, spiritual, mental and medical components of the healthcare system (integration at health ministry and university levels).”
He adds, “Such physicians would be closer to communities, holistic in nature and will focus on preventive and promotive aspects of health by delivering integrated solutions that combine modern medicine, alternative medicine, diet behaviours and yoga.”
Till the time holistic health approach is adopted at the ministry and university levels, the best we can do is to ensure that more and more adopt a more holistic approach to health. With time, perseverance and effort it is possible to lead a balanced life which ensures that health is seen as not just the absence of disease but the approach that ensures that all aspects of a holistic health approach are taken care of.
Dr Reshma is an advocate of wellness, prevention and holistic health. Instagram handle: dr.reshmakhattarbhagat