Spiritual Health: Need a due Importance in Medical Science
Abstract
Health is defined by various authors in various ways. One describes health as a condition of being sound in body, mind and spirit and specially freedom from physical disease and pain (Webchster). Other describes health as a state of relative equilibrium of body form and functions which result from its successful dynamic adjustment to forces tending to disturb it (Perkins). And WHO describes “Health is a state of physical, mental and social wellbeing not merely an absence of diseases or infirmity so as to deal with socially and economically productive life”1 Health is many directional, even WHO also considered three dimensions of health namely physical, mental and social. But as the knowledge and time grows many more other dimensions of health like spiritual, cultural, political, vocational etc are also having its importance.2,3 One has to enjoy health in its all dimensions perfectly as per perfect positive health but it seems to be mirage as everything in our life is subjected to change.4 Holistic concept of health is to recognize and enjoy all dimensions of health for overall wellbeing.1
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Introduction
Health is a responsibility of a Nation, State and even more of individual oneself. It should be cared at each level of community organizations. An ancient saying is “Health is Wealth” and Hindu mythology says “Pahalo Sukh Nirogi Kaya” i.e. first pleasure is good health. So at every level there are health regulatory bodies, which are responsible for good health of their individuals.
“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for health and wellbeing of oneself” as per article 25 of International Universal Declaration Document.5 So every individual has right to be healthy and enjoy health on its all dimensions i.e. enjoy sound social facet, cultural facet, political facet, vocational facet with sound mind, body and spirit.
Conclusion
Spiritual health care should be given proper weightage along with physical, mental, social etc dimensions of health as it is the base of every dimension of health. Today in the era of complexity of day to day situation of fast growing world it becomes much more important to deal with complexity of changing world. There are very few studies regarding issues of spiritual health, so these studies should be encouraged.