Definition of Health
The World Health Organization (WHO) defined health over half a century ago as “a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
Mental and Social Well-being
When discussing health, the focus is often on physical health, with mental and social well-being receiving far less attention.
For many, health is simply perceived as the absence of physical illnesses, overlooking the importance of mental and social aspects.
Mental Health
- Good mental health is characterized by the ability to navigate life’s diverse experiences with adaptability, resilience, and a sense of purpose. This includes responding constructively to challenges such as grief, disappointment, unfulfilled ambitions, the loss of loved ones, professional setbacks, financial difficulties, jealousy, feelings of revenge, or suppressed displeasure.
- Mental health can be defined as a state of balance between an individual and the surrounding world a harmony within oneself, with others, and with the environment. It reflects a coexistence between one’s personal realities and the realities of others and the world around them.
Social Health
- Social health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, involving the ability to interact with others in positive and meaningful ways. It includes building and maintaining healthy relationships with friends, family, and people of all ages, as well as taking responsibility for the well-being of others.
- Social determinants of health refer to the environmental factors where young people live, learn, and play, which significantly influence their long-term physical, mental, emotional health, and overall well-being.
Introduction to Homoeopathy
- Homeopathy is a globally practiced system of medicine based on holistic treatment principles. It is widely used in over 85 countries, particularly in Europe, Latin America, the United States, and Asia. Homeopathic remedies are derived from natural sources such as plants, animal products, minerals, and certain inert materials.
- The manufacturing of homeopathic medicines is regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. These medicines are produced by reputed pharmaceutical companies following strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines notified by the government. Homeopathy is officially recognized as a national system of medicine under the Homeopathy Central Council Act, 1973.
- Homeopaths recognize that the body, mind, and emotions are interconnected and function as an integrated whole in health, disease, and treatment. Guided by this holistic approach, they use remedies derived from natural sources that align with a patient’s physical, mental, and social dimensions to activate the body’s innate healing abilities.
- Homeopathic medicines can be used as standalone treatments or alongside other medical systems to address various clinical conditions, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, and depression. The core approach involves diagnosing based on a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s medical history, temperament, personality, lifestyle, and dietary habits.
- The key attractions of homeopathy include its lack of side effects, the safety of its medicines, ease of administration (even for infants), and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the individualized treatment options, particularly for chronic conditions, contribute to the growing popularity of homeopathy.
