Gist of Yojana June 2023: Gifting Holistic Well-being to the World

Yojana Magazine is an important source of material for the UPSC exam. The monthly magazine provides details of major government schemes and programmes in various domains. Moreover, coming from the government, it is an authentic source of information for the UPSC Exam. Here, we provide the Gist of Yojana, exclusively for the IAS Exam.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. AYUSH
2. Yoga for Global Well-being
3. Role of Meditational Approaches in Mental Well-Being
4. Basics of Healthy Lifestyle
5. Non-Possession - The Gandhian Thought

Chapter 1: AYUSH

Introduction

• The Ayush system, particularly Ayurveda is often referred to as the ‘Science of Life’. It is deeply rooted in the ancient Indian knowledge system.  
• The Ministry of Ayush(MoA) is actively engaged in promoting the Ayush systems of healthcare.
• This has led to increased funding of research institutes and collaborations between Ayush experts and modern scientific researchers.
• The aim of the Ministry of Ayush is to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific evidence. This will ensure the integration of Ayush into evidence-based healthcare practices. 

Also read: National Ayush Mission – Objectives, Features, Ministry [Govt. Schemes for UPSC]

R&D initiatives of the Ministry of Ayush

• MoA has established five Research Councils as Autonomous Institute for research in Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha, Yoga, and Naturopathy. 
• The research activities include medicinal plant research, Drug standardization Pharmacological research, Clinical research, etc.
• MoA collaborates with various research institutes, universities, and international organizations like CSIR, CIMR, etc.
• The Ayush mark was also launched to recognize traditional medicine products to give authenticity to quality Ayush products of the country.
• The Ministry is also working in close coordination with the Bureau of Indian Standards to develop standards for Medical Value Travel.
  • So far 17 Indian standards have been formulated for Herbal materials, Panchkarma equipment, and yoga accessories.
• The Ayush research portal has been established for disseminating Evidence-based Research Data of Ayush Systems at the global level.
• The Ministry also organizes training programmes, workshops, and conferences for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders.
• The National Health Policy(NHP) 2017 has strongly advocated mainstreaming the potential of Ayush within a pluralistic system of Integrative healthcare.
• The WHO-Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (GCTM), the first and the only global Centre for traditional medicine is being established in Jamnagar, India.
  • It aims to strengthen the scientific foundation of traditional medicine.
  • It will provide leadership on global health matters pertaining to traditional medicine and help position Ayush system across the globe.
  • One of its major responsibilities is to ensure the quality, safety, efficacy, accessibility, and rational use of traditional medicines.
  • It will involve developing norms, standards, and guidelines in various technical areas, as well as tools and methodologies for data collection, analytics, and impact assessment.

Pragmatic Model of Research in Ayush

Ayush approaches the grey areas of research and tackles healthcare challenges through:

• Exploring Traditional Challenges: The research aims to explore and validate traditional knowledge and tap wisdom accumulated over centuries to find innovative approaches to health and well-being.
• Integration of Modern Scientific Methods: An Interdisciplinary Ayush Research and Development Task Force in collaboration with national organizations of repute to formulate and develop strategies for the management of Covid.
• Addressing Unmet Healthcare needs: It addresses unmet healthcare needs, especially in areas where modern medicines have limitations. For example, Brahmi Ghrita and Jyotishmati Taila in the management of Cognitive Deficit.
• Promoting Lifestyle Modification: Ayush promotes a healthy lifestyle including Yoga, meditation, dietary guidelines, and natural remedies.
• Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine: Ayush recognizes that health is influenced by multiple factors like physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional aspects. It thus fosters a comprehensive and personalized approach to healthcare.

Ayush and SDGs

• Ayush diligently works towards Good health and Well-being (SDG 3).
• It also works towards Reduced inequalities (SDG 10) through National Ayush Mission (NAM) and integrated health programmes.
• Moreover, with herbal medicines Ayush supports SDG 11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communuties’.
• It also promotes Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17)as it promotes partnership and exchange of Knowledge and expertise.

Also read: Sustainable Development Goals (2012) – 17 Goals, 169 Targets [UPSC Notes]

Conclusion

Ayush contributes to a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to healthcare aiming to achieve the goal of ‘Health for All’.

Chapter 2: Yoga for Global Well-being

Introduction

• Yoga is not just a physical exercise but a lifestyle that incorporates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
• It helps to reduce stress and anxiety that is a cause of blood pressure, depression, and heart disease.

Concepts and Principles of Yoga

For detailed information on Yoga, read here: Yoga – International Day of Yoga | Yoga as Soft Power Explained.

The Ashtanga Yoga of Maharishi Patanjali or Eight Limbs of Yoga

Source: The Yoga Institute

Benefits of Yoga

• It helps in the development and maintenance of physical health and mental health.
• It helps in cultivating a deeper connection with our inner selves and with the world around us.
• It also has positive impacts on social and environmental well-being.
• It can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
• It helps in promoting mindfulness and spirituality.

Other Details

• Yoga has gained widespread popularity globally. The adoption of the International Day of Yoga on 21st June by the United Nations has popularized Yoga worldwide.
• The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam has been a part of Indian philosophies for centuries and is also closely associated with the practice of Yoga.

Conclusion

India’s presidency at G20 provides a unique platform for India to share its rich cultural heritage, including yoga. It has become increasingly significant among health-conscious people.

Chapter 3: Role of Meditational Approaches in Mental Well-Being

Introduction

• The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
• Hippocrates’ Science of Medicine sets the goal of medicine as the complete removal of the distress of the sick.

Ancient Medical Technique

• Despite significant advancements in modern science, ancient medical techniques reveal secrets unknown to medical science.
• The alternative system of medicine exists in ancient civilizations like Egypt and China.
• Some ideas in alternative systems like Ayurveda and Naturopathy are mind-boggling. For instance, the time of the day a herb is procured, treated, and consumed has significant like Tulsi leaves can become poisonous if plucked at night.

Healing and Holistic Well-being

• Holistic well-being can be ensured through procedures/therapies that involve the well-being of the whole being comprising body, mind, and soul.
• The well-being of the self or soul stands as the basis of emotional and mental well-being.

Meditation for Internal Hygiene

• Internal hygiene is important to prevent mental illnesses. If the inner hygiene is hijacked by weaknesses:
  • One cannot sleep well
  • He/she cannot attain wisdom
  • An individual loses his power of discriminating between right and wrong or good and bad
• Many health problems can be solved by natural adjustments in diet and exercise and adopting meditative and prayerful attitude.
• A simple natural meditation can be practiced easily with heartfulness.
• Moreover, natural improvement in self-discipline and lifestyle has multiple cascading benefits.

Conclusion

• Meditational approaches are known to have created significant improvements in mental health and well-being and emotional resilience.
• It reduces anxiety, calms and gives peace, and addresses the root of many problems.

Chapter 4: Basics of Healthy Lifestyle

Details

• A diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, good fat, fibre, and phytonutrients.
• An easy approach is to follow the half-plate rule and limit grains, sugar, and salt. Moreover, trans fat should be stopped.

Principles of Eating

• It is important to keep up the motivation while on a diet.
• Develop negative associations with undesirable food and do not succumb to fads and or rampant/crash diets.
• Set realistic goals and plan the eating regimen.
• It is important to practice mindful eating and reduce junk and fast food consumption.
• Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid unhealthy food, alcohol, and smoking.
• It is important to stick to the body clock.
• It is also necessary to engage in regular physical activity and exercise.
• Individuals should focus on managing stress.
• There should be a thorough physical examination and regular health checkups.

Conclusion

The permanent sustainable approach to staying healthy is eating healthy and making it a way of life.

Chapter 5: Non-Possession – The Gandhian Thought

Introduction

• While in Yerwada Central Prison in 1930, Gandhiji wrote weekly letters to the Satyagraha Ashram. The letters contained a cursory examination of the principal Ashram observances, popularly called Eleven vows:

• The vows are signs of strength and cannot be practiced by the weak.
• Once promoted adequately, they can fetch foreign exchange earnings.
• It can give a competitive global advantage.
• It preserves India’s rich culture and tradition.

Details

• Gandhiji wrote a few articles under the heading ‘Guide to Health’. He mentioned that all human activities are carried out by means of the mind aided by the ten senses.
  • These are divided into five senses of action and five senses of perception.
• It is recommended that the body should be treated as the temple of God.
• Gandhi’s sustainable and minimalist lifestyle was based on self-discipline.
• In the year 1928, Gandhi ji formulated rules for Ashram. They were:
  • All ashramites should attend the morning prayers at 4 a.m.
  • All should eat at the community kitchen.
  • They should spin atleast 160 threads daily.
  • No servants should be hired for household work.
  • All adult men should engage in night vigilance.
  • All young and adults should take turns in cleaning toilets.
  • All persons should work for atleast eight hours daily.
  • One should maintain a daily diary and note all work done during the day.

Conclusion

The eleven vows mentioned earlier in the article are the best formula for living a simple and happy life. It is the best representation of ‘Live and Let Others Live’.

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