Despite great strides in the space of modern medicine and public health, we aren't necessarily enjoying the best of health, well-being and quality of life.
100 years ago, the leading cause of deaths were infectious (or communicable) diseases such as Pneumonia, Flu and Tuberculosis. Today they are replaced by non-communicable diseases like Diabetes, Cardio-vascular disease and Cancers. Communicable diseases continue to affect our lives in the form of pandemics such as the COVID 19. At the roots of these challenges, lifestyles emerge as important factor that needs attention.
Lifestyle medicine is an evolving science and much has been learnt over the years in terms of nutrition, physical activity and other interventions to promote good health. Traditional disciplines such as Yoga and Meditation are increasingly adopted as part of lifestyle change. Ayurveda, the native Indian science of healing offers rich and customized lifestyle recommendations for prevention of disease and promotion of good health. While more and more people are embracing healthy lifestyles, the adoption is piece meal and in isolation, and hence the benefits are not optimal. Unless they are effectively integrated, the various facets of holistic health and well-being i.e. physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions continue to remain unrealized.
'Integrative Health and Well-being Lifestyle' addresses this need, and is informed by the science and practice of four disciplines: Lifestyle medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation. The handbook synthesizes and compiles the latest evidence from these disciplines for enriching our lifestyles and quality of life. The book also provides a template, practical tools and inspiring guidance for embracing Integrative Lifestyle into one's routine in a step by step manner.
Dr Krishnamurthy Jayanna is the founder and director of the Center for Integrative Health and Wellbeing, India. He currently works as Professor and Associate Dean: Research at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences where he teaches public health and supports multidisciplinary research. He is a meditation practitioner and certified Heartfulness trainer, an advocate of yoga and Integrative Health. His keen interest and passion in exploring benefits of meditation, yoga and natural living, for community health and wellbeing, led him to establish the Center. He strives to scientifically explore how best the modern medicine and traditional sciences can complement each other, and enhance health and wellbeing.
