Introduction to Department:

The department of Swasthavritta focuses on promoting health and well-being through preventative measures, lifestyle management, and the maintenance of a balanced life. Swasthavritta is the science of healthy living” or “the principles of maintaining health.” It is primarily concerned with promoting a healthy lifestyle through the proper regulation of diet, exercise, daily routines, and mental health, to prevent diseases before they occur. It emphasizes the importance of self-care, good habits, and regular practices that lead to holistic health. 

Mission:

• The department of Swasthavritta promotes holistic health and well-being through preventive care, lifestyle management, and ethical conduct. It aims to teach individuals how to lead a balanced life, both physically and mentally.
• To educate the public on the importance of preventing diseases through daily routines, seasonal routines, and other health-promoting practices.
• Encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits and preventive measures that reduce the risk of common diseases.
• Raise awareness about the significance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management in maintaining overall health.
• To incorporate Ayurvedic principles, such as diet, detoxification, and holistic health practices, with modern concepts of wellness and preventive medicine.
• Promote the integration of Ayurveda and lifestyle medicine to offer practical, effective solutions for chronic health conditions and mental well-being.
• Provide strategies to achieve mental peace and emotional balance through techniques like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and positive thinking.
• Encourage environmental awareness and the adoption of sustainable practices in everyday life, including the use of natural and locally available resources.
• Offer training, workshops, and educational programs for students and professionals in the field of preventive health and Ayurvedic lifestyle management.
• Establish collaborations with healthcare providers, communities, and institutions to spread knowledge of Swasthavritta practices.

Vision:

• The vision of the Department of Swasthavritta is to create a society rooted in preventive health, guided by the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. 

Faculty in the department of Swasthavritta

Department initiatives:

• Organize sessions that teach yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation as tools for mental peace, stress relief, and physical fitness.
• Initiate awareness programs in communities, schools, and workplaces to promote the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle through Ayurvedic diet (Ahara), physical activity, and mental well-being.
• Educate the public on how to adjust their diet, exercise, and lifestyle practices according to the changing seasons (Ritucharya) to prevent seasonal illnesses and maintain balance throughout the year.
• Organize free health camps offering consultations, diagnostic support, and advice on healthy living, detoxification, and lifestyle changes to individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds.
• Participation in various national health programs in collaboration with comprehensive health care delivery system.
• Planning of therapeutic diets for respective disease conditions.

Research and publications from the department:

• Samskara (Processing) changes the quality of food: An analytical study: Dr.Sandeep.S, Dr.Kavita MB, Dr. Bhaskaran V- International journal of complementary & alternative medicine- 2017
• Role of Food & nutrition in Disaster management: Dr.Sandeep.S, Dr.Bhaskaran V, Dr.Anitha- CFTRI journal- 2020

Best practices of Department:

• Balanced approach combining modern community medicine knowledge with traditional Ayurvedic principles for holistic understanding of preventive and lifestyle medicine.
• Regular hands on training of Dinacharya practices in students to enhance the practical learning and understanding its procedure with effects.
• Hands on training in preparations of IEC module for health care with respect to Dinacharya, Ritucharya.
• Educating students to interact among community to identify health and disease conditions
• Visiting to various educational and community centres for understanding the functions.
• Hands on training in therapeutic food preparations and estimating its nutritional value along with effects.
• Continuous mentoring, personalized academic guidance and feedback mechanisms to ensure student growth and success